Our Trip to Torino: Memories, Flavors, and a Love for Soccer

After a long trip to Brazil to visit my family, we planned something special: a trip to Italy to celebrate both my birthday and Kamila’s. Italy has a special place in my heart, mainly because of Juventus, my favorite team, which represents the city of Torino. For Kamila, the connection to Italy is from her childhood, as she lived there as a kid. So whenever we get the chance, we go back to relive these memories and create new ones.

This time, we invited Kamila’s sister to join us. And the best part? I didn’t have to plan a thing – or, well, almost nothing! During our trip to Brazil, Kamila got the “VIP treatment,” leaving all the planning to me. So, after three months organizing a big trip, I decided to take a break and let her and her sister take over the details for this one.

Arriving in Torino

The day arrived. I left from Portugal to Italy, flying from Lisbon to Milan Bergamo . Meanwhile, Kamila and her sister were coming from Poland. We met up in Milan’s Airport and took a bus to Torino just outside of the airport – a peaceful two-hour ride. When we arrived, we were welcomed by perfect weather: bright sun and a nearly clear sky. It wasn’t as hot as Lisbon, but it was just right to make the trip even more enjoyable.

A quick tip for travelers: direct flights to smaller cities like Torino can often be pricey. In our case, we found a more affordable option by flying into Milan and taking a quick bus ride to Torino. So, when planning your trip, it can be worth checking flights to larger airports nearby – it’s a great way to cut down costs while keeping travel convenient.

We booked an Airbnb for 33 euros per person – a fair price considering we were close to downtown Torino. The apartment had everything we needed; the only drawback was the lack of Wi-Fi, but honestly, it didn’t even affect our experience.

A Juventus Fan in Rival Territory

As a huge Juventus fan, I’d been dreaming of watching a game at the stadium. But unfortunately, during our stay, Juventus was playing away in Rome against Roma – just my luck! So we decided to spend the day exploring Torino: visiting museums, biking around, and eventually finding a bar to watch the game. I hoped to find a place with other Juventus fans to at least feel the energy of the game.

In the first place we walked into, I was greeted by a gentleman wearing a Torino FC jersey – Juventus’s main rival in the city. Obviously, he wouldn’t be my go-to source for Juventus-friendly spots, so I saved my question for the next restaurant.

Exploring Torino by Bike

Our next plan was to rent bikes – the best way to explore a city when you don’t have a lot of time. With a bike, you’re free to roam the streets and stop anywhere that catches your eye, something that public transport or even walking can’t offer the same way. We were lucky to be in Torino during a bike race, so several streets were closed off for the event.

Since Kamila’s sister loves biking, we decided to wait for the cyclists to pass. After a few minutes of excitement building, we saw the leader approaching in the distance. The crowd around us got lively, kids were waving flags, and cheers of “Dai ragazzi, dai!” echoed through the air. The energy was contagious! The speed of the cyclists was impressive – they passed like a flash, especially as they started an uphill climb, showing their strength and skill.

The excitement was short-lived, though, and soon we were left standing in the sun, sweating for almost 30 minutes, just to watch the cyclists pass by in under two minutes. But still, it was a unique experience.

The Torino Automobile Museum and a Brazilian Surprise

After the biking adventure, it was time to explore the Automobile Museum. Right at the entrance, we were welcomed by a gorgeous vintage Ferrari. But the biggest surprise came when I discovered that, that month, they were marking 30 years since Ayrton Senna’s passing. For me, as a Brazilian, it was an unexpected emotion to see such a grand tribute to the racing icon.

The museum dedicated an entire floor to Senna, with displays of the cars he drove, his racing suits, and even the helmets he used. To complete the experience, the voice of Galvão Bueno, the famous Brazilian announcer, narrated one of Senna’s legendary races in the background. It was an emotional moment. Normally, I’m not much of a museum person, but this one left me speechless. Besides the rich history of motorsport, we also saw Ferrari’s journey in Formula 1 and got a unique glimpse into Italy’s car culture.

An Italian Feast to Recharge

Leaving the museum, our legs were out of energy: hours of biking and a long walk around the museum, all without lunch. We returned to the city center to finally eat. In Italy, it’s hard to go wrong with food – pizza, pasta, or panino, whatever you choose is a win. Italians really know how to treat the human stomach! We chose a restaurant in the center and were blown away by the intensity of the flavors. The ingredients were incredibly fresh and flavorful. Someone still needs to explain to me why Italian food is so unmatched.

It was in this restaurant that we asked the staff where the best place to watch the Juventus game would be. And since we were in Torino, it seemed like the perfect place to find that “magic spot” to cheer for Juventus. I was so excited, but the waiter’s answer was a surprise.

The waiter turned to me and said, “Here in Torino, we don’t really like Juventus…” A strange silence filled the air as my mind raced. How could it be that in the team’s own city, people don’t cheer for them?

The waiter, noticing my confusion, explained: because Juventus is owned by one of Italy’s wealthiest families, many people in Torino prefer to support Torino FC, a team that represents the city’s working class. The rivalry between the two teams also carries this old class divide.

I was shocked, but I quickly understood the background. We left the restaurant to look for a nearby bar with multiple TVs to watch the game. It wasn’t what I expected, but it was a great chance to learn more about Torino’s culture.

What We Learned from Our Trip to Torino

Exploring the city by bike was one of our best choices. We made the most of the day, seeing more in less time, and discovering hidden places we wouldn’t have known otherwise. And at the Automobile Museum, the unexpected connection to Ayrton Senna’s story was a special gift, connecting me even more to my Brazilian roots in a way I never expected to find in an Italian city.

And, of course, the food – Italian cuisine always reminds me how the simplicity of ingredients can create an unforgettable dining experience. Eating well and sharing moments with people we love makes any trip more meaningful.

Torino is a beautiful city, with friendly people, solid infrastructure, and endless places to soak up the culture through museums, restaurants, and historic spaces.