For football fans looking to combine top-tier stadiums with gritty lower-league passion, Turin makes for a brilliant weekend groundhopping base.
While it’s often overshadowed by the glitz of Milan or the glamour of Rome, Turin is a city deeply rooted in Italian football history.
Home to Juventus, one of the world’s most successful clubs, and their feisty city rivals Torino, Turin gives you a taste of elite calcio — but also quick access to a patchwork of Serie B, C, and D clubs spread across Piedmont and nearby regions.
Whether you’re drawn to ultras under the floodlights, alpine backdrops, or the humbler charms of community-run clubs, the area surrounding Turin is full of hidden gems.
With excellent train links, striking architecture, and a proud food culture, this is an ideal weekend destination for fans who want to explore the heart and soul of Italian football.
Groundhopping options from Turin
Serie A
- Juventus (Allianz Stadium, Turin)
Italy’s most dominant team of the past two decades. Modern stadium, polished experience, but the Curva Sud still brings intensity.
- Torino (Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, Turin)
Historic, working-class heart of the city. A must-visit for fans of tradition, atmosphere, and grit.
Serie B (All reachable in 1–2 hours by train or car)
- Cremonese – Beautiful ground and passionate fanbase. Around 2 hrs via Milan.
- Modena – Compact ground and loyal following. Roughly 2 hours by regional train.
Serie C (Rich in options near Turin)
- Pro Vercelli – One of Italy’s oldest and most decorated early clubs. ~1 hr from Turin.
- Novara – Traditional club, easy day trip. ~1 hr by train.
- Alessandria – Known for loyal fans and old-school ground. ~1.5 hrs by train.
- Giana Erminio / Renate – Further afield, but reachable in a weekend with planning.
🅳️ Serie D (Amateur but full of heart)
- Piacenza – Historic lower-league club with deep roots.
- Chieri – Just outside Turin; friendly, small-scale groundhopping with a local vibe.
- Casale – Once a Scudetto winner (1913-14). A charming town and football relic.
- Bra – Close to wine country, combining football and food in one trip.
Cultural things to do in and around Turin
Turin is Italy’s unsung cultural capital — elegant, intellectual, and full of surprises:
- Mole Antonelliana & National Cinema Museum – Turin’s landmark building with panoramic views and a fascinating film museum.
- Egyptian Museum – One of the best collections of Egyptian antiquities outside Cairo.
- Palazzo Reale & Piazza Castello – A regal centrepiece surrounded by historic buildings.
- Parco del Valentino – Perfect for a morning stroll along the River Po.
- Superga Basilica – Overlooking the city, it’s also the site of the tragic Superga air disaster that claimed the Grande Torino team in 1949 — a moving visit for football fans.
- Lingotto Building – Former Fiat factory with a rooftop test track and shops, symbol of Turin’s industrial past.
Day Trips
- Alba & Barolo – Wine lovers’ paradise.
- Ivrea – Small medieval town known for its Battle of the Oranges carnival.
- Aosta – Mountain views and Roman ruins, ~1.5 hrs by train.
What local food should you try?
Turin is the beating heart of Piedmontese cuisine, with rich, earthy flavours and a mix of Alpine and French influences.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Vitello Tonnato – Cold veal slices with creamy tuna sauce.
- Agnolotti del Plin – Hand-pinched meat-filled pasta.
- Bagna Cauda – Warm anchovy and garlic dip served with vegetables.
- Brasato al Barolo – Beef braised in Barolo wine.
- Gianduja – Hazelnut-chocolate treat that inspired Nutella.
- Bicerin – Traditional hot drink layered with coffee, chocolate, and cream.
Where to Eat:
- Porto di Savona – Classic Piemontese fare in Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
- Trattoria Valenza – Off-the-beaten-track, traditional experience.
- Mercato Centrale Torino – Great for sampling local food in one place.
How to get to Turin from the UK and Ireland
Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN)
Located about 16 km from the city centre.
Direct Flights from the UK & Ireland (2025):
- London Gatwick – British Airways, easyJet
- London Stansted – Ryanair
- Manchester – Ryanair (seasonal)
- Dublin – Aer Lingus (seasonal) or Ryanair (to nearby Milan/Bergamo)
How to get from Turin airport to the city centre
- Train: The Dora Express train was discontinued, but a new railway link is in development (check latest).
- Bus: The SADEM bus runs every 15–30 minutes to Porta Susa and Porta Nuova stations (~45 min, ~€7).
- Taxi: Fixed fare of ~€30–35 to central Turin.
- Car Rental: Handy if you’re heading out to Serie C/D clubs in the countryside.
Conclusion: Why Turin is a hidden gem for groundhoppers
Turin may not boast the flash of Milan or the tourist crowds of Rome, but for the groundhopper, that’s exactly the appeal.
Here, football is raw, emotional, and steeped in history — from the towering presence of Juventus to the defiant heart of Torino and the charm of regional clubs like Pro Vercelli and Alessandria.
Add to that the city’s grand boulevards, soulful cafés, Alpine views, and one of Italy’s finest food scenes, and you’ve got an unforgettable weekend waiting to happen.
Whether you’re chasing Curva chants or sipping Bicerin after a local derby, Turin is where passion and authenticity meet — both on and off the pitch.
