Turin is a northern Italian city on the western bank of the River Po, set below the Susa Valley and ringed by the western Alps and Superga hill. It is the capital of Piedmont, a business and cultural centre, and a city of arcaded streets, baroque and neoclassical squares, palaces and museums, with the historic centre holding a World Heritage listing as part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.
For a visitor, the layout is straightforward to read. The historic centre clusters around Piazza Castello and the arcaded Via Po, which runs from the piazza to the bridge over the Po. The main railway stations, Porta Nuova and Porta Susa, sit on the edge of the centre and anchor much of the accommodation. The city is compact and walkable in its core, with trams and a metro linking the centre to outlying districts. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, not individual hotels.
Best areas to stay in Turin
1. Historic centre (around Piazza Castello and Via Po)
This is the heart of Turin: the arcaded Via Po connecting Piazza Castello to the bridge over the Po, the Palazzo Reale, the Palazzo Madama and the Roman remains at Porta Palatina. Staying here puts the city's palaces, squares and museums within walking distance and suits first-time visitors who want to spend their days on foot.
You find a mix of accommodation here, including mid-range and upmarket places in and around the historic district. Note that Via Po and the surrounding streets are arcaded and largely level, which makes moving between the sights easy on foot.
2. Around Porta Nuova station
The streets immediately around Porta Nuova station, on its east and west flanks, form a practical base with good transport connections and a range of places to stay. It suits travellers arriving by train and anyone who wants a central location without paying for the most prestigious address.
Accommodation here spans budget and mid-range options, and the station gives you a direct link to the rest of the city and beyond. The historic district is a short walk away, and the area is convenient if you plan to move around the region.
3. Around Porta Susa station
Porta Susa is the other main station, and the streets near it offer a convenient base for arrivals by rail and for onward travel. It suits travellers who prioritise transport links over proximity to the historic squares.
You find mid-range accommodation in this area. It is a practical choice rather than a scenic one, and the centre is reachable by tram or a walk.
4. Vanchiglia
Vanchiglia lies about 2 km east of the centre and offers a quieter, more residential base with good transport into the city centre. It suits budget travellers and those who prefer to stay slightly outside the busiest streets.
Accommodation here includes simple, inexpensive places, and free parking is available in some cases. The trade-off is that you rely on public transport or a walk to reach the main sights.
5. Lingotto
Lingotto is a district to the south, served by its own metro stop, and is known for the former Fiat factory complex. It suits visitors with business in the area or those who want a modern, well-connected base outside the centre.
You find larger, business-oriented accommodation here, with metro access back into the city. It is not a base for walking to the historic centre, but the metro makes the connection straightforward.
6. South of the historical centre (around Via Massena)
The area just south of the historical centre, reached by tram, offers a central-ish position with mid-range accommodation. It suits visitors who want to be close to the centre without staying in its busiest streets.
Trams connect this area to the historic core, so you can reach the main sights without a long walk.
7. Around Piazza Solferino and Via San Francesco d'Assisi
This central area, near Piazza Solferino, is within the historic fabric of the city and suits visitors who want a central base with mid-range options. It is walkable to the main squares and arcades.
Accommodation here is mid-price and central. Note that not every building has air conditioning, so check this if you are travelling in summer.
8. Around Piazza Massaua (Metro Massaua)
Piazza Massaua, on the metro, is a base for travellers who want modern, well-equipped accommodation with parking and quick metro access to the centre. It suits those arriving by car or those who prefer a quieter, less central location.
You find modern, well-furnished accommodation here, with underground parking in some cases. The metro connects you to the centre without relying on buses or trams.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple pensioni and basic hotels, often near the stations or slightly outside the centre, with en suite rooms and few extras; some are on upper floors without a lift.
- Mid-range: central hotels and pensioni with fair value, sometimes in older buildings; amenities vary, so check for air conditioning and breakfast.
- Splurge: elegant central hotels and larger business-oriented properties, some with spas, restaurants and parking, in the historic district or well connected by metro.
Best area for a first visit
The historic centre around Piazza Castello and Via Po is the best base for a first visit. It puts the Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, the arcaded Via Po and the bridge over the Po within walking distance, so you can see the city's main sights on foot. It also gives you the widest choice of places to stay for a short trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I arrive by train?
Porta Nuova and Porta Susa are the two main stations, and both have accommodation on their flanks. Porta Nuova is closer to the historic district, while Porta Susa is convenient for onward rail travel.
Where should I stay if I want to walk to the main sights?
Base yourself in the historic centre around Piazza Castello and Via Po. The arcaded Via Po connects Piazza Castello to the bridge over the Po, and the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama are in this area.
Is it worth staying outside the centre?
Yes, if you want lower prices or parking. Vanchiglia, about 2 km east of the centre, and Piazza Massaua on the metro both offer good transport into the centre, and Lingotto has its own metro stop.
Do I need air conditioning in Turin?
Not every property has it, so check before booking if you are travelling in the warmer months. Some central mid-range places do not have air conditioning.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.