Top Things to Do in Piedmont, Italy

Piedmont is one of Italy's most diverse regions — a place where you can spend the morning exploring one of the world's finest Egyptian archaeology collections, lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking vineyards that produce the King of Wines, then drive to an Alpine national park for an afteroon hike past ibex and golden eagles. From the baroque boulevards of Turin to the hills of the Langhe and the shores of Lake Maggiore, Piedmont offers an extraordinary range of experiences. In this guide we've gathered the 15 best things to do, covering culture, food, nature, and adventure — with practical tips for getting the most out of each one.

1. Visit the Mole Antonelliana & National Museum of Cinema

Standing 167.5 metres tall, the Mole Antonelliana is the undisputed symbol of Turin and one of the tallest museum buildings in the world. Originally conceived as a synagogue (but never used as one), it now houses the National Museum of Cinema — Museo Nazionale del Cinema — the most visited museum in Turin. The museum's immersive five-floor spiral exhibition takes you through the history of cinema, from shadow puppets to IMAX, with props, costumes, and interactive installations. The panoramic glass lift — built into the rooftop temple — ascends to an open-air viewing platform with 360° views of the Alps, including Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn on clear days. Allow 2–3 hours for the full experience. Open daily 9am–8pm. Tickets from €16.

2. Explore the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)

Located in central Turin's Collegio dei Nobili, the Museo Egizio is the second-largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, surpassed only by Cairo's Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Its 30,000+ artefacts span 4,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. The undisputed highlight is the Tomb of Kha and Merit — an intact burial chamber discovered in 1906 that reveals the daily life and death rituals of a 15th-century BC architect and his wife, complete with furniture, linens, food, and the couple's mummified remains. The museum's new layout, renovated in 2015, is world-class in its presentation. Book tickets online to avoid queues. Allow 3 hours. Open daily 9am–6:30pm (closed Mondays). Tickets €18.

3. Taste Barolo and Barbaresco in the Langhe Wine Country

The UNESCO-listed Langhe hills are one of the world's great wine destinations. Barolo — the "King of Wines and Wine of Kings" — is produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes in eleven communes south of Alba. Visit producers like Gaja, Giacomo Conterno, and Marchesi di Barolo for tours and tastings. The Barolo Wine Museum (WiMu), housed in the 11th-century Barolo Castle, provides an excellent introduction to the region's viticulture. Barbaresco, just north-east of Alba, produces a more elegant sibling wine. The villages of La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, and Serralunga d'Alba offer exceptional tasting rooms, vineyard views, and restaurants. Most wineries charge €15–40 for guided tours with tastings. Book ahead during autumn.

4. Attend the Alba White Truffle Festival

The International Alba White Truffle Fair (Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba) has run every year since 1929, taking over Alba's historic centre every weekend from early October to late November. The truffle market, held in Cortile della Maddalena, is the heart of the event — certified vendors sell freshly harvested white truffles graded by size and aroma. Beyond the market, the festival features cooking demonstrations by Michelin-starred chefs, wine tastings across Piedmont's finest cellars, an international charity truffle auction broadcast worldwide, and the famously quirky Palio degli Asini — a donkey race that humorously parodies Siena's horse palio. A highlight is the truffle shaving ceremony where master truffle hunters demonstrate their craft. The fair attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

5. Explore Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands

Lake Maggiore, Italy's second-largest lake, stretches from Piedmont into Switzerland. The Stresa waterfront is the classic launching point for boat trips to the Borromean Islands. Isola Bella is the showstopper — a baroque palace built by the Borromeo family in the 17th century, surrounded by ten terraced gardens filled with white peacocks, camellias, and statues. Isola dei Pescatori is a charmingly simple fishing village with narrow lanes and lakefront trattorias serving fresh perch and risotto. Isola Madre, the largest island, is a botanical garden paradise with exotic plants from around the world. The Stresa–Mottarone cable car climbs to 1,491 metres for panoramic lake views. Allow a full day to visit all three islands.

6. Hike Gran Paradiso National Park

Italy's oldest national park, founded in 1922 to protect the Alpine ibex from extinction, covers 710 km² across Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. The park is home to over 1,000 ibex, chamois, marmots, and golden eagles. The most accessible trailhead is from Valnontey, a valley south of Cogne, with the walk to Rifugio Vittorio Sella (2,584 m) taking about 2.5 hours (5 km, moderate). For a more challenging day hike, the trail from Piamprato to the Gran Paradiso summit (4,061 m) is a serious mountaineering route requiring equipment and a guide. The park visitor centres in Ceresole Reale and Noasca provide maps and guided walk schedules. Best visited June–September. Free entry, with parking €5–8 per day.

7. Discover the Sacra di San Michele

Perched at 962 metres on Monte Pirchiriano in the Susa Valley, the Sacra di San Michele is one of Italy's most dramatic abbey churches. Dating from the 10th century, it is said to have inspired Umberto Eco's novel The Name of the Rose. The abbey's position is staggering: a sculpted stone structure that seems to grow from the mountain itself. The entrance climb up the Scalone dei Morti (Staircase of the Dead) — 244 steps flanked by tombs — is hauntingly beautiful. Inside, the 12th-century frescoes and carved capitals are masterpieces of Romanesque art. The views from the terrace stretch across the Susa Valley to the Alps. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9:30am–12:30pm and 2:30–5pm. Tickets €8. Accessible by car from Turin in 40 minutes.

8. Tour the Palazzo Reale and Savoy Residences

The Palazzo Reale in central Turin was the official residence of the House of Savoy from the 16th century until Italy became a republic in 1946. The royal apartments are richly decorated with tapestries, chandeliers, gilded furniture, and the Armeria Reale — one of Europe's finest collections of arms and armour. The palace anchors a UNESCO-listed network of Savoy residences across Piedmont. Don't miss the Reggia di Venaria Reale — a magnificent hunting palace and gardens 8 km from Turin that rivals Versailles in scale and has been spectacularly restored. The Galleria Grande, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, and the Gardens of Venaria are highlights. Combined ticket for Palazzo Reale + Venaria: €30. Allow half a day for each.

9. Ski the Via Lattea (Milky Way) Resorts

Host of the 2006 Winter Olympics alpine events, the Via Lattea is one of Europe's largest interconnected ski areas, linking Sestriere, Sauze d'Oulx, Cesana, Claviere, and Sansicario with over 400 km of pistes serviced by 80+ lifts. Sestriere, at 2,035 metres, is the highest resort and offers wide, well-groomed runs suitable for intermediates. Sauze d'Oulx has a more lively après-ski scene and more challenging off-piste terrain. The area peaks at 2,800 metres on the Motta summit, offering reliable snow from December through April. Day lift passes cost €53–65 depending on season. Ski hire is approximately €30–45 per day. The resorts are accessible from Turin in 90 minutes by car or direct bus from Turin Porta Nuova station.

10. Walk the Sacri Monti (UNESCO Sacred Mountains)

Nine Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) are scattered across Piedmont and Lombardy, with seven in Piedmont. These late-15th to early-17th century pilgrimage complexes feature chapels with life-sized frescoes and terracotta sculptures depicting biblical scenes, set into forested hillsides. The most impressive is Sacro Monte di Varallo (1491), the oldest, with 45 chapels arranged across a hillside above the town of Varallo. Sacro Monte di Oropa, near Biella, sits at 1,200 metres against a dramatic Alpine backdrop and draws pilgrims to its 14th-century Black Madonna. Sacro Monte di Orta, overlooking Lake Orta, is perhaps the most atmospheric, with 20 chapels dedicated to St Francis of Assisi. All are free to visit, with parking €3–5.

11. Explore the Langhe by Bike

The gently rolling hills of the Langhe and Monferrato are among Italy's best cycling destinations. The Barolo Wine Road and Barbaresco Wine Road form a loop of approximately 40 km through vineyards, medieval villages, and castle-topped hills. Rented road bikes and e-bikes are available in Alba (from €35/day) and guided tours can be arranged. The Colli di Coppi route honours the legendary cyclist Fausto Coppi, who trained on these roads. For a shorter scenic ride, the 12 km from Alba to Barolo via Grinzane Cavour takes about 45 minutes and passes the Castello di Grinzane Cavour, a wine museum and 1-Michelin-star restaurant. Avoid July–August heat; spring and autumn are ideal.

12. Visit Lake Orta and Orta San Giulio

Piedmont's hidden lake gem, Lake Orta is smaller, quieter, and arguably more atmospheric than its neighbour Lake Maggiore. The medieval village of Orta San Giulio, with its cobbled lanes, frescoed palazzos, and lakeside piazza, is enchanting. Take a 5-minute boat to Isola San Giulio, a tiny island housing a 12th-century basilica and a Benedictine convent. The Sacro Monte di Orta overlooks the lake from a wooded hillside. Villa Crespi, a Moorish-style 19th-century villa, holds 2 Michelin stars under chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo and is one of Italy's most famous restaurants. Orta is 30 minutes from Stresa (Lake Maggiore) and makes a perfect day trip or couple's overnight escape.

13. Discover Turin's Historic Cafés and Chocolate Culture

Turin is one of Europe's great café cities, with historic coffeehouses that have preserved their 18th and 19th-century interiors. Caffè Al Bicerin, established in 1763 on Piazza della Consolata, serves its namesake drink — bicerin — a layered glass of espresso, hot chocolate, and whole milk cream, served unstirred so the layers mingle as you drink. Caffè Torino on Piazza San Carlo has been serving Turin's elite since 1903. Baratti & Milano, in the stunning Galleria Subalpina, is a chocolate-lover's haven. These cafés are also the best places to try giandujotto, Turin's iconic hazelnut-chocolate creation. Guido Gobino and Peyrano are the finest chocolate artisans, with shops throughout the city centre.

14. Hike from Stresa to the Summit of Monte Mottarone

Monte Mottarone (1,491 m) offers one of Italy's most stunning panoramic views, with Lake Maggiore spread below, the seven Borromean Islands visible in detail, and a 360° Alpine panorama from Monte Rosa to the Matterhorn. Take the Stresa–Mottarone cable car to Alpino (800 m), then hike the remaining 691 metres of elevation gain through beech and birch forests to the summit. The full round-trip hike from Stresa is 12 km with 900 m elevation gain (5 hours, moderate). The summit has a restaurant serving local dishes with the view. Mountain bikers can descend on dedicated trails. Cable car runs March–November. Return ticket €18.

15. Explore Vercelli's Rice Plains and Romanesque Basilica

The flat plains east of Turin produce more than half of Italy's rice — the flooded paddies create spectacular mirror landscapes, especially at sunrise and sunset in spring when the fields are flooded for planting. Vercelli itself is home to the Basilica di Sant'Andrea, one of northern Italy's finest Romanesque-Gothic churches (1219–1227), with striped marble façade and towering campanile. The town also holds the Museo del Tesoro del Duomo with medieval treasures. For a unique culinary experience, order paniscia — a hearty rice, bean, and salami dish unique to Vercelli. The area is also the birthplace of grissini (breadsticks), invented in Turin but perfected here. Vercelli is 30 minutes from Turin by train.

Piedmont at a Glance: Quick Facts

• Best for: Wine lovers, foodies, hikers, skiers, culture and history enthusiasts
• Main airport: Turin Caselle (TRN), Milan Malpensa (MXP) — 1.5 hours by train
• Main train stations: Turin Porta Susa (high speed), Turin Porta Nuova, Alba, Stresa
• Best time to visit: May–June for hiking and green landscapes; September–October for wine and truffles; January–February for skiing; April–May or October for lowest crowds
• Top souvenirs: Giandujotti chocolate, Barolo wine, white truffle products, Tonda Gentile hazelnuts, Borsalino hats
• Key festivals: Alba Truffle Fair (Oct–Nov), Salone del Gusto (Apr, biennial), Barolo Wine Festival (Oct), CioccolaTÒ (Mar), Battle of the Oranges Ivrea (Feb)
• Getting around: Turin has excellent public transit. A car is essential for the Langhe and Gran Paradiso. Trains connect major towns.

Suggested Itineraries by Trip Length

Weekend in Turin (2–3 days)

Day 1: Egyptian Museum (morning), lunch at a historic café, Mole Antonelliana and Cinema Museum (afternoon), aperitivo in Quadrilatero Romano. Day 2: Palazzo Reale and Galleria Sabauda (morning), Reggia di Venaria Reale (afternoon), dinner in San Salvario. Day 3 (optional): Sacra di San Michele morning trip, afternoon at MAO and GAM museums.

Long Weekend: Turin + Langhe (4–5 days)

Days 1–2: Turin as above. Day 3: Transport to Alba, afternoon wine tasting in Barolo and La Morra. Day 4: Alba morning market, truffle hunting experience, guided wine tour of Barbaresco. Day 5: Return to Turin via Asti, stopping for Moscato tasting.

Week: Turin + Langhe + Lakes (7+ days)

Days 1–2: Turin. Days 3–4: Alba and the Langhe. Day 5: Drive to Stresa, afternoon on Lake Maggiore's Borromean Islands. Day 6: Hike Monte Mottarone, visit Lake Orta and Orta San Giulio. Day 7: Gran Paradiso day hike or travel home via Milan Malpensa.

Frequently Asked Questions

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