Entertainment

Don't let yourself be misled by the fact that Turin is known for being an industrial city, there are a variety of activities available for both locals and tourists.

Cinema

You'll find more than twenty-five cinemas catering to a population of less than one million inhabitants. Unlike many other European cities, whose cinemas show specific genres of films, the cinemas of Turin show all kinds of movies- from recent American blockbusters to Italy's finest offerings. The majority of cinemas in Turin are found in the city centre. Il Fiamma is a popular choice after indulging in an ice cream at Caffe Miretti. There's also il Reposi, which has five screens showing an exceptional variety of films, and l'Ambrosio with its three screens facing the bustling Lucky Nugget Saloon. For art-house film lovers, il Cinema Massimo offers screenings of foreign films in their original languages, as well by pieces from new film makers. It is also the seat of various festivals and numerous events dedicated to contemporary directors.

Theatre

The theatre season in Turin is extremely varied. The Teatro Stabile organisation deserves special merit, offering programmes of works at theatres like Carignano and Alfieri. Opera has its own special space devoted to it in the elegant Teatro Regio, and right next door, the below-ground theater Piccolo Regio hosts multiple productions and ballets. Celebrated performances can also be seen at the welcoming Teatro Nuovo, as well as the Alfa Teatro. If you love foreign theatre companies and avant-garde performances, then the best place to go is Araldo.

Turin's passion for cabaret and comedy is deeply rooted, so make sure to check out the performances at Teatro Erba, home of the Cabaret Festival. Teatro Juvarra and Cab 41 are the places to go for some sophisticated singing or a bit of a laugh.

Nightlife

For those who want to make a night of it, there are discos and disco-pubs (loved by the young trendy set). Every year, a new fashionable 'in' establishment springs up, and quickly becomes the place to see and be seen. La Gare, which was once a building used as a recreational club for railway workers before becoming the haunt of Turin's crème de la crème, is still going strong. Il Theatrò attracts a crowd of those 25 and up who flock here for dinner and dancing. The Hennessy, is frequented by the "beautiful youth" of Turin. It is situated on a hill that rises towards Pino Torinese, and during the summer it opens up its outdoor dance floors. If Latin-American salsa is more your thing, then Ganas de Mar is the best disco in Turin to let yourself go.

You can also spend an evening chatting and joking with friends. At the moment, Irish themed pubs are all the rage, and Shamrock Inn is the best loved amongst them. People often sit on the steps inside than choosing a more traditional (and less crowded) pub. Another favourite haunt is the Divina Commedia, which has three floors to choose from, including "Inferno", "Purgatory" and "Paradise". Something to please everyone, indeed.