Category: TRAVEL GUIDE & ITINERARIES
๐ 6 min. reading
โ๏ธ Turin Why Not!
title article:
What to Do in Turin When It Rains: The Rainy Day Guide through Arcades, Unusual Museums, and Cinemas
SUBTITLE:
Turin is an elegant regal city, but let’s admit it: when it rains, it can seem a little melancholic. Don’t let the Savoy weather discourage you! The Piedmontese capital possesses a unique secret weapon that allows you to visit it while staying almost entirely dry. In this guide, we reveal how to turn a rainy day into an unforgettable experience, leveraging the mythical arcades, discovering unusual museums, and taking refuge in the most beautiful movie theaters.
quick table of contents
๐In this article:
- The Magic of the Arcades: 18 km of Dry Walking
- The Classic Great Museums (A Safe Refuge)
- โ Recommended Historic Cafรฉ to warm up a bit!
- Lesser-Known & Unusual Museums: Discover Turin’s Hidden Side
- ๐๏ธ Must-Try Guided Tours in Turin (Somewhere Tours & Events)
- ๐จ Where to Stay near the Arcades
- Turin City of Cinema & Theater: Historic Venues and Central Cinemas
. FIRST SECTION – The Magic of the Arcades: 18 km of Dry Walking
The true Turin miracle against rain is its 18 kilometers of arcades. Commissioned by the Savoys to allow nobility to stroll without getting wet, today they are the perfect refuge for every visitor. You can cross the entire city center, from Piazza Castello to Piazza San Carlo and up to Porta Nuova station, walking under imposing Baroque arches and admiring shop windows without ever opening an umbrella. The historical and commercial heart of the city beats beneath the arcades.
. SECOND SECTION – The Classic Great Museums (A Safe Refuge)
When the rain persists, Turin’s great museums offer the perfect sanctuary. Not only do they provide hours of dry and comfortable exploration, but they also house some of Italy’s most prestigious cultural treasures. Beyond the iconic Egyptian Museum โ a world-class attraction and a vast complex that can easily occupy an entire day โ a rainy day is an ideal time to visit the Royal Museums (Musei Reali).
These majestic connected spaces include the Royal Palace, the Sabauda Gallery, the Royal Armory, and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. You can wander for hours through regal halls and art collections without ever stepping outside, making it an expansive and dry immersion in Savoy history. Other major, safe refuges include the National Museum of the Risorgimento, housed in the impressive Palazzo Carignano, and the GAM – Civic Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, both offering comprehensive and entirely indoor cultural experiences.
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. THIRD SECTION – โ Recommended Historic Cafรฉ to warm up a bit!
WHERE TO EAT (historic cafรฉ)
(SUGGEST BY TURIN WHY NOT!)
Caffรจ San Carlo
Caffรจ San Carlo Turin is also a historic venue that was born around 200 years ago. Located under the arcades of the homonymous Piazza San Carlo, in the past, it was a meeting place for intellectuals, philosophers, and politicians.
Caffรจ Elena
Caffรจ Elena is one of the cityโs most historic bars. Its history dates back 130 years, and it has always been a place for meetings and cultural debates. The establishment has retained its old style and is very charming.
. FOURTH SECTION – Lesser-Known & Unusual Museums: Discover Turin’s Hidden Side
While the great classics like the Egyptian Museum are mandatory stops, a rainy day is ideal for exploring the city’s lesser-known and most original gems:
- MAO – Museo d’Arte Orientale: Set in a historic palace, this museum houses one of the most significant collections of East Asian and South Asian art in Italy, offering a fascinating journey through diverse cultures and artistic traditions.
- Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali: A haven for nature enthusiasts, this museum showcases a wide range of exhibits on Piedmontese fauna and flora, mineralogy, and paleontology, providing insights into the natural history of the region and beyond.
- Museo Nazionale della Montagna “Duca degli Abruzzi”: Located on Monte dei Cappuccini, this museum is dedicated to the study and promotion of mountains worldwide. It features exhibits on mountaineering history, cartography, and the cultural heritage of mountain populations, alongside stunning views of Turin and the Alps.
These museums offer unique perspectives and enriching experiences, often providing a quiet and contemplative atmosphere away from the crowds of the major attractions.
. FIFTH SECTION – ๐๏ธ Must-Try Guided Tours in Turin
BEST GUIDED TOURS IN TURIN
(partner with somewhere TOURS & EVENTS)
UNDERGROUND TURIN – WALKING TOUR
MAGIC TURIN TOUR
. SIXTH SECTION – ๐จ Where to Stay near the Arcades
WHERE TO STAY (near Arcade)
(SUGGEST BY TURIN WHY NOT!)
Starhotel Majestic (โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ)
The breakfast is excellent, with everything you could wish for, and the location is very convenient, close to Porta Nuova train station and just a few hundred meters from the cityโs main attractions.
Aedel Lxr (Residence)
Refined details, vintage furnishings, impeccable cleanliness, and the kindness of the hosts are all strengths that make this accommodation truly special. The location is absolutely excellent, just a few steps from Turinโs iconic landmark, the Mole Antonelliana.
. SEVENTH SECTION – Turin City of Cinema & Theater: Historic Venues and Central Cinemas
Turin has a long-standing passion for the performing arts and cinema. When the rain sets in, taking refuge in one of the city’s iconic theaters or central picture houses is one of the most rewarding ways to spend an afternoon or evening.
- Teatro Regio: Turinโs premier opera house and one of the oldest active opera companies in the world. Located right off Piazza Castello, its striking architecture and world-class performances of opera, ballet, and symphonic music offer a truly grand indoor experience.
- Teatro Alfieri: A cornerstone of Turin’s theatrical tradition, situated near Piazza Solferino. It boasts a rich program ranging from classical drama and comedy to modern musicals and live theater productions.
- Cinema Massimo: Located right at the foot of the Mole Antonelliana and operated by the National Museum of Cinema, this iconic venue is the beating heart of local film culture, hosting retrospectives, independent films, and international film festivals in their original language.
- Greenwich Village Cinema: A charming central multiplex nestled in the historic core, beloved by film enthusiasts for its cozy atmosphere, curated selection of auteur cinema, and original-language screenings with subtitles.
