FOLLOW US

World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Italy > Turin

Local time Turin

Currency

Shopping in Turin

With 18km (11 miles) of arcades, shopping in Turin is a pleasant experience come rain or shine. Many of its stores date back to the 19th century when Turin was the capital of Italy. It is also home to some of the best chocolate shops in the world.

Key areas

The main shopping area in Turin is between Via Roma, the pedestrianised Via Carlo Alberto and Via Lagrange where brands such as Ferragamo, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana can be found.

Elsewhere, Via Garibaldi is home to cheaper fashion stores, Via Po is lined with antiquarian bookshops and vintage record stores, while the district within Via Barbaroux, Via San Tommaso and Via Monte di Pietà is full of craft shops.

The city has many historic chocolate shops too including Peyrano, corso Vittorio Emanuele 11, and Stroppiana, Via Paoli 51. A good selection of Piedmont wines is available from Antico Enoteca del Borgo, via Monferrato 4 and Casa del Barolo, via Andrea Doria, 7.

Markets

Turin regularly holds more than 60 markets that sell everything from craftwork and clothes to fruit, vegetables and wines. Don't miss Europe's largest open-air market, Porta Palazzo, along Piazza della Repubblica, which hawks cheap clothes, accessories and food. Vintage lovers should time their visit with the Gran Balôn, a huge flea market held every second Sunday of the month.

Shopping centres

8 Gallery, at 230 Via Nizza, houses many high street stores and fast food restaurants in an old Fiat car factory in Lingotto.

Opening hours

Shops generally open Tuesday to Saturday 0930-1230 and 1530-1930. Some open on Monday afternoons as well.

Souvenirs

The best holiday mementoes from Turin include fine chocolates, local Piedmont wines, high-end fashion and creaking Italian antiques.

Tax information

Value added tax is 22%. Travellers from outside the EU can claim back sales tax on purchases over €155. Look for the 'Tax Free' stickers in the windows of shops.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

SEE MORE

Townhouse 70

In the heart of the historic centre, just behind the Piazza Castello, this boutique hotel occupies a renovated historic building and has 48 comfortable rooms. It also has tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms (a rarity in Italy) alongside free Wi-Fi and upmarket toiletries.

Gianduja B&B

This friendly bed and breakfast has clean bright rooms and is furnished with contemporary fabrics and modern bathrooms - some with spa baths. Book a room with a balcony to enjoy views of Turin's street life and the mountains beyond. There is a bus and tram stop just outside the hotel for onward travel across the city.

Pensione Orizzonte

Situated alongside the antique booksellers and record dealers of Via Po, staying at this classic pensione (guest house) is like stepping back in time. Rooms are simple, but clean, with elegant parquet floors. Wi-Fi and breakfast are included in the hotel's very reasonable room rates.

Victoria Hotel

Nab yourself a top floor room of this elegant, centrally positioned hotel as most come with stylish roof terraces that afford distant views of the Alps. This welcoming 4-star stay comes with the added bonus of a peaceful spa complete with swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Breakfast is an exquisite spread and afternoon tea is also worth your time.

NH Torino Lingotto Tech

This 4-star hotel in the enormous former Fiat factory is situated next to the conference centre and 8Gallery, Turin's main shopping mall. All rooms have vast windows and high ceilings and are furnished with sleek modern furniture.

Grand Hotel Sitea

This 4-star hotel in the centre of the city has been around since 1925. It has plush, soundproofed rooms and regularly plays host to visiting film and sporting stars. The Carignano Restaurant serves a Piedmont tasting menu, so guests can familiarise themselves with the local specialities.