From 10 to 14 May 2022 Turin, or Torino, is the city that is going to host the Eurovision Song Contest. It is also the city where I live and work. So, are you coming to Turin for the Eurovision Song Contest and you do not know how to arrive, move or organize your stay? Fear not, I’ll try to collect here as many tips and info as possible and I have tried to answer all the questions that might arise when visiting a new city. Pin this post as I might update it regularly and subscribe to the now and then newsletter to get more ideas about Turin or get news about events related to the Eurovision Song Contest.
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And if you have questions, comment under this post. I’ll be happy to help.
1. Where is Turin?
Turin, Torino in Italian, is in Piedmont, Piemonte, a region in North Italy between Lombardian, whose capital city is Milan and France. Turin is an industrial city famous for Fiat cars, chocolate and Juventus. But is also a tousit destination especially after the 2006 Winter Olympic games which have shown the world a city with a long history and many tourist attractions.
2. Does Turin have an airport?
Yes. The Sandro Pertini Airport International Airport is in a town called Caselle, few km far from Turin City Centre. You can easily reach the city with a train, by bus or taxy. You can also rent a car once you arrive or book it in advance. Info on the website.
3. Can I reach Turin by train?
Yes. The main stations of the city are Porta Nuova and Porta Susa which welcome both domestic and international trains. Porta Susa is generally the train stop for high-speed trains, here stops the TGV which brings you directly to Paris.
4. Does Turin have the underground to reach the Eurovision Song Contest venue?
Yes, with the 2006 Olympic Games Turin has had its first subway line and it is now working on a second line. At the moment, stops include Porta Susa and Porta Nuova Stations. The nearest stop to Eurovision Song Contest Main venue is Bengasi.
5. Where will Eurovision Song Contest take place in Turin?
The Festival will be held at PalaOlimpico, also called PalaAlpitour or PalaIsozaki, the latter from the name of its architect. It is a beautiful building of stain and glass with modular seats surrounded by a green area. It was designed for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, hence the current name. The venue is in a lively district called Santa Rita that has many shops, hotels, B&B and supermarkets. Reaching the city centre is easy, but I recommend public transports as finding a parking place might be challenging, especially during events and holidays.
6. How can I get tickets for Eurovision Song Contest?
Let me warn you: tickets are quite difficult to get and you have to be very careful when try to buy one form non official sellers. But It is not impossible, have a look at this post.
7. Where can I meet Eurovision Song Contestants while in Turin?
It is difficult to say where singers and bands will spend their nights and free time, in case they will have any. For sure hotels and bars in the centre will be the right venue to check if you want to meet your idol. Something tells me that Turin Palace, Principi di Piemonte, Allegroitalia Silver Palce and Nh Hotels (there are a few in the city centre) have already been booked by pop and rockstars. And the nice bars and cafeterias might be the right places for a coffee or a drink, so… good luck for your star hunting.
8. Will Maneskin be in Turin for Eurovision Song Contest?
I have absolutely no idea. No rumors have spread in the city so far. Maneskin live in Rome but at the moment are touring the world, so I guess it will be difficult for them to join Eurovision. But who knows, I’ll keep my eyes peeled in case I see (or hear) something.
9. What can I eat in Turin?
Turin is famous for chocolate in every form and shape. Make sure you try artisanal icecream and cakes. A nice thing to bring home as a souvenir is a praline called gianduiotto.
At lunch or dinner try the handmade pasta called agnolotti, risotto or the fassona meat, a local beef cattle. And then cheese, cured meat and the traditional finger bread called grissini.
10. And to drink?
Wine. From the precious red Barolo, coming from the Lange area, or other red wines like Nebbiolo and Dolcetto to whites like Arneis and Nascetta. If you love sweet wines, I recommend a glass of Moscato. But Turin is also famous for liquors like Vermouth and cocktails like Martini.
11. Will Eurovision be only at Palaolimpico?
Well the Festival will be held there, but the city is preparing a great number of side events which will include musical shows and performances.
12. Is there a Tourist Office?
Of course. It’s name is Turismo Torino, you will find it in Piazza Castello. I recommend it to visit it first thing first to get a city map, the latest news on events and even book a guided tour. If you plan to visit museums, get the Torino+Piemonte card, a pass which will allow you to visit many museums and save a lot of money.
13. What shall I visit in Turin?
Well, we have a loto of museums, ancient palaces, castles, royal residences and churches. It is difficult to choose a few. If it is your first time here, I suggest Royal Palace, Egyptian Museum, Cathedral and Cinema Museum just to have a small bite of what the city can offer.
14. What can I do in Turin other than visiting museums?
Turin is a city full of sports facilities, parks, cinemas so you can do really anything. You can rent a scooter or a bicycle, take a walk in one of the main parks like Valentino or Pellerina. Or you can discover the amazing urban Parco Dora with its incredible graffiti.
15. And at night?
Turin has a vibrant and lively nightlife scene. You can find clubs to listen to music, dance and meet locals. Areas like Vanchiglia and San Salvario are famous for restaurants and bars. In the warmer seasons we love sitting outside, sipping a drink and unwind with family and friends. Movida generally starts from 6 pm when we finish work and have an aperitivo.
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