6-Day Budget Guide to Turin: The Ultimate Backpacking Route
Turin is often overlooked in favor of Rome or Venice, but for the budget backpacker, it is a hidden goldmine. Known as the 'Cradle of Italian Liberty,' this city offers grand Baroque architecture, massive public squares, and a culinary scene that caters to those looking for high quality at low prices.
This itinerary focuses on the 'Classic Routes' of Turin while maintaining an ultra-lean budget. By leveraging free walking tours, local markets like Porta Palazzo, and the city's famous 'apericena' culture, you can experience the elegance of the Savoia royalty for the price of a hostel bed and a few slices of pizza.
Day 1: Turin, Italy - The Historic Heartland
Piazza Castello
Start your journey in the heart of the city. Admire the facades of Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama. While entry costs money, the square itself is a free open-air museum of Baroque power.
Via Po and the Arcades
Walk down the historic 18km of covered walkways. These arcades were built so the royalty could walk without getting wet, and today they host charming bookstores and affordable cafes.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto
One of the largest squares in Europe, offering a magnificent view of the Po River and the hills beyond. It's the perfect spot for people-watching without spending a dime.
Murazzi del Po
Head to the riverbanks where the old boat sheds have been converted into student-friendly bars. Grab a cheap beer and enjoy the cool breeze by the water.
Day 2: Turin, Italy - Markets and Roman Roots
Porta Palazzo Market
Visit Europe’s largest open-air market. It is a sensory explosion where you can buy fresh fruit, local cheeses, and cheap street food for just a few Euros.
Quadrilatero Romano
Explore the ancient Roman grid of the city. The narrow cobblestone streets are filled with history and small artisan shops that are free to browse.
Turin Cathedral (Duomo)
Entry to the cathedral is free. This is the home of the Holy Shroud of Turin; while the shroud is rarely on display, the chapel and the interior are historically significant.
Budget Apericena
Experience the Turin tradition of 'Apericena'. Buy one drink for about 8-10 Euros and get access to a massive buffet of pasta, salads, and local snacks.
Day 3: Turin, Italy - Riverside Relaxation
Parco del Valentino
Spend your morning in Turin's most popular park. It’s a massive green space perfect for a picnic with supplies bought from the market the day before.
Borgo Medievale
Located inside the park, this is a 19th-century reconstruction of a medieval village. Walking through the village streets and courtyards is entirely free.
Monte dei Cappuccini
Cross the river and hike up this small hill. The viewpoint offers the most iconic, postcard-perfect view of Turin and the Alps for free.
San Salvario Nightlife
This district is the heart of the backpacking scene. It's packed with affordable bars and international street food options like kebabs and pizza al taglio.
Day 4: Turin, Italy - Icons and Piazzas
Mole Antonelliana (Exterior)
Marvel at the symbol of the city. While the elevator to the top costs money, the architecture from the street level is breathtaking and free to photograph.
Piazza San Carlo
Known as 'Turin's Drawing Room,' this elegant square is flanked by twin churches. It's a great place to admire the high-end side of Turin for free.
Via Roma Window Shopping
Walk the most glamorous street in Turin. While the shops are pricey, the architecture and window displays provide a classic European city experience.
Piazza Statuto
Visit the western gate of the city, known for its dark legends and the monument dedicated to the workers of the Frejus Rail Tunnel.
Day 5: Turin, Italy - Post-Industrial Cool
Parco Dora
Visit this massive post-industrial park built on the site of former Fiat factories. It’s a masterpiece of urban renewal and a hotspot for local graffiti artists.
Egyptian Museum (Splurge Option)
If you have some budget left, this is the most important Egyptian museum outside of Cairo. If not, the exterior and the nearby Piazza Carignano are stunning.
MAU - Museum of Urban Art
An open-air museum consisting of over 170 paintings on the walls of buildings in the Borgo Campidoglio district. It's completely free and very Instagrammable.
Pizza Dinner in Campidoglio
Find a local 'Pizzeria d'asporto' for a 5-Euro Margherita to eat like a local in the neighborhood squares.
Day 6: Turin, Italy - The Superga Summit
Basilica di Superga (Exterior)
Take the historic tramway or hike up the hill to this magnificent basilica. The views of the city from the hilltop are unparalleled and the courtyard is free.
Lungo Po Walk
Walk back towards the city center along the Po River, passing through the shade of the trees and watching the local rowing clubs.
Galleria Subalpina
A hidden gem of a shopping gallery. It's an architectural marvel with glass ceilings and refined details that feels like stepping back into the 19th century.
Final Panini at a 'Vineria'
End your trip with a cheap local wine and a panini in one of the small 'vinerias' near Via Sant'Agostino before your departure.
Best Time & Weather
The best time to visit Turin on a budget is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is mild and perfect for walking, and the city isn't as crowded with domestic tourists. Winters can be quite cold and foggy due to the proximity to the Alps, while summers (July and August) can be humid and many local shops may close for the summer holidays.
Currency & Money
Turin uses the Euro (€). While Italy is increasingly card-friendly, backpackers should always carry some cash for small purchases at markets like Porta Palazzo or for a quick espresso at a bar. Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but rounding up the bill at a restaurant is a nice gesture if the service was good. Look for 'coperto' on menus, which is a standard small sit-down cover charge.
Getting Around
Turin is a very walkable city, especially the historic center. For longer distances, the GTT public transport network consists of a very efficient metro line, trams, and buses. A single ticket lasts 100 minutes and is very affordable. If you are staying in San Salvario or near the center, you likely won't need much transport at all. Consider using the city's bike-sharing app for a cheap and scenic way to get around.
