On my second visit to Turin, I told myself I would return to the places that had most enthralled me, and would also visit new locations, some very particular. DUPARC Contemporary Suites is always the best choice for a stay in Turin, with its stunning looks, courteous staff and proximity to the center without being immersed in the chaos of the city. And this time I had the opportunity to try the new Luxury Terrace Junior Suites!

Wake up in the morning with a beautiful view of the Turin hills, indulge in breakfast in bed and a nice hot bath in the freestanding tub before starting your tour of the city. What are the must-see attractions of Turin on a two-day visit? Here’s a tour to discover the city’s unmissable attractions and some really special gems!

TURIN'S MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS AND SPECIAL GEMS

What to see in Turin: day one

On the first day we can start by discovering the city center, easy to reach by underground (the nearest stop is a few hundred meters from the hotel) or using the bicycles you can rent directly at the hotel.

Take a walk along Via Roma, with a look at the windows of its many shops, until you reach the splendid Piazza San Carlo, one of the main squares of Turin, surrounded by arcades where historical premises stand alongside modern establishments. In the square, look out for the Toret, a typical public drinking fountain with water coming out of a rather singular feature - the head of a bull, the symbol of the city. And remember to walk over the bronze raging bull right in front of the Caffè San Carlo, it’s said to bring good luck!

Turin’s must-see attractions and special gems: the Turet

Just a short distance from Piazza San Carlo, you must see the unique Portone del Diavolo (Devil’s Door). The superb Galleria San Federico , a shopping arcade built in the 1930s, is definitely worth visiting. Inside there are several bars and restaurants, and the historic Lux cinema.

The walk continues through Piazza Carignano, a pedestrian square surrounded by beautiful Baroque buildings such as the Palazzo Carignano, the Teatro Carignano (Theater), the famous Ristorante del Cambio restaurant and the historic “Pepino” ice cream parlor.

Don’t forget a visit to the Galleria Subalpina, one of my favorite places in the city. This historic building houses numerous commercial establishments, and is one Turin’s historic arcades. It is home to one of the city's most celebrated cafes, Caffè Baratti & Milano. Continue on to Piazza Castello, where one of the most singular places in Turin is located. Under the porticoes of Piazza Castello is the so-called Dito di Colombo (Columbus Finger). This is an alto-rilievo representing the famous explorer and it is said that rubbing the little finger will bring you good luck. Trying won’t hurt, what do you say?

Turin’s must-see attractions and special gems: Dito di Colombo (Columbus Finger) for good luck

Near Piazza Castello is another of Turin’s special sights: Palazzo col Piercing, an installation from 1991 that was supposed to be temporary, but can still be admired on the corner of a building in Piazzetta Corpus Domini. From here take advantage and in just ten minutes walking through beautiful streets and past elegant buildings you reach the famous "Caffè Al Bicerin".

Here you can taste one of the city's symbolic drinks: Bicerin. It is a drink based on coffee, chocolate and cream and should be drunk without being mixed! I thought it was very good.

If you are not tired yet, you can reach one of the symbols of Turin: the Mole Antonelliana! Or you can go back to the hotel and take some time for yourself in the Spa! After a day out in the city, there is nothing better than a nice relaxing time in a jacuzzi pool. Don't you think?

TURIN'S MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS AND SPECIAL GEMS

What to see in Turin: day two

On the second day I suggest you have breakfast in the beautiful dining room and then go out to discover the San Salvario area, boasting several interesting attractions. A must-see stop is definitely the Parco del Valentino (Valentino Park), a haven of peace where you can see the famous Panchina degli Innamorati (Lover's Bench) and charming Borgo Medievale (Medieval Village), an open-air museum with the reproduction of a medieval village made at the end of the 1800s. Walking inside the fortress will really give you the feeling of being in an authentic medieval village.

Turin’s must-see attractions and special gems: Medieval Village

Just near the hotel are some really interesting attractions: Condominio 25 Verde, the first eco-sustainable bioarchitecture experiment in the city, a kind of “livable” apartment block with 150 trees that absorb carbon dioxide and filter fine particles. The Portone del Melograno (Pomegranate Gate) is a beautiful Art Nouveau street door (Turin boasts many buildings in this architectural style), representing two pomegranate trees whose wrought iron leaves and flowers intertwine.

From San Salvario, after leaving the DUPARC, you can stop off at some of the most important places of the city: the Mole Antonelliana (climb to the top to enjoy a splendid view of Turin), the Monte dei Cappuccini for panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless (on clear days you can admire the sight of the Alps “framing” the city) and from there continue on to the Basilica of Superga, a basilica that is outside Turin but definitely worth seeing.

Turin’s must-see attractions and special gems: biew from Monte dei Cappuccini

If you love museums and historical residences, you can include must-see visits to the Egyptian Museum, the Royal Palace and, above all, the Venaria Reale, which I will talk about in detail in this article.

I know, Turin is big and visiting it in two days is not that easy. You need to choose the things of interest you don’t want to leave out, and earmark other attractions for your next visit. But the city is so beautiful, elegant and livable that you will want to come back as soon as possible, to see all the things you left out on your first visit. And, of course, stay at the DUPARC Suites again.

      WRITTEN BY : Viola, Wanderlustviola