This Underrated Italian City Boasts Indulgent Food & Captivating Views For A Romantic Escape

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A trip to Italy is on many travelers' wishlists of destinations to see. The grand Roman Colosseum in Rome, the picturesque canals in Venice, the towering Duomo in Florence, and not to mention the mouthwatering food scene in Naples. Although popular, and for good reason, why not get off the tourist trail this summer and set foot in the city of Turin, or Turino as it's known to Italian locals? This underrated tourist destination in Italy is home to incredible food, and is the perfect romantic escape boasting stunning views.

Visit Italy just launched their brand new "99% of Italy" travel campaign, urging tourists to see the other areas of Italy and not only visit the 1% of the country, which is Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples and Cinque Terre. While all of these places are stunning and hold historical significance for Italy, Visit Italy is hoping the campaign will shed light on lesser known areas in Italy, and spotlight some hidden gems that could benefit from extra tourism.

Turin offers visitors everything you'd expect from Italy, fantastic restaurants, delicious food, rich history, and charming, cozy side streets. But unlike the more famous cities and towns, it remains off the beaten path, so you can enjoy all these treasures without the crowds, making it one of the best Italian destinations to add to your bucket list.

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of northwest Italy, Turin lies in the Piedmont region, where the Po River has its origins. Turin is easily accessible by rail from the Italian fashion capital of glitzy Milan, and can be reached in about an hour. Turin also boasts its own international airport, Turin Airport (TRN), making it easy to fly into the city as well.

What was once Italy's first capital city and home to the famous Fiat, this quaint Italian town is also known for elegant Baroque architecture that's sure to stop you in your tracks as you walk around its charming streets. Steeped in culture, history, and charm, Turin is a hidden gem with stunning news of the Italian Alps. Filled with museums, restaurants, and vibrant local culture, Turin offers a unique, more intimate Italian experience that's often overlooked by tourists, and deserves to be at the top of any Italian travel itinerary.

Turin boasts a rich, sweet history that dates back to 1560, and is renowned as the birthplace of the globally beloved Ferrero and Nutella brands. The city's talented chocolatiers were confectionery pioneers that experimented with ingredients to transform liquid chocolate into a more solid form. This innovation paved the way for iconic treats like pralines, truffles, and countless other chocolate delicacies that have since captured the hearts, and taste buds, of chocolate lovers worldwide. For those looking for a sweetly authentic time, book the Turin Chocolate Tasting Experience for about $51 per person, where you'll indulge in tasting some of Turin's famous chocolate and try a Bicerin, a historic drink from the 1800s.

Turn up the romance for an unforgettable date night, with a visit to some of Turin's highly-rated restaurants, museums, and scenic walking paths along Po River. For an unforgettable restaurant experience, head to Tre Galline, or Three Hens for a meal that's loved by locals and tourists alike, and renowned for its authentic local cuisine. Also known for being the birthplace of the aperitif, it's no surprise that Turin epitomizes "la dolce vita," offering the perfect setting for a night to remember.

Turin offers something exciting to experience year-round for visitors. During summer, you'll be able to enjoy many outdoor music festivals and cultural events, whereas in winter, you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped Alps peaking over Turin, or spend quiet time enjoying one of the many museums in Turin, like the 16th-century Palazzo Reale, which was once home to Italy's former ruling family. A trip to Turin is not complete without visiting the Egyptian Museum, which is spread out over four floors filled with artifacts and mummies. Tickets must be booked in advance, and can be found directly on their site.

Turin is an ideal city to enjoy picturesque streets while walking hand-in-hand with your sweetheart. Stop to admire the Piazza Castello, which is one of Turin's most beautiful squares and from there, you'll be able to see the Duomo di Torino. Make sure to climb the 210-step bell tower of the Duomo for stunning views of the Alps in the distance and terracotta rooftops of Turin below. After a stroll along Po River, make sure to end your day in Turin by visiting the grandiose Piazza San Carlo and basking in the beauty of the Baroque architecture, while indulging with aperitivos and people-watching at the historic Caffe San Carlo and Caffe Torino.