Turin is meant to be one of Italy's most elegant cities. My trip there was nice, but I wouldn't go back.

"Turin is known as one of Italy's most chic places. Earlier this year, Vogue named it the most elegant city in the country, even beating out the fashion capital of Milan. I've also read many travel blogs and articles about the great things Turin has to offer. Situated in the northwest of the country, it's known for its grand baroque architecture and royal history. It's also famous for being home to the Shroud of Turin, a centuries-old religious relic."

"From afar, central Turin looked amazing. The baroque architecture and wide porticos made the city look more like Paris or Vienna than any other Italian city I've visited before. It was undeniably impressive. Up close, however, I noticed that many of the buildings and streets seemed a little gritty and worn, with graffiti and stickers covering some facades. To me, this gave parts of the city a slightly rough-around-the-edges feel, but I know some travelers might just see that as part of its character."

"I also expected to find a more upscale shopping scene in Turin. Given the city's reputation - and how an Italian friend had described it as quite wealthy and refined - I'd pictured rows of luxury shops and stylish boutiques. However, I found myself disappointed. Though I found some designer stores, such as Chanel and Prada, there seemed to be more shops selling vapes and touristy trink"

Turin blends grand baroque architecture, wide porticos, and royal history with a reputation for elegance, including being named Italy's most elegant city by Vogue. The city hosts the Shroud of Turin and sits in northwest Italy. A July visit revealed impressive vistas from afar, but closer inspection showed some buildings and streets looking gritty, with graffiti and stickers. Upscale shopping proved limited despite designer stores; many shops sold vapes and tourist trinkets. The city is very walkable, aperitivo culture is lively, and the local food was enjoyable, though the overall impression fell short of high expectations.

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