Tucked away in Italy’s northwest corner, Exploring Piemonte often flies under the radar compared to its more famous neighbors. But those who take the time to explore this region discover a place rooted in tradition, where rolling vineyards meet alpine peaks, and meals are slow, thoughtful, and tied to the land. It ranges from small villages to vast natural parks and offers a diverse mix of landscapes and cultural depth. This guide highlights some of the best places, be it a majestic castle or quaint town, to experience the region authentically, away from the crowds and closer to the heart of local life.
1. Turin: Piemonte’s Must-See Capital
Turin is a city of quiet grandeur, with wide boulevards, baroque architecture, and covered arcades. It is known as the first capital of unified Italy and it blends its ancient history with its strong sense of local identity.
The city’s landmarks perfectly demonstrate its cultural and architectural depth. One example of this is the Mole Antonelliana which houses the National Cinema Museum and has panoramic views of the city all the way to the Alps. There is also the Egyptian Museum, one of the most important of its kind outside of Egypt. And, of course, the historic piazzas like Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo that are perfect for immersing oneself in the local bustle of the city.
Life in Turin goes at a slower pace than many other major Italian cities. Locals gather in historic cafés like Caffè Mulassano or Baratti & Milano for a bicerin, a traditional drink of coffee, chocolate, and cream. Aperitivo is taken seriously here, with generous spreads accompanying a glass of vermouth—a drink that was invented in the city. Turin has played a key role in Italy’s industrial development and it hasn’t lost its elegance or sense of tradition in the process. It’s an ideal destination for visitors to connect with Italy’s history in a way that feels both authentic and distinctly Piemontese.
2. The Royal Palace of Venaria Reale
Just a short drive from Turin, the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale is a look into the majesty of the House of Savoy. Built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge, this UNESCO-listed site was once a symbol of royal prestige and is now one of Italy’s most impressive examples of Baroque architecture.
The palace itself is expansive, with ornate hallways, frescoed ceilings, and long, dramatic galleries, like the Galleria di Diana. Outside, the restored gardens extend across the grounds providing scenic walking paths and meticulously kept landscaping.
Today, the Venaria Reale is more than a historical site. It regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, and seasonal events that make the visit feel alive and current. Guided tours allow visitors insight into the lives of the Savoy royalty, and temporary installations and performances connect the past with contemporary culture. For those interested in history, art, or just a slower, more immersive way to explore Piemonte’s royal heritage, the palace is well worth the visit.
3. Le Langhe: Piemonte’s UNESCO-listed Wine Region
Le Langhe is a patchwork of vineyard-covered hills, medieval villages, and winding country roads that are best explored slowly, and with intention. This UNESCO-listed area is known for its world-class wines, but its charm goes far beyond the glass. The landscapes here change with the seasons, from spring green to autumn gold, making it a beautiful place to visit any time of year.
Barolo
Barolo is at the heart of the region’s wine reputation. This small hilltop village produces one of Italy’s most celebrated red wines and is home to generations of family-run wineries. Many offer tastings led by the producers themselves. And even beyond the cellars, Barolo is a quiet town with a castle, a handful of excellent restaurants, and plenty of opportunity to connect with local traditions.
Alba
Alba is best known for its white truffle season in the fall, when the town comes to life with festivals, markets, and culinary events. Even outside truffle season, Alba’s historic center, lined with medieval towers and local food shops, is a striking place to wander through. It’s a great base for exploring the wider Langhe area, especially for travelers interested in being immersed in food culture and the region’s sustainable attitude toward the culinary arts.
Mondovì
Mondovì, perched on a hill just to the south, is less visited but worth the detour. A funicular connects the modern lower town with the historic upper section, where you’ll find sweeping views, quiet streets, and workshops specializing in traditional ceramics. It’s a good place to slow down and experience daily life away from the more trafficked parts of the region and get to know the artistic heart of Piemonte.
4. Asti: A Haven for White Wine and Sparkling Wine
For lovers of white and sparkling wine, Asti is a must-see. Known globally for Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti, the area showcases an authentic side of Piemonte’s wine culture—lighter, aromatic, and often celebratory in nature. These wines are made with native grapes like Moscato Bianco, and many producers continue to use traditional methods passed down through generations of vintners.
In Nizza Monferrato and Canelli, visitors can find some of the oldest wine cellars in the region, some of which are UNESCO-listed as part of the “Underground Cathedrals” for their architectural and historical significance. These towns are home to passionate producers who welcome those interested for tastings, often in family-run estates that demonstrate the region’s dedication to its history and the peoples’ deep knowledge of the land.
Beyond the area’s vibrant wine scene, Asti offers plenty of local experiences like autumn harvest festivals, vineyard walks, or pairing dinners that perfectly demonstrate the versatility of local wines. The countryside here is gentler than in the Langhe, but no less beautiful, with rolling hills, sunflower fields, and quiet villages that invite slow travel.
5. The Gran Paradiso National Park
All the way up in Piemonte’s northwestern corner, Gran Paradiso National Park is Italy’s oldest national park and one of its most biodiverse. Shared with neighboring Valle d’Aosta, the Piemonte side has alpine trails that pass through larch forests, glacial lakes, and sweeping meadows. It’s not unusual to spot ibex, chamois, marmots, and even golden eagles along the way.
This is a place best explored slowly. Local guides can lead hikes that range from gentle walks to more challenging treks, with stops at rifugi and agriturismos, and if travelers are lucky, offering home-cooked meals and locally-produced cheeses. Small villages like Noasca and Ceresole Reale are a quiet base for anyone looking to stay close to nature while connecting with traditional alpine culture.
Gran Paradiso is a living example of Piemonte’s relationship with the land and it’s perfect for nature lovers who want to get a better sense of how the local people connect with their majestic local landscapes. Generations of shepherds and mountain dwellers have shaped the land here, and that legacy continues in the region’s food, architecture, and traditional festivals. Visiting the park offers a window into a part of Piemonte where natural beauty and cultural heritage are closely intertwined.
6. Sacra di San Michele: A Hidden Marvel
At the very top of Mount Pirchiriano sits the Sacra di San Michele, one of Piemonte’s most palatial, yet off-the-beaten track, landmarks. Sacra di San Michel is a medieval abbey, built between the 10th and 12th centuries, and it almost seems to grow out of the mountain itself, especially when viewed from below.
The site holds deep spiritual and historical significance. Once a key stop on the Via Francigena pilgrimage route to Rome, the abbey was a place of rest and reflection for travelers over centuries. Its architecture is imposing, with narrow staircases, ancient frescoes, and a sense of timelessness that is hard to ignore.
Unlike many historic sites in Italy, Sacra di San Michele remains relatively quiet. Visitors often find themselves wandering in near silence, taking in sweeping alpine views and the stillness of the stone halls. For those drawn to solitude, history, or spiritual places, this is one of Piemonte’s most rewarding and contemplative spots.
7. Ivrea: Tradition Meets Everyday Life
Ivrea offers a different perspective of Piemonte. This is a town where visitors can clearly see the region’s unique combination between industrial history, local tradition, and small-town life. Best known for its annual Battle of the Oranges—a vibrant February event that transforms the town into a stage for a symbolic clash between townspeople and feudal power. It’s messy, theatrical, and deeply rooted in local identity, drawing visitors from across Italy.
Beyond the festival, Ivrea is recognized by UNESCO as a Modern Industrial City thanks to its connection to the Olivetti company. Throughout the mid-20th century, Olivetti wasn’t just producing typewriters, it was also shaping a new model of urban planning and workplace design. The town’s rationalist architecture, including factories, housing, and social spaces, is a glimpse into its forward-thinking legacy.
Today, Ivrea remains laid-back and authentic. Cafés line the river, markets fill the streets on weekends, and the town is small enough to explore on foot. For travelers looking to go beyond the usual stops and experience a more everyday side of Piemonte, Ivrea offers a thoughtful and culturally rich detour.
8. The Lakes of Piemonte
For anyone hoping to experience the tranquil side of Piemonte, the region’s lakes are a quieter alternative to Italy’s more famous waterfronts. These lakes blend natural beauty with small-town charm and slow travel sensibilities, making visitors feel like they’ve been let in on a local secret.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore, shared with Lombardy and Switzerland, is best experienced from the Piemonte side, where towns like Stresa boast refined lakeside promenades and easy boat access to the Borromean Islands. With fewer crowds than the eastern shore, this side of the lake feels more relaxed—perfect for travelers who prefer elegance without the bustle.
Lake Orta
Nearby, Lake Orta is a favorite among those seeking peace and reflection. The town of Orta San Giulio is compact and lovely, with cobbled streets and cafés overlooking the water. A short boat ride takes you to Isola San Giulio, where a quiet monastery and scenic paths invite travelers to slow down and take it all in.
For something even more off the radar, Lake Viverone is a rustic, low-key option. Popular with local birdwatchers and cyclists, it’s surrounded by vineyards and countryside. This is the kind of place where you’re more likely to share a lakeside bench with a fisherman than a tourist—ideal for those wanting to linger and unplug.
Exploring Piemonte: real experiences
Piemonte is a region where nature, culture, and tradition come together in quiet but memorable ways. It’s a region where visitors can wander through vineyard-covered hills, share a meal with locals, or explore alpine trails, all while feeling personal and grounded connection to the land. For those looking to go beyond the usual routes through Italy, Piemonte has something more intimate, rich in character and shaped by centuries of local life. It is best explored slowly, letting the pace of the region guide you, and often finding that the most meaningful moments often happen off the map.
If you want to see Piemonte from a local’s perspective, and travel in a way that enriches the local community, rather than take away from it, check out our personalized itineraries. We are dedicated to creating personalized, immersive experiences that truly demonstrate the beauty of this part of Italy. Start planning your next adventure.
