For photos, you get a little of everything: wide squares, long arcades, markets, museums, and parks by the Po River. Light changes fast between shade and open sun, so keep looking up—and down side streets.
Key takeaways
- For classic city shots, start in Piazza Castello and the streets around it.
- For skyline views, shoot from Mole Antonelliana, Monte dei Cappuccini, or Basilica di Superga.
- For people and story, head to Porta Palazzo and Quadrilatero Romano.
- For green space and calm light, visit Parco del Valentino and the river paths.
Piazza Castello: The Center of the Old Town
Piazza Castello is a natural starting point. Big buildings ring the square, and the arcades give you clean lines and repeating shadows.
Come twice if you can: once early for quiet geometry, and again in late afternoon for warmer light and more street life.
Mole Antonelliana: Turin’s Icon (and a View)
The Mole Antonelliana is Turin’s most famous shape. It was planned as a synagogue and is now home to the National Museum of Cinema.
From the view terrace, you can shoot rooftops with the Alps in the background. At blue hour, the tower stands out against the sky.
Parco del Valentino: Nature in the City
| Category | Data/Metric |
|---|---|
| Location | Turin, Italy (Po River) |
| Size | About 550,000 sq metres |
| Highlights | Riverside paths, Castello del Valentino, Borgo Medievale, Botanical Garden |
| Entry | Free |
| Botanical Garden | Opened in 1729; 4,000+ plant species |
Parco del Valentino is Turin’s oldest and best-known park.
It was designed as a public park in the mid-19th century. It’s still a great place for a break from the streets.
Shoot along the river, look for reflections near the water, and use trees as a natural frame. In spring and autumn, color does a lot of the work for you.
Palazzo Madama: Big Facade, Small Details
Palazzo Madama sits right on Piazza Castello. The front is bold and dramatic. The best shots often come from details—balconies, windows, carvings, and stairs.
If you go inside, keep an eye out for symmetry and patterns. Always follow the museum’s photo rules.
Porta Palatina: Roman Gate, Modern Streets
Porta Palatina is a well-preserved Roman city gate from the 1st century AD. It’s a great place to show Turin’s layers of history.
Try one wide frame with today’s city around it, then move closer for brick texture and repeating arches.
Basilica di Superga: Hilltop Views
The Basilica di Superga sits above Turin. On a clear day, you can frame the city with the Alps behind it.
Outside, look for long shadows at sunset. Inside, work with the available light and focus on a few strong details.
Monte dei Cappuccini: Skyline at Sunset
Monte dei Cappuccini is a go-to viewpoint across the Po. The terrace by the National Mountain Museum is known for a wide skyline view.
Use a wide lens for “city + river,” or a longer lens to pull the skyline closer to the mountains.
Museo Egizio: Culture Indoors
The Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) was founded in 1824.
It’s the oldest museum in the world dedicated to Egyptian civilization. It’s also a key museum for Egyptology in Europe.
Light is often low. Hold steady, avoid flash, and look for clean backgrounds that make a statue or object stand out.
Quadrilatero Romano: Street Scenes
Quadrilatero Romano is one of Turin’s oldest districts. It has narrow streets, small squares, cafés, and lively evenings.
Go early for quiet lines and doors. Later, switch to people: gestures at tables, bikes, and quick moments under the arcades.
Porta Palazzo Market: Color and People
Porta Palazzo is often described as Europe’s largest open-air market. It’s busy, loud, and full of fast moments—perfect for street photos.
Arrive early for the peak produce scene. Then slow down and look for portraits, hands at work, and light under the covered areas.
Royal Palace of Turin: Regal Rooms
The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) is part of the UNESCO-listed Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.
Inside, aim for details. Shoot chandeliers, ceilings, mirrors, and long rooms that lead your eye.
Expose for highlights on gold and marble, and use darker corners to keep the frame clean.
FAQs
What are the best photo spots in Turin?
Start with Piazza Castello, Mole Antonelliana, Parco del Valentino, Porta Palatina, Porta Palazzo, and a viewpoint like Monte dei Cappuccini or Superga.
What is the best time of day to take photos in Turin?
Golden hour and blue hour are best for most scenes. Midday can still work under the arcades, where shade softens contrast.
Are there hidden gems for photography in Turin?
Try the covered galleries (such as Galleria Subalpina), the Murazzi by the river, and quiet lanes off the main squares.
What are quick tips for better photos in Turin?
Start early, watch for light changes under porticoes, and build layers in your frame (people, buildings, then mountains).
Are there photography tours or workshops in Turin?
Yes. Options change through the year, so check current listings from official tourism sources or well-reviewed tour companies.
