Hi - our family of four (two young adult daughters) have 2 nights to spend in either Turin or Piedmonte countryside, we are driving enroute from Lake Como to Lyon France. Current plan is two nights in Turin but I am wondering if the time is better spent in Turin or the surrounding region. Our one full day is Monday (sadly, nearly all museums closed in Turin on Monday and I'm concerned about the "ZLT" drving restriced zones (our hotel is inside this zone....as we arrive and leave Turin) As you know, this area is not covered/not recommended in Rick's book. we've been to the popular tourist destinations in Italy before; food and shopping in Turin sound interesting (although we've been Eataly in NYC many times, so not sure if this is worth a visit...), but if its mostly a busy modern stressful city I'm not sure if its worth the trouble. We appreciate any and all comments on how to spend the time in this region and not going too far out of the way to Lyon france -- Thanks!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
The excellent car museum is open 10:00-2:00 on Mondays and we visited Eataly after that (our first one), but they are not so close to each other that you really have to go, especially if you've been to other Eatalys. When viewed from the top of a tower or the hilltop Basilica of Superga (open all day on Mondays, closed Tuesdays), you will see that Torino is a very dense city. But it felt well organized to me, in a northern way, not stressful. Trams were easy enough and distances could also be pretty walkable for your daughters (more so than for my parents).
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1034 posts
Turin is a wonderful city with lots to see and do and great food. There are some good threads on here with details, such as the terrific Egyptian and film museums. We spent two weeks in the countryside near Turin and so did both city and country days.. With only two nights, though, I'd probably spend it in the Langhe wine country - Neive, Barbaresco, Barolo, Cherasco, La Morra. Are your daughters city people? You can't go wrong either way, and you'll wish you had more time. I'm currently planning my next trip to Italy and i'd happily just return to Piedmont.
Posted by
693 posts
As mentioned, the automobile and film museums are excellent, as is the Egyptian museum. The city centre is attractive with many porticos and the beautiful Palazzo Reale. The chocolate shops are also pretty good, as are the cafes. Try a bicerin. As a football tragic, I also enjoyed Juventus stadium and museum.
Posted by
OP
Holmes Beach, Florida
33 posts
To Laura,Nelly,mph - thanks for your input. my daughters are 18 and 21 and enjoy cities - shopping and food, as does my wife. I'd love to meander about the wine region but against this are 1) adds time to the journey to Lyon, 2)our time is limited and 3) its difficult to plan for this area as there is limited information in the guide books that I have access to. will probably focus on Turin and will definitely try a bicerin! Does anyone have any useful links or info with ZLT in Turin? many thanks!
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Turin's ZTL works monday through friday from 7:30 to 10:30 AM. There are 2 or 3 streets that are restricted to residents cars, cabs, trams and buses 24/7, too.
Look on tripadvisor, a forumer from Turin posted some pics of the signs and the led screens a few weeks ago.
There are many underground parkings very near to the ZTL but out of it, for instance the one in front of Porta Nuova railway station or the other in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Ask your hotel about temporary permits to drive in the historic center.
Posted by
Boston
1698 posts
We just spent 4 days in the Piedmont country side and loved it, but no 21 year old I've ever known would. Go to Turin. It is very nice, and easier to visit than most European cities.
Posted by
Paris
9567 posts
I'm a bit biased (my in-laws live a few blocks away), but I can't imagine the NY Eataly has anything on the original one in Turin, in an old vermouth factory.
Go the café Bicerin for the original Bicerin. YOu could spend two days there just going to the grand old cafés, enjoying the aperitivo hour.
There's always a fascinating exhibit in the central core Palazzo Madama etc.
And most of all, you'll eat fantastically while you're there, do some research on trip advisor or Chowhound or something.