One of the most underrated and beautiful regions in Northwest Italy is Piedmont. It’s located on the Swiss and French border and features breathtaking and fertile landscapes that make the area one of the best for tasting wine, truffle hunting, savoring fresh food, touring historic sites and enjoying outdoor adventures. There are many wonderful things to do in Piedmont, or Piemonte in Italian!

Piedmont means the base of a mountain because it is located right at the bottom of the Italian Alps. The city of Torino (or Turin) is the region’s capital and was also Italy’s first capital until 1864. The 2006 Winter Olympic Games were also held in Turin. The Piedmont region is also home to medieval towns, white truffles, 50% of Italy’s rice, as well as Lavazza and Eataly’s headquarters.

In June 2022, I did a big summer Europe trip for my 31^st birthday with a few travel bloggers. I started my journey by visiting Barcelona, Spain. From there, I also enjoyed wine tasting in the Priorate wine region of Catalonia and savored delicious paella from its birthplace of Valencia.

After Spain, I made my way to the small country of Andorra, situated in the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France. Then, I spent a whole week exploring the French Riviera before ending my trip in Northern Italy.

While in Piedmont, I spent two nights in Turin with my friend Ashley of World to Wander and explored the region from there. In this article, discover the best things to do in Piedmont, Italy during the summer.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Turin, Palazzo Del Carretto hosted me for two nights.

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Traveling to Piedmont, Italy:

If you plan to visit Piedmont, Turin-Caselle Airport in Turin is the best place to fly into. You can easily get there from any major city in Europe! If you’re traveling internationally, you will most likely have a connection in another major city in Italy or Europe like Rome, Naples, Paris, London, etc. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner.

The best way to get from the airport to the city center is by taking the train to Dora rail station. It costs €3 to get from the airport to the city and is around a 20-minute trip. In addition to public transportation, you can use a ride-sharing app, like Uber or Bolt, and take taxis to get to your accommodation.

When traveling around Piedmont, especially if you want to get out of the cities, it is best to rent a car. Please note that you will need to have an international driver’s permit in addition to your regular license. If you live in the U.S., you can easily obtain one by visiting your local AAA office.

You can walk or utilize the city’s public transportation to get around Turin. GTT is the company that boasts Turin’s public tram, bus and metro.

Where to Stay in Piedmont:

The best Turin hotel to stay at, in the heart of the city, is Palazzo del Carretto. These luxury-boutique apartment suites and guesthouses will make you feel like royalty.

Not only is Palazzo del Carretto near the Egyptian Museum, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, the Teatro Regio, the Duomo di Torino, The Royal Gardens and many historic cafés and antique shops, but the hotel is in noble rich settlements, which explains the architectural beauty of the property, façades, entrance and more.

The Palazzo was established by Francesco Giacinto Gallinati in 1689. Later, it was purchased in 1768 by Marquis Carlo Tete Del Carretto of Gorzegno, who made the residence what it is today.

During my stay at Palazzo del Carretto, I stayed in the Royal Suite, which features mirrors, chandeliers and a boiserie from the 1600s. Our suite also had a balcony overlooking Turin’s romantic side streets!

While I stayed in this stunning suite, I was greeted with champagne, an incredible breakfast, coffee and more. I also loved how Palazzo del Carretto was within walking distance to the train station, Turin’s best restaurants and jaw-dropping landmarks.

In addition to all the beautiful décor, the Royal Suite also had an en-suite bathroom, queen size bed, bar with espresso coffee maker and kettle, double sofa bed and more. Overall, this lovely hotel’s suites combine Northern Italy’s past charm with modern comforts.

Not only can you stay in the Royal Suite at Palazzo del Carretto, but there are also Garden Suites, Executive Suites, Garden Plus Suite, Romantic Suite, Madame Suite and the Marquis Suite.

Things to do in Piedmont in the Summer:

The best time to visit Piedmont is the end of June into early July. It’s when the weather is the most beautiful, with average temperatures in the 70s° Fahrenheit. Summer in Piedmont is also an excellent time to enjoy wine tasting, hiking, truffle hunting and doing day trips to one of Northern Italy’s beautiful lakes.

Because of Piedmont’s location, it’s easy to visit from the French Riviera and makes for a great addition to a Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary.

Best Places to Visit in Piedmont, Italy: Piedmont Tourist Attractions

Tour Turin – The Capital of Piedmont, Italy:

Turin is the 4^th largest city in Italy behind Rome, Milan and Naples. It boasts the House of Savoy, a royal dynasty with much rich history dating back to 218 BC. A fun fact is that Julius Caesar made it to Turin in 58 BC!

Considered the City of Magic, Turin is an elegant metropolis that is also young, attractive and thriving! It’s also an automotive city, home to FIAT’s headquarters and a prominent cinema hub.

Overall, there are many great things to do in Turin in the Piedmont region. Discover what to do in Piedmont’s capital below:

Shop along Via Roma and Via Garibaldi:

Roma Street was established in the Fascist era in the 1930s. Nowadays, it’s a shopping hub that offers a mix of luxury to affordable clothing, jewelry and home décor stores.

Garibaldi Street is considered the oldest street in Turin. You can see the Decumana Gate from the street, boasting beautiful 18^th-Century churches. On Via Garibaldi, you can shop and enjoy one of the many restaurants or gelato shops and street vendors.

You may even come across a food market on a beautiful summer day. There’s nothing like a summer market in Italy!

Visit the Egyptian Museum:

A trip to Turin is incomplete without visiting the Egyptian Museum or Museo Egizio. A reason why it’s one of the most incredible places to visit in Piedmont is that it’s also the oldest museum in the world dedicated to Egyptian civilization. The museum is also the most visited in Italy.

You can see over 30,000 works, ancient artifacts, jewelry and more during a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Turin. You must see the Papyri Collection, which has over 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian documentation. Next, check out the Tomb of the Unknown and the mummies preserved through the Mummy Conservation Project.

Other interesting exhibits at the Egyptian Museum in Turin are the Gallery of Kings, the Coffin Gallery and the Temple of Ellesiya.

Tour the Palazzo Reale di Torino:

The 16^th Century Royal Palace of Turin was built for the House of Savoy, the Royal Family of Italy, in the 19^th Century. Nowadays, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

One of the best things to do in Piedmont is to tour the Royal Palace. You can purchase tickets online for a guided tour to avoid lines onsite. It costs €15 for a regular adult ticket for those over 25 years old; €13 for a young adult ticket for 18-25 years old and it’s free to enter for children under 18, people with disabilities and their companions, teachers with school groups, tour guides with a group, ministry staff and holders of Abbonamento Musei, Torino+Piemonte Card and ICOM card.

The Palazzo Reale preserves one of Italy’s most extensive collections of antiques, showcasing the Savoy Family‘s taste throughout the centuries. You can also admire different paintings, archaeological artifacts, tapestries, porcelain, furniture, silver, crystals, etc.

You can learn about Italy’s royal history at the Palazzo Reale and enjoy the nature surrounding the palace and residences by walking through The Royal Gardens. These seven hectares of stunning gardens include many tree and floral specials, sculptural work and contemporary art installations.

Enjoy the Beauty of Piazza San Carlo:

Designed by Carlo di Castellamonte in 1642, the Piazza San Carlo was completed and opened to the public in 1650. It’s considered the most beautiful square in Turin as it features jaw-dropping Baroque architecture.

The monument of Emanuele Filiberto, the Duke of Savoy is in the Piazza San Carlo. The square also boasts the Egypt Museum, the famous dessert shop – Confeterria Stratta, the twin churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo, the famous coffee shops – Caffé San Carlo and Caffé Torino and has easy access to the Via Roma.

Check out the Duomo di Torino:

Situated in the Piazza San Giovanni, next to the Palazzo Reale is the Duomo di Torino, or the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista. It’s a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

Known as one of Piedmont, Italy’s top tourist attractions, the Duomo di Torino is a 15^th-Century cathedral that features Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It’s beautiful!

Admire the City Views at Monte dei Cappucini:

If you love a beautiful view, go to Monte dei Cappucini, which overlooks the entire Turin historic center and the nearby Alps. On the hill is a late-Renaissance church that cannot be missed.

The Monte dei Cappucini overlooks the River Po by the bridge of Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The hill was used for defensive purposes for many centuries.

Savor Delicious Piemontese Food:

Since Piedmont is close to the French border, Piemontese food is like what you’d find in France. Just think, butter, cheese, pastries and more. Truffles are also popular in Piedmont along with creamy risotto, chocolate and hazelnut, rabbit and beef dishes.

Below is where Ashley and I ate during our time in Turin:

La Piola Sabauda: This is a cozy Piemontese restaurant with good local food and wine near Piazza San Carlo. I loved the atmosphere and enjoyed the Tajarin with white truffle (pictured above) and a local Barbera; it was great!

Piano B Pizza: Situated near the River Po and Parco del Valentino is Piano B Pizza & Public House Gourmet. The pizza is delicious at this spot and the atmosphere is fun and trendy! It’s the perfect place for a relaxing evening with friends.

Below are other great places to eat in Turin, Italy:

• Capriccioli
• Tre Galline
• Il Ristorante Del Cambio
• Dai Saletta
• Piola Da Celso
• Stefano Fanti Al Ristorante Circolo dei Lettori
• Antica Trattoria Cirio
• Scannabue Caffé

Click here to book a cooking class in Turin!

Attend the San Giovanni Feast in June:

In Turin in late June, you will come across the La Festa di San Giovanni, or The Feast of St. John in English. It’s one of the most important and special events in Italy. Not only does The Feast of St. John take place in Turin, but you can also experience it in Florence and Genoa.

St. John, or San Giovanni, was a patron saint born on June 24. He was an important religious figure when Jesus was alive. He was also known for baptism rituals in the Jordan River.

This annual public holiday honors St. John the Baptist. Schools, offices and local businesses are closed and locals enjoy a parade, fireworks, live music, sporting events, traditional bonfires and numerous local food markets.

We saw part of the parade and fireworks show in Turin. It was much fun, and Turin is worth visiting to experience this festival.

Go Truffle Hunting in the Langhe Wine Region:

Piedmont is one of the best Italian regions to go truffle hunting! It’s one of the top things to do in the region and the best area to truffle hunt is in the Langhe Wine Region!

The Langhe area is in the rolling hills of Piedmont, which offers the best white truffle hunting spots. In fact, Piedmont is the white truffle capital! During a tour through Langhe Truffle, near the small town of Bra, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience with a professional Trifulau and his dog.

While hunting, you will learn all about truffle, where and how it grows outside the town of Alba. The Trifulau will take you into the woods, where you’ll learn the secrets and traditional research techniques behind the Alba white truffle. The dog will sense where the truffle is and begin to dig. From there, you’ll find this unique mushroom.

A truffle hunting experience is incomplete without tasting the truffle. After your hunting experience, you’ll try different local dishes served with the truffle and paired with wine. Everything is fantastic!

What is unique about the town of Bra is that it’s the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement in Italy. It’s a celebration of locally grown food made to nourish the body and appreciated when consumed. Whether you go truffle hunting or not, Bra is a great place to visit for delicious food!

Enjoy Wine Tasting in Piedmont:

Piedmont is one of the most beautiful places for wine lovers to enjoy! Because this region in Northwest Italy sits at the base of the western Alps, it has a mix of cool Alpine and mild Mediterranean weather. The combination of climates makes for good wine!

The commune of Barolo is known for the planet’s longest-lived and most collectible wines. It’s made from the Nebbiolo grape variety grown on hillsides. Many people like to compare Barolo with the Burgundy wine region in France.

The medieval villages that makeup Barolo, where you must go wine tasting, are Barolo itself, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, Novello and Verduno.

It’s best to be patient with Barolo wines and possibly wait three to five years before popping the cork. Barolo wines are modern but have more ripe fruit and significant oak influence.

A wonderful winery to visit in Barolo is Cascina Sòt. It’s a family-owned business in Monforte d’Alba and provides a memorable experience for all who visit!

When Ashley and I arrived, we were greeted by the family’s dogs, who led us to the cellar, where we tasted wines and enjoyed a charcuterie. It was a wonderful experience! We tasted several reds, including Barolo, Langhe and Barbera, a rosé and two white wines.  

North of Barolo is the commune of Asti (spumante). Asti is iconic for its sparkling white wines. Another one of the best things to do in Piedmont is to visit the Asti area and get a taste of Italy’s most renowned sparkling wines like Moscato d’Asti, which is a light sparkling and sweet white wine; Asti Spumante, a low alcohol sparkling white wine; Asti Spumante Metodo Classico, which is similar to Champagne and a higher alcohol level, along with Vendemmia Tardiva, which is a late-harvest sweet white wine.

Situated near Asti is Castagnole delle Lanze. Ashley and I visited Criolin, which is an award-winning, father-son winery that is known for Moscato and Barbera, a red wine that is popular in Piedmont.

During a visit to Criolin Farm, you can enjoy a harvest adventure and a vineyard-to-cellar experience. Criolin also has picnic tables, so you can sit outside, enjoy the breathtaking views and taste wine while savoring cured meats.

A visit to Criolin in Piedmont is incomplete without learning about the vineyards, production process and company. During a Gold Experience at Criolin, you can do a tour followed by a guided tasting of six wines, along with cured meats and cheeses.

I always have the best times wine tasting and can attest that Piedmont is one of the leading destinations for all wine lovers. An organized tour is one of the best ways to get around Piedmont’s wine regions. If you plan to drive, you will need a car, but please be mindful if you decide to wine taste.

Visit the Castello Reale di Govone:

One of the top places in Piedmont to visit is the Castello Reale di Govone. It’s a Baroque castle that dominates the Tanaro River Valley in Northwest Italy. It was built in the 13^th Century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The castle in Govone today was built in 1778 on top of an older one. Touring this castle is one of the best things to do in Piedmont and you will not be disappointed. In addition to seeing the castle, you must also walk through the stunning gardens that feature beautiful ancient roses, tulips, nature trails and terraces that offer breathtaking views of the Langhe and nearby sacred mountains.

After checking out the castle, wander around the small, peaceful, but beautiful town of Govone. A wonderful spot to enjoy a coffee, croissant or glass of wine is at Il Menestrello Wine Bar, located in the heart of town.

See the Lavender Fields in Northwestern Italy:

Guess what? Provence, France isn’t the only area in Europe to see lavender fields in the summer. When visiting Piedmont from mid-June into mid-July, you can see the stunning lavender fields near the wine region of Barolo.

The village of Sale San Giovanni is considered the Provençal corner of Piedmont due to its lavender cultivations. Not only can you walk through the rows of lavender, but you can also shop for local lavender products, honey and farm-fresh herbs.

In fact, the village of Sale San Giovanni has a herbal festival during the last weekend of every June. The streets are filled with flower stands and stalls selling essential oils, lavender-based products, baked goods, clothing, jewelry and more.

A short drive from Turin is the commune of Castelnuovo Don Bosco, where you can see more expansive lavender fields and shop from various local products! Please note that it’s best to have a rental car to get to the lavender fields in Piedmont.

Discover the Great Wall of Piedmont:

I bet you didn’t know Italy also has a “Great Wall” like China. Located west of Turin is the Forte di Fenestrelle in a remote valley near the Alps and the French border. Visiting this fascinating landmark while you’re exploring Piedmont is one of the best things to do!

The Forte di Fenestrelle was built in the late 17^th Century into the early 18^th Century to protect the city of Turin from French conquerors. It’s the second-largest defensive structure on the planet after the Great Wall of China.

During a visit to the fort, you can book a seven-hour guided tour that will take you to the top. It’s a challenging but fun adventure since there are 4,000 steps! If you prefer a shorter tour, you can have fun on the 3-hour walk to the Devil’s Garrison, which is only a few hundred steps up. There is also a one-hour, accessible tour that guides people around the lower fort area and museum.

It’s best to book your tour in advance!

Hike around Piedmont:

Since the Piedmont region of Italy is surrounded by the Alps, one of the best ways to get out of the city and enjoy outdoor activities is by visiting one of the many hiking trails.

The top three easy nature trails in Piedmont are Dormelletto – Lagoni di Mercurago at 5.3 miles, Gallo d’Alba – Grinzane Cavour at 2.5 miles and Sentiero Azzurro Agliano Terme at 3.6 miles. The best moderate trails are Barolo – La Morra – Castello della Volta at 6.6 miles, Mergozzo Sentiero Azzurro at 6.3 miles and Monte Faje – Vercio at 4.3 miles. Challenging regional hikes are Rifugio Questa – Lago delle Portette at 10 miles, Monte Chaberton at 9 miles and Tour de Monte Rose Segment 5 at 14.9 miles.

Do a Day Trip to Milan from Turin:

Piedmont has a prime location. If you plan to stay in Turin, you must do a day trip to Milan via train. Italy’s second-largest city is a financial hub and the fashion capital of this Southern European country. It’s also less than a two-hour train ride from Turin’s Porta Nuova train station.

During a day trip to Milan, you must visit the city’s top attractions like the fascinating Duomo di Milano, shop through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, tour the Castello Sforzesco and enjoy an afternoon spritz at one of the many rooftop bars that overlook the Duomo.

Make a Day Trip to Lake Como in Northern Italy:

Another excellent day trip to take from Turin, which is less than three hours by train and less than two hours by car, is Como.

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy and I suggest everyone visit at some point. One of the best things to do on Lake Como is to take a private boat tour of the different villages along the lake. During this tour, you’ll also pass celebrity mansions, palazzos and breathtaking scenery.

The communes of Varenna and Bellagio are stunning to stroll through, enjoy good food and shop! You can also take the Pigra Cable Car to the top of the mountains in Como to admire magnificent views of the entire lake!

Other beautiful lakes to visit from Piedmont are Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore.

If you love Piedmont, you’ll also love:

Beaune, France

Slovenia

Cotswolds, England

I hope you all enjoyed discovering the 10 best things to do in Piedmont this summer. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of Italy:

Currency: Euro, Capital: Rome, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

In addition, a great and secure luggage storage to utilize during your summer Europe trip is Nannybag! It is easy to use; all you do is download the Nannybag app, type in the city that you will be visiting and when you plan to arrive and depart. At a small cost per luggage, Nannybag will list the stores, restaurants or hotels where you could drop your bag off at the city you are visiting.

Nannybag is also insured against theft, loss and breakage. It’s a convenient way to store your bags when you are traveling from one city to the next in Europe.

Shop my Piedmont Look:

Click here to shop my Poshmark closet!