Turin

Not the city you imagine when you think of Italy.

Turin has its own personality, which has made me come and go. And come back, once again.

Whenever I can.

It’s that feeling of discovering the same place for the first time.

THROUGH THE CITY

Maybe it's the mix of art and modernity, or the conglomerate of stories from being named the country's first capital but Turin has the power of escape the chaotic at the same time that makes you feel things happening.

The city has its own time. And maybe, this is not just about Turin.

Nature, business, art. It feels like a space where we can breath.

The Roman Quadrilateral is one of the oldest parts of the city, just two blocks from Porta Palazzo: the largest open-air market in Europe.

It’s worth observing the architecture and discovering the galleries while walking to where “all the tourists meet.”

, Piazza San Carlo is one of the city's main squares and houses two churches: San Carlo Borromeo and the Church of Santa Cristina in Baroque style.

Caffè San Carlo is one of the most famous place at Piazza but if I were you I wouldn't miss the chance of joining the locals for a shot of espresso - or a bicerin - the city’s typical drink, at the counter of Caffè Torino - it has to be at the counter, don’t sit down.

SURROUNDING

Turin is a world of its own when it comes to cuisine. Among traditional restaurants and typical dishes, each door connects gastronomy to a different experience.

You can be sure that all the doors make sense along the way.

Many gelaterias are popular with tourists and also catch the locals' attention. Off the beaten path Conogelato is made with buffalo milk resulting in a lighter texture and a milder flavor.

The region of Turin is known for the production of Nocciola. Il Gelato Amico perfectly maintains the texture but with more pronounced flavors than traditional gelaterias - because they are made with rice milk (containing less fat) and sweetened with stevia and coconut sugar.

Another charming discovery during one of my walks around the city was the tables at Cristina Perino. The service is one of my favorite Italian styles. Calm people and friendly service. No one is left without an option. Each person chooses the quantity, the open kitchen, the fruits on the table.

Food tastes a hug from home.

"IT'S ONLY WORTH IT IF YOU'RE HAVING FUN"

I had to tell myself.

A while ago I would have felt like a stranger being in Italy and avoiding museums. The good part about feeling like a traveler, not a tourist, is giving you the freedom to be surprised.

Museo Lavazza: the history of business and art behind coffee. One of the city's newest and most interactive museums. Proof that branding was applied long before the concept of "branding" existed.

Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile: one of those cool programs to do, whatever your passion. Here is the soul of Turin and all of Italy.

Museo Nazionale del Cinema: where is our attention focused? different angles shape the way we interpret - scenes, films, situations. An immersion begins long before the history of cinema.

GALERY AS A HOTEL

It was no surprise that I ended up here.

Next to Parco del Valentino - voted the best Italian park after a selection among the best in the country, DUPARC makes clear the concept of a shared space between people and works of art - which, every now and then, leave the hotel and travel around the world between museums and temporary exhibitions.

Plus: the gym is complete and private.

PEACE FROM A BREATH

I discovered that Turin is well served by cycle paths so I did many of my journeys by bicycle.

Crossing the River Po - the longest river in Italy in length, with around 650 kilometers, you have views of the city from Monte dei Capuccini.

It's worth staying for the sun to set. It's the reminder that it doesn't matter how many times. It's never the same.

There will always be other times.