City trip

What to pack

When Turin was the capital of fashion in 1911…

In the early 1900s, Turin was a city where elegance was not a whim, but almost a social duty. Ladies in gloves and hats strolled through the streets of the centre, embodying the refinement of a city that was writing the history of Italy. Even today, on a central street, a vintage-flavoured shop survives bearing the sign of the now-vanished “Casa del guanto”, a small treasure chest of memory that preserves the echo of an era when dressing well was a daily ritual.

Turin is still like this: an elegant city that dresses with care. And those who visit it feel it straight away.

When Turin was the capital of fashion in 1911…When Turin was the capital of fashion in 1911…

Read this before you pack your suitcase

Turin has a fickle climate in spring and autumn, typical of cities at the foot of the Alps. You may go out in the morning wearing a coat and come back in the evening in short sleeves. That’s why dressing in layers, like an onion as we say in Italy, is not a fashion tip but a real necessity.

Bear in mind too that the historic centre has many stretches of cobblestones, beautiful to photograph but merciless on stiletto heels.

A small advantage: with us you need to bring almost nothing for the bathroom. In the rooms you’ll find a hairdryer, shower gel, shampoo, towels, bathrobes and make-up removal products. Your suitcase can be lighter than you think.

What to pack for 5 days in Turin

The tips below are designed for a 5-day stay, with 4 days in the city and 1 for a day trip out of town, such as Venaria, Stupinigi or the Sacra di San Michele.

What to pack for 5 days in Turin
Clothing
  • 2 skirts in lightweight fabric, cooler than shorts and more elegant
  • 1 pair of shorts, only if you plan to hire a bike
  • 1 pair of trousers in beige or navy linen or cotton, better to skip the jeans
  • 1 blazer or light jacket, essential for museums and churches
  • 3 vest tops or tops in neutral colours: white, beige or navy
  • 2 blouses in a light fabric such as chiffon, perfect for the evenings
  • 1 elegant dress, if you have a special dinner or an aperitivo in the centre in mind
  • Underwear: 2 bras and 5 pairs of knickers
  • 1 swimsuit, if you want to enjoy the QC Terme spa – ask us how it works at check-in!
Accessories
  • 1 scarf, a versatile piece to always have with you: around your neck, over your shoulders, knotted on your bag, and perfect on the plane when the air conditioning kicks in
  • 1 belt to match your shoes and bag
  • 1 hat, an extra touch to your look without overdoing it
  • 1 pair of heeled sandals, for the evenings when you want to feel your best
  • 1 pair of trainers or espadrilles, the right compromise for walking around all day without ending up with aching, swollen feet by evening
  • 1 pair of wedges, a fashionable touch for evenings out without giving up comfort
  • 1 pair of sunglasses and sunscreen: there’s no sea here, but the sun in Turin burns just the same
  • A few pieces of jewellery to go with the outfits you’ve chosen
Digital Comfort
  • Your smartphone, the handiest tool for photos, videos and finding your way around the city
  • 1 power bank, so you never run out of charge during long days out and about
  • A selfie stick, practical and light, for group photos without having to ask anyone for help
  • 1 camera, if you’re passionate about photography Turin will give you plenty to work with
  • The map of Turin is our gift to you on arrival. The “Torino in Tasca” guide, on the other hand, is waiting for you on the tablet in your room, because yes, every room has its own dedicated tablet.

The checklist I use myself

After years of travelling, I have learned that a well-organised suitcase makes all the difference. I have created an Excel file with 6 detailed checklists for every type of trip.

How it works: choose the sheet that suits your trip, tick the items you want to take and print the list. It comes in handy both for packing and for making sure you don't forget anything when it's time to go home.

Download the checklist for free

If you found it useful, follow us on Instagram @colazionedaaugusta for more travel tips and curiosities about Turin!

Download the checklist for free

Your suitcase is already packed but you don’t have a room yet? Discover our rooms in the heart of Turin, a stone’s throw from the Gran Madre, with breakfast made to measure for you every morning.

Take a look at our rooms