Rachele FalchiTurin in a Weekend: A (Sarcastic) Guide for an Unforgettable Experience Between Chocolate, Vintage Cars, and Incognito Torinese
Welcome to Turin, the city where the austere charm of the Savoys blends with subtle irony and a cuisine that has won over more stomachs than hearts. If you’re planning a weekend in the city of cars and Nutella, get ready to immerse yourself in a Turin you might not expect: elegant, enigmatic, and with a dash of “that certain something” that the locals reveal in small doses. Here are 10 tips to experience the city to the fullest… or at least try.
- Let’s start with a Bicerin, but with style (or at least let’s try) Ah, the Bicerin. You can’t say you’ve visited Turin without tasting this little masterpiece in a cup. The mix of coffee, chocolate, and cream is more Torinese than the average local. Of course, you have to drink it at Caffè Al Bicerin, open since 1763, where every self-respecting tourist feels like a 19th-century Savoy intellectual. A small tip: practice looking unbothered when the price reminds you that you’re in a city that loves traditions… and matching prices.
- The Mole Antonelliana: Do I see it or not? The Mole, the undisputed symbol of the city, is a bit like the typical Torinese: imposing but reserved, always there, but never too flashy. Climb to the top, enjoy the view (when it’s not foggy, a miracle!), and maybe visit the Cinema Museum. Not that you’re a fan of auteur cinema, but at least you can say you went up there for a good reason, beyond snapping the obligatory Instagram photo.
- Lunch with an aristocratic touch: Agnolotti and other delights Turin’s food isn’t just refined; it’s an ode to slowness, to lunches that stretch into aperitifs. Try the agnolotti with roast gravy, remembering that for the Torinese, real food is something to be discussed for hours. Food and stories of grandmothers who cooked for entire armies. If you want to impress, order a Barolo-braised beef and put on your best gourmet expression. You’re in Turin; certain standards must be maintained.
- The Egyptian Museum: You won’t just pretend to be cultured; you’ll actually be The second most important Egyptian museum in the world… after the one in Cairo, of course. Dive into ancient Egypt while the average Torinese looks on, satisfied, because here, culture is no joke. Visit the mummies, the pharaonic relics, and occasionally nod as if you know everything about ancient funerary art.
- Piazza San Carlo: Elegance and endless aperitifs Welcome to Turin’s “ballroom.” Stroll between historic cafés with that certain detachment that makes you look like an expert traveler, not just any tourist. Stop for an aperitif (or better yet, an apericena, which they invented here long before it became trendy elsewhere). If you’re feeling rebellious, order a Vermouth and pretend you know all about its historical nuances.
- Lingotto: From cars to design, not forgetting the shopping Lingotto is a monument to Turin’s industrial past. Today it houses the Agnelli Art Gallery, cultural events, and shops, but it’s hard not to imagine cars racing on the famous rooftop track (which you can still see!). A place where you feel a bit futuristic and a bit nostalgic, perhaps dreaming of driving a vintage Fiat 500.
- Torinese people: Polite, reserved, and with a humor you need to catch Don’t expect the overwhelming warmth of Naples. Torinese people are polite and reserved, and the most familiarity they’ll show you is a slight smile or a little tip on where to eat real agnolotti. But if you know how to approach them, you’ll discover a sharp wit and a taste for understatement that is almost heartwarming.
- Parco del Valentino: A (maybe) romantic stroll If you feel like stretching your legs, Parco del Valentino is Turin’s answer to Central Park. A walk along the Po is ideal for a relaxing weekend, but don’t expect too much romance: the average Torinese will probably be cycling or engaged in a pseudo-philosophical conversation with friends.
- Quadrilatero Romano: Nightlife and wine flowing freely Turin’s nightlife has two sides: the chic one and the relaxed one, with a glass of wine in hand at the Quadrilatero Romano. Here, you’ll find bars and restaurants perfect for ending the night in style. But don’t be fooled by the laid-back vibe: even Torinese people love to have fun, they just do it with style and moderation. Or at least they try.
- Gianduiotti: The only souvenir worth buying Finally, leave Turin with the city’s sweet symbol: the gianduiotto. A small nugget of chocolate and hazelnuts that will make you forget every diet. And no, they’re not just chocolates: they are the quintessence of Turin’s savoir-faire. Try them, and you’ll taste all the elegance (with a hint of superiority) of this city.
Turin, in short, is a city full of surprises. Between a Bicerin, an agnolotto, and a visit to the Egyptian Museum, you’ll find yourself immersed in a weekend that alternates culture, good food, and that certain je ne sais quoi of Savoy flair. The Torinese people, then, are the perfect companions for this journey: distant but not too much, sarcastic just enough, always ready to remind you that Turin is, above all, a city to be lived slowly and with a touch of self-irony. Enjoy your weekend!
