The Top Things To Do And See In Turin's Aurora

Turin was once Italy’s capital and it still shows in her regal charm, with her many interesting spots, from Piazza Castello to the Mole Antonelliana, in which resides the Museo del Cinema. One lesser-known quarter, but still very fascinating and worth a visit, is Aurora; a raw, rough and wholly local area. Take a look at what to see and do within this curious neigborhood’s borders…

1. Get lost in Porta Palazzo

Market

Get lost in Porta Palazzo

Hop off cable car number four at Piazza della Repubblica, best known as Porta Palazzo, to visit one of Turin‘s most beautiful squares, along with Piazza San Carlo, just steps away from the City Hall. As the name suggests, this was once a very rich neighborhood. Now the plaza hosts a huge and folsky permanent market, where travelers can find pretty much anything at very reasonable prices! Porta Palazzo, Piazza della Repubblica, Torino, Italy

2. Visit Balon

Market

Visit Balon

Balon (pronounced buh-loon) is the biggest flea market in Europe. It takes place each Saturday morning and every second Sunday in Borgo Dora, one of the most characteristic boroughs of the area. Here, many antiquity shops put their merchandise on display, making strolling through the market a truly wonderful and often bizarre experience. Expect everything from antique night stands to piles of old TV remotes, from old comic books to used eyeglasses! via Borgo Dora, Torino, Italy

3. Stop for ice-cream at Gelateria Popolare

Stop for ice-cream at Gelateria Popolare

Take a break at the cozy Gelateria Popolare in the heart of Borgo Dora. Customers are welcomed in a colorful environment by friendly gelatai and can choose from a fair variety of flavors, among which, of course, is gianduja, a traditional type of chocolate made with local hazelnuts from Piedmont. Requesting their delicious whipped cream on top of the ice-cream is highly recommended! Gelateria Popolare, via Borgo Dora 3,Torino, Italy

4. Check out Turin from the sky

Check out Turin from the sky

As an award for the Best Borough in Europe, an anchored balloon was set in Piazza Borgo Dora in 2012. It flies up 150 meters above ground, from which tourists can admire the breathtaking landscape of Turin. If in groups larger than 10, it is best to make a reservation, otherwise information about opening hours can be found on the Turin Eye website. Turin Eye, via Borgo Dora 1, Torino,Italy

5. Visit Caserma Cavalli

Visit Caserma Cavalli

A former arsenal, Caserma Cavalli was restored in 2013 and redecorated by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, now hosting Scuola Holden of Storytelling and Performing Arts. The place is constantly crawling with young creative minds at work, immersed in a colorful environment. It’s not unusual to hear students play the piano or discuss art here. Visitors can take a tour by appointment around the halls and the classrooms, the court and the General Store theatre on-site. On its front porch Scuola Holden established Fronte del Borgo, a space open to the public where free events are hosted and where visitors can rent books or play table soccer. Scuola Holden, Piazza Borgo Dora 49,Torino, Italy By Carlotta Bosi

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.