15 Unmissable Things To Do In Turin At Night

Turin is a city in the Piedmont region of northern Italy on the western bank of the Po River. The city is situated near the Italian Alps which give it a stunning landscape full of natural beauty. Turin is sometimes called 'the cradle of Italian liberty' since several important individuals of the Risorgimento were born here, and it was also United Italy's first capital city. Today Turin is a significant industrial, communication and historical center for Italy but also benefits from tourism. This city receives many travelers every year who usually come to admire its impressive architecture and to try the delicious local cuisine.

As the fourth largest city in Italy, Turin is full of attractions and activities that everyone should try when they visit. You will probably be moving around the city all day spending time in the museums or sightseeing at all of the top landmarks, but if you really want to take advantage of your time in the city you should also keep busy at night. Remember to stop by a luggage storage facility in Turin to stow your belongings like large bags and extra gear while you are out.

Admire the Royal Palace

Turin is full of old historical monuments like churches and towers that are beautiful to see up close. Taking a walk around the city is a fantastic way to begin your vacation in Turin and the city can look even more magical at night. You can either sign up for a professional walking tour or make your own to include all of the attractions that interest you the most.

One of the places that we recommend that you visit is the former Royal Palace or Palazzo Reale, which was once the royal residence of the city and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the site of the Royal Library as well as the Royal Armory and you should explore them all while you are here.

Stop by the Santuario di Santa Maria Consolatrice

This structure, which is also called the Church of our Lady of Consolation, can be found in the Piazza della Consolata which is just a short walk away from Piazza della Repubblica. This is an important part of Turin and actually one of the oldest places of worship in the city.

The church was built sometime in the early 11th century and it is impressive how well it has been preserved. The inside is adorned with painted frescoes and altars, as well as a golden shrine with a relief of the Virgin Mary.

Go to a Museum

Turin has some fantastic museums and each one offers a completely unique experience. Although they usually close at 6:30 pm, some establishments host activities or guest speakers at night, so check their schedules to see what is going on. Even if there is nothing happening after the sun goes down you should still visit the museums and head out for a nice dinner afterward.

Turin has a fantastic national museum called the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, or National Cinema Museum, which can teach you all about the history of film, special effects, and the way that movies are made. Other museums that are worth visiting include the Turin City Museum and the Turin Egyptian Museum, which has an impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts and interesting displays about ancient Egypt.

Grab a Drink at a Historic Café

Of course, one of the best ways to spend a night in Turin is at a local café or bar. The city actually has some great cafés that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries so you can experience a bit of the city's history while trying some of its local cuisine as well.

The cafés are decorated to the fullest with chandeliers, marble tops, mirrors, gold detailing and frescoes. There are lots of great places to eat in Turin but we recommend checking out the Café San Carlo located in Piazza San Carlo, or the Caffe Fiorio in Piazza Castello.

Watch the City Lights from Atop the Mole Antonelliana Building

The Mole Antonelliana is one of the most iconic landmarks in Turin and also one of the best places to catch views of the city. The structure stands at an impressive 167 meters high and will bring you above the city skyline. There is an elevator inside that can take you to the top so you don't have to worry about walking all the way up!

The building was constructed back in 1863 and was originally supposed to be a synagogue. However, after it was rejected by the Jewish community, the Mole Antonelliana was used to house the National Cinema Museum mentioned above, so you should check it out before heading on the glass elevator to the observation platform.

Stroll Through the Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna

If you want to take a break from all of the ancient art and paintings in the palaces and basilicas of Turin then make your way to the Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna. This art gallery has a grand collection of contemporary art pieces and it is the perfect activity for you to do just before dinnertime.

This gallery has a total of 20,000 modern artworks that you can spend hours looking at. If you enjoy this activity and want to try more similar activities you should head to the Castello di Rivoli which has been transformed into an art museum and is a fun combination of 15th century murals and modern art exhibits.

Sightsee at the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista

The Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista should also be on your list of places to visit, as it holds the ancient Holy Shroud which some believe is the cloth that was wrapped around the body of Jesus Christ when he was crucified. This cathedral is also called the Duomo di Torino.

Visiting this building at night makes it look even more impressive, so you should bring a camera to get some good shots of the Renaissance architecture which dates back to 1491. We highly recommend climbing the bell tower located next door to catch panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Go on a Cruise Down the River Po

Turin's Po River is a beautiful waterway that runs between the city of Turin and the Italian Alps and it is quite a picturesque location. This is a fantastic place to take a stroll any time of day or night, but if you really want to make your experience memorable you should sign up for a boat tour.

There is a ferry that runs between the city and the mountains which can take you past many of the city's main attractions. Watch from the water as you pass by the gorgeous Valentino Park or even the medieval castle which was built during an exhibition in 1884.

Explore Piazza San Carlo

We have already mentioned Piazza San Carlo above and it is a fantastic place to find eateries and cute cafés. But there is so much more to this popular square in Turin and it is a great spot to spend an afternoon or even an evening.

San Carlo square is surrounded by elegant palaces and historic churches so if you are interested in architecture then you will absolutely love it here. Make time to admire the Baroque architecture of the Santa Cristina which is one of the twin churches alongside the San Carlo Church. While you are here you can also see the famous Equestrian Statue of Duke Edmondo Filiberto. Seeing Turin for free is easy in this piazza.

Sign Up for one of the Food Tours

Some people travel to Turin specifically to taste its local cuisine and the food made here is delicious. You can really get to know a city through its food and there are several meals that are exclusive to Turin that you won't want to miss out on trying.

The city has several companies that offer food tours to introduce you to the best restaurants, cafés and bars to dine at while visiting Turin. Try some of the traditional Italian dishes and snacks to see what locals eat on a daily basis, like truffles, Barolo, Lavazza coffee or gianduiotto chocolates. You can also head out on your own on a quest for street food.

Admire the Palazzo Madama

Each of the beautiful palaces in Turin is unique and you can't get tired of seeing them. The next place that you should include on your night tours is the Palazzo Madama which can be found in the area of Castello Square.

It is one of the oldest in the city and dates back all the way to the first century BC. The castle has stood throughout the entire Roman Empire and has gone through several changes and modifications over the years. Palazzo Madama was first a defense fort and was later on used as a palace.

Take Advantage of the Nightlife

Turin is a historic city but also a modern one, and you will be surprised by how much it comes to life at night. There are several vibrant bars and clubs that are open late into the night so if you like to party, Turin can absolutely provide.

We can only mention a few of the bars but there are many fantastic places to dance the night away. Check out the Bunker which is an art gallery and club that often hosts live musicians and DJs, and if you want to dance and enjoy live entertainment, head to sPAZIO 211. Those who want to have a more relaxing night can go wine tasting at the La Cuite wine bar or just grab a late night gelato at Mara dei Boschi.

Go See the Basilica di Superga

Another of Turin's top landmarks is the Basilica di Superga. It is found on the summit of the Superga mountain which can be seen from most places around the city centre. Filippo Juvarra designed this structure back in 1731 and it is quite an impressive piece of Baroque architecture.

If you come here at night you can see a pretty view of Turin lit up beneath you. Trekking up to the basilica and stopping to admire the view is the best way to end your day trip in Turin.

Take a Nighttime Stroll Through Valentino Park

Valentino Park, or Parco del Valentino, is a beautiful public greenspace in Turin. There are lots of things to see here since it is actually the city's second biggest park at 500,000 square meters. It also served as the first public garden in Turin when it was created in 1856.

The park is decorated with pathways and it is a popular spot for people to go biking, jogging or dog walking so you will probably meet someone on the beaten track. This is also where you will find the Valentino Castle, also known as the Castello del Valentino, and a replication of a medieval village that also houses antique stores and craft shops, ideal for shopping in Turin. It is the perfect spot for an evening picnic and nighttime walk along River Po.

Visit the Ancient Porta Palatina

The Porta Palatina is one of the old ancient ruins that can still be seen in Turin today. It is an important monument and actually the world's best preserved Roman gateway of the 1st century. Back when it was built it served as the entry point through the old walls of the city.

The gate is made of archways with several towers which are bigger than you would expect standing at 30 meters high. The gateway now stands in a public park which is a pleasant space to walk around in the evening.

Planning Your Next Trip to Turin, Italy

Whenever you travel it is always a good idea to do some research on the city that you are visiting and make a plan of all the tourist attractions that you don't want to miss out on. When you visit Turin you will see that it is a really fascinating place, and now that you have a local guide of fun things to do at night you are all set to make the most of your vacation. It is much more exciting to be exploring a city instead of staying inside your hotel all night, so what are you waiting for? Read our guide, How to Get Around Turin. Then, go out and discover Turin!