Guardando Piazza San Carlo
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Via Roma

4.6
·491k reviews·Torino, Italy

Turin's elegant central thoroughfare, famed for its 16th-century porticoes, luxury boutiques, and charming cafes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Guardando Piazza San Carlo

Via Roma

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Turin's elegant central thoroughfare, famed for its 16th-century porticoes, luxury boutiques, and charming cafes.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A sophisticated stroll under grand arcades, Via Roma offers timeless elegance and upscale shopping."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Entire Length

Walk from Piazza Castello to Piazza San Carlo to fully appreciate Via Roma's grandeur and shops. :walking:

☕️ Coffee Break Under Porticoes

Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of the many cafes for a true Italian experience. :coffee:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Porticoes

Grand Porticoes

Elegant 16th-century arcades offering shade and architectural beauty.

Chic Boutiques

Chic Boutiques

Discover designer fashion and local artisan shops under the arcades.

Vibrant Cafes

Vibrant Cafes

Sip coffee or enjoy an aperitivo at stylish cafes lining the thoroughfare.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Via Roma Stroll

Via Roma is a bustling pedestrian street. For a more relaxed experience, visit early morning or late afternoon. Weekends and evenings can get crowded with locals and tourists enjoying the cafes and shops.

Embrace the Porticoes

The grand porticoes lining Via Roma offer shelter from sun and rain, making it a pleasant walk year-round. They also provide a unique architectural backdrop for photos.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, lively vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Local buzz, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Here for 5 days. What should I do?

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Entire Length

Walk from Piazza Castello to Piazza San Carlo to fully appreciate Via Roma's grandeur and shops. :walking:

☕️ Coffee Break Under Porticoes

Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of the many cafes for a true Italian experience. :coffee:

reddit.com

Top 5 things to see and do in Torino

reddit.com

Tips for Turin

📸 Capture the Architecture

The porticoes and elegant buildings make for stunning photos, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

Those who has been to Torino, answer please!

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Entire Length

Walk from Piazza Castello to Piazza San Carlo to fully appreciate Via Roma's grandeur and shops. :walking:

☕️ Coffee Break Under Porticoes

Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of the many cafes for a true Italian experience. :coffee:

📸 Capture the Architecture

The porticoes and elegant buildings make for stunning photos, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Via Roma is celebrated for its stunning, continuous porticoes and elegant architecture, offering a sophisticated atmosphere for shopping and dining. Visitors appreciate the protected walkways and the high-end boutiques. Some find it less engaging for budget travelers or those seeking more diverse, less luxury-focused shopping.

What People Like

Elegant porticoes
High-end shopping
Beautiful architecture

What People Dislike

Can be expensive
Limited budget options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Via Roma is centrally located in Turin, easily accessible by public transport. Several tram and bus lines stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from major landmarks like Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo. If driving, be aware of ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) and look for parking garages.

Yes, Via Roma is primarily a pedestrian street, making it ideal for leisurely walks. The wide sidewalks and elegant porticoes ensure a comfortable experience for visitors.

The best way to explore Via Roma is on foot. This allows you to fully appreciate the architecture, browse the boutiques, and stop at the numerous cafes and restaurants at your own pace.

While Via Roma itself is pedestrianized, several parking garages are located nearby, such as the Garage San Carlo or Garage Europa. It's advisable to check parking availability and rates in advance.

Turin's main train station, Torino Porta Nuova, is a short walk from Via Roma, making it very convenient for travelers arriving by train. You can easily walk or take a short bus/tram ride.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Via Roma is a public thoroughfare and does not require any tickets for entry. You are free to walk along it and enjoy the atmosphere at any time.

Via Roma is always open as it's a public street. However, individual shops and cafes have their own operating hours, typically from morning until evening.

There are no entrance fees to access or walk along Via Roma. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy.

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Late afternoons and weekends tend to be busier as locals and tourists enjoy the street's amenities.

Via Roma is generally accessible with its wide, flat sidewalks. However, some older buildings might have steps. It's always a good idea to check specific shop or cafe accessibility if needed.

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Via Roma is known for its upscale boutiques, featuring designer fashion brands, jewelry stores, and elegant shoe shops. You'll also find some charming local artisan shops.

Absolutely! Via Roma is lined with numerous cafes perfect for a coffee or aperitivo, as well as restaurants offering a range of Italian cuisine. Many are located under the beautiful porticoes.

While specific recommendations can vary, look for cafes that offer outdoor seating under the porticoes for a classic experience. Many establishments have been here for decades, offering a taste of local tradition.

While Via Roma focuses more on high-end fashion and luxury goods, you can find some unique Italian crafts and gourmet food items in select boutiques. For more traditional souvenirs, you might explore nearby streets.

Dining on Via Roma can range from moderately priced cafes to more upscale restaurants. Prices reflect the prime location and the quality of establishments, so expect it to be on the higher side compared to less central areas.

📸 📸 Photography

The grand porticoes themselves are a major photographic draw, offering beautiful lines and shelter. Capture the street life, the elegant shop windows, and the architecture connecting Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo.

The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers beautiful warm light that enhances the architecture. Early mornings are also great for capturing the street with fewer people.

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, professional photography or filming may require permits, especially if it obstructs pedestrian traffic or involves commercial purposes.

A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both wide architectural shots and details. A smartphone camera is also excellent for casual shots. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.

It's best to ask permission before taking photos inside private shops. Many may allow it for personal use, but it's always polite to inquire with staff.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Via Roma offers a pleasant, safe environment for families. The pedestrianized nature and continuous porticoes mean kids can walk freely without worrying about traffic. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll, and the cafes offer a chance for a treat. While the high-end shops might not be the main draw for children, the sheer architectural beauty and the experience of walking under the grand arcades can be captivating for all ages. Consider stopping for gelato or a pastry to make the experience even more enjoyable for younger ones.

🛍️ Shoppers and Fashion Enthusiasts

For those who love to shop, Via Roma is a paradise. It's Turin's answer to Milan's Via Montenapoleone, boasting a curated selection of luxury brands, from fashion and accessories to fine jewelry. The elegant setting under the porticoes enhances the shopping experience, making it feel exclusive and sophisticated. Take your time exploring each boutique and perhaps indulge in a special purchase. The street also offers excellent opportunities for window shopping and admiring the latest collections.

🚶‍♂️ History and Architecture Buffs

Via Roma is a living museum of urban planning and architectural design. The 16th-century remodelling and the consistent, grand porticoes are a testament to historical city development. Pay attention to the details in the stonework, the uniformity of the facades, and how the porticoes create a unique, sheltered public space. It's a fantastic example of how historical urban design can still be functional and beautiful today, offering a glimpse into Turin's past grandeur.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Grandeur of Via Roma

Via Roma, originally known as Strada Nuova, was significantly remodelled in the 16th century to create a grand, elegant thoroughfare. Its defining feature is the continuous series of magnificent porticoes that line both sides of the street, stretching from Piazza Castello to Piazza San Carlo. These arcades, supported by imposing columns, not only provide shelter from the elements but also create a unique, covered pedestrian walkway, offering a sense of timeless elegance.

The architecture is a blend of classical and Baroque influences, with ornate facades and detailed stonework. Walking under these porticoes feels like stepping back in time, offering a protected and picturesque environment for strolling, shopping, and people-watching. The uniformity of the design across its length contributes to its visual impact, making it one of Turin's most iconic and beautiful streets.

Many visitors are struck by the sheer scale and consistency of the porticoes. They create a distinct atmosphere, especially on a sunny day when light filters through, or during a light rain shower when the street remains dry and inviting. It's this architectural harmony that makes Via Roma a must-see for anyone interested in urban design and historical cityscapes.

Shopping and Lifestyle on Via Roma

Via Roma is Turin's premier destination for high-end shopping. The street is home to a concentration of luxury boutiques, featuring renowned international fashion brands, exquisite jewelry stores, and designer shoe shops. It's the place to go for those seeking the latest trends or timeless, elegant pieces.

Beyond the designer labels, you'll also find some sophisticated local shops offering unique Italian craftsmanship. The atmosphere under the porticoes encourages leisurely browsing, allowing visitors to explore the diverse offerings at their own pace. Many of the shops have been established for decades, adding to the street's prestigious reputation.

Complementing the shopping experience are the numerous cafes and restaurants. These establishments, often with outdoor seating beneath the porticoes, are perfect for a mid-shopping coffee break, a light lunch, or an evening aperitivo. They contribute to the vibrant, sophisticated ambiance of Via Roma, making it a complete destination for a stylish day out.

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