Although characterised by a long industrial history, today Turin is undoubtedly one of the most pleasant Italian cities to visit. The spring season is certainly one of the best times to discover Turin.

We have put together 3 unforgettable outdoor experiences that are just perfect for this season.

Turin: an itinerary between elegance and sweetness

Parco del Valentino and Borgo Medievale

In this season, you can take one of the bikes available to hotel guests and travel the short distance to the Parco del Valentino. Situated along the banks of the River Po, the Parco del Valentino is a relaxing, green oasis just a stone's throw away from the city. It is very well kept and embellished by plays of water, small streams and works of art created for various national and international exhibitions, such as the beautiful Fontana dei Dodici Mesi.

Particularly worthy of note among the most recent works that embellish this park is the Panchina degli Innamorati, a bench on which two streetlamps are caught in a tender embrace.

Inside the park, it is also worth visiting the Borgo Medievale, a faithful replica of a 15th century village inspired by various Piedmont cities.

The Fontana dei 12 mesi a few steps from DUPARC Contemporary Suites

Panchina degli Innamorati into the Parco del Valentino

The Medieval Village of Turin is the faithful reconstruction of a village of the fifteenth century.

Turin: an itinerary between elegance and sweetness

Strolling through squares and porticoes

With the days becoming longer, Turin is the perfect place for long walks to discover the true essence of the city. Wonderful, imposing squares are connected by a widespread network of porticoes, ranking Turin second among Italy’s most colonnaded cities. One of the city’s most striking squares is Piazza San Carlo, Turin's “living room”, with its two twin churches.

From here, if you continue towards the city centre you will reach Piazza Castello, overlooked by Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale. Palazzo Madama dominates the centre of the square, with its imposing Baroque façade. A few steps away lies Palazzo Reale, the royal residence of the Savoy family until 1865. Protecting the palace, on the gate, stand the twin semi-gods Castor and Pollux on horseback.

Walk around the Palace as far as the Duomo, or Cathedral, which is connected to the Palazzo Reale by a majestic chapel built to house the Holy Shroud. From here, continue as far as the remains of Porta Palatina, which in Roman times provided access to the city from the North.

Return to Piazza Castello and continue along Via Po as far as Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the largest square in Europe with porticoes. The square ends with the historic Vittorio Emanuele I Bridge, which leads to the Murazzi docks and to the Chiesa della Gran Madre.

DISCOVER THE 3-DAYS ITINERARY TO DISCOVER TURIN →

Piazza San Carlo,Turin's “living room” with its two twin churches.

The remains of the Palatine Gate, which in Roman times represented the access to the north of the city.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the largest square in Europe with porticoes

Turin: an itinerary between elegance and sweetness

A touch of sweetness: Chocolate Shops and Historic Cafés

Durante le vostre passeggiate, potrete anche andare alla scoperta del lato dolce di Torino: molte sono le cioccolaterie artigianali e i bar storici dove potrete degustare un cioccolato di pregio. Noi siamo stati da Guido Gobino, dove abbiamo fatto una deliziosa degustazione, un percorso attraverso i prodotti più tradizionali e quelli rivisitati, tra cui spicca il cremino al sale e olio evo: un tripudio di gusto.

While strolling, you may want to take in Turin’s sweet side, with its many craft chocolate shops and historic cafés in which to taste the city’s finest chocolate. We went to Guido Gobino, where we tasted both traditional products and innovative ones such as Cremino chocolates with salt and extra-virgin olive oil: a true triumph of taste.

Also noteworthy is Guido Castagna’s boutique: here you cannot taste the products, but you can buy the maître chocolatier’s delicious specialities. His Guinott was the best Gianduiotto we tasted during our stay. It contains no milk or cocoa powder, but just hazelnuts and cocoa.

Finally, if you are looking for a good traditional Gianduiotto, hand-cut in traditional style, during the weekends you will find the Ballesio Cioccolato stand at the Borgo Medievale in the Parco del Valentino.

As for the city’s historic cafés, we chose Baratti & Milano, in the scenic Galleria Subalpina shopping arcade. Established over 150 years ago, this café owes its name to its two founding confectioners. It was here that the Cremino chocolate was first invented, and later the café became a meeting place for the city’s intellectuals and its bourgeoisie. You can either choose a table in the arcade or, as we did, inside the café, where you can admire its elegant details and historical counter.

Not far away, in Piazza Carignano, stands Farmacia del Cambio, an original pastry shop on the premises of the city’s historical Bestente pharmacy store. Given the beautiful day, we sat at their outdoor tables, overlooking the beautiful square and savouring their creamy “Gianduiotto” dessert.
This square is also overlooked by Palazzo Carignano, a red brick building with a beautiful inner courtyard featuring lovely geometric decorations. We recommend walking through the court yard and onto Piazza Carlo Alberto, to observe how the wonderful nineteenth century façade on this square differs from the one on Piazza Carignano.

Turin to taste: by Guido Gobino you can enjo a delicious chocolate tasting.

As for the city’s historic cafés, we chose Baratti & Milano, in the scenic Galleria Subalpina.

Farmacia del Cambio, where once there was the historic pharmacy Bestente, where you can taste their desserts in the outdoor tables.

   WRITTEN BY:  Francesca & Marco, Filiamovia