Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Santa Maria - Santa Maria, RS
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Orto Botanico Torino

4.4
·1k reviews·Torino, Italy

Historic botanical garden in Turin's Parco del Valentino, featuring an arboretum and greenhouses with diverse plant collections.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Plants are blooming vibrantly

CrowdLow
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Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Santa Maria - Santa Maria, RS

Orto Botanico Torino

Best Time

Spring mornings

Plants are blooming vibrantly

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic botanical garden in Turin's Parco del Valentino, featuring an arboretum and greenhouses with diverse plant collections.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A pleasant, historic green space, though check greenhouse status for full value."

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Greenhouse Access

Always check which greenhouses are open before you go to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:

Label Clarity

Plant labels can sometimes be confusing; take your time to identify species. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Arboretum Trails

Arboretum Trails

Outdoor Gardens

Wander through diverse tree collections, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into botanical history.

Greenhouse Collections

Greenhouse Collections

Greenhouses

Explore curated plant species from various climates, though check which are accessible before your visit.

Parco del Valentino Views

Parco del Valentino Views

Adjacent Park

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the larger park surrounding the botanical garden, a lovely bonus.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Greenhouse Status

Before your visit, confirm which greenhouses are open. Some may be closed for extended periods, impacting the full experience. Inquire about this beforehand to manage expectations.

Value for Money

Consider the admission fee in relation to the current offerings. Some visitors find it pricey, especially if certain sections are closed. Look for potential discounts or consider it an investment in local green spaces.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Plants are blooming vibrantly
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer visitors, more tranquility
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Confirm Greenhouse Access

Always check which greenhouses are open before you go to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:

Label Clarity

Plant labels can sometimes be confusing; take your time to identify species. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:

Explore the Park

The garden is part of Parco del Valentino, so enjoy the larger park too! :parkwithtrees:

Local Honey

Don't miss trying the delicious honey produced on-site. :honey_pot:

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Greenhouse Access

Always check which greenhouses are open before you go to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:

Label Clarity

Plant labels can sometimes be confusing; take your time to identify species. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:

Explore the Park

The garden is part of Parco del Valentino, so enjoy the larger park too! :parkwithtrees:

Local Honey

Don't miss trying the delicious honey produced on-site. :honey_pot:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Orto Botanico Torino offers a peaceful escape within Parco del Valentino, appreciated for its historic arboretum and unique local honey. However, visitor experiences are mixed, with some finding the admission fee high, especially when greenhouses are closed or plant labeling is unclear. Manage expectations regarding current accessibility and offerings.

"I visited these gardens this morning, and although it is a pleasant place, it is very 'underwhelming' as another reviewer puts it - even for €5... Two of the three greenhouses are closed (and will be for a few months yet) and the public is NOT informed of this before entry. (I expressed my overall feelings to the staff on my way out and they admitted it is their fault). The South African greenhouse is small, disappointingly 'ordinary' in content, and difficult to get around with a 60cm-wide path for people going in both directions... In the rest of the outdoor space, the plants are very 'ordinary', and many are already in my garden... I also think the labelling could be better done, as some plants have several labels close to it and it is not always clear which is for which plant/variety. Not worth it for the price. Why not for a couple of euros to participate in upkeep..."

H L

"A very nice and big garden where all plants are labeled. It is well maintained and the guide is very skilled, she knows a lot about the plants in the garden and she teaches you a lot of curiosities about them."

Edgar Abraham Gaytán Quezada

"One of the best corners of Turin. At least once a month you can see something new. Never boring. Very tasty honey produced here from."

Sean Eamon Cappone

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Historic arboretum
Local honey

What People Dislike

Closed greenhouses
Admission price
Labeling clarity

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Orto Botanico Torino is located within the Parco del Valentino. You can reach Parco del Valentino by public transport, including buses and trams that stop nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from the city center or accessible by bike paths. :bus: :tram: :bike:

Parking is available in and around Parco del Valentino, though it can be busy, especially on weekends. Consider public transport or cycling for easier access. :car:

Yes, it's a scenic walk through the city and along the Po River to reach Parco del Valentino and the botanical garden. Allow about 30-45 minutes depending on your starting point. :walking:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission fee is typically around €5. However, some visitors have noted it can feel a bit pricey, especially if certain greenhouses are closed. It's advisable to check the current pricing and any potential discounts. :euro_banknote:

Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors, but it's always a good idea to check the official website for any updates or special event ticketing. :computer:

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit. :clock1:

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on their official website. Inquire directly or check online for details. :moneywithwings:

Check the official Torino+Piemonte Card website or the Orto Botanico Torino's official site to see if it includes admission. This card often covers many attractions in the city. :credit_card:

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

You can explore an arboretum with various tree species, and several greenhouses housing diverse plant collections. The garden is part of the larger Parco del Valentino, offering more green space to enjoy. :evergreen_tree: :seedling:

Unfortunately, not always. Some greenhouses may be closed for maintenance or other reasons for extended periods. Visitors have reported being uninformed about this prior to entry. It's best to confirm their status before your visit. :warning:

Maintenance can be inconsistent. While some areas are well-kept, others might appear less so, and plant labeling could be improved according to some visitors. :gardening_glove:

Visitor opinions vary. Some find it a pleasant, peaceful spot with unique plants and local honey, while others feel it's 'underwhelming' for the price, especially if sections are closed. Manage expectations based on current conditions. :thinking_face:

Photography for personal use is generally allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the plants. Professional or commercial photography might require special permission. :camerawithflash:

🍽️ 🍯 Food & Dining

There are no dedicated dining facilities within the botanical garden itself. However, you can find cafes and restaurants in the surrounding Parco del Valentino or nearby areas. :coffee:

The garden is known for producing its own delicious honey, which is often available for purchase. It's a unique souvenir and a taste of the garden's bounty. :honey_pot:

Picnics are generally permitted in the wider Parco del Valentino. For the botanical garden itself, it's best to consume food and drinks outside the main display areas to preserve the environment. :sandwich:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Orto Botanico Torino can be a pleasant outing for families, especially when combined with the expansive Parco del Valentino. The outdoor arboretum offers space for children to wander and discover different trees. While the greenhouses might be less engaging if closed or if the exhibits are not particularly child-focused, the overall green environment is conducive to outdoor play.

Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the wider park area, as dining options within the garden are limited. The unique aspect of local honey might also be an interesting point to share with children. Ensure you check the accessibility of paths if you are visiting with strollers, as some areas might be narrow. :child: :picnic_sun:

🚶 Budget Travelers

The admission fee of around €5 for Orto Botanico Torino might be a consideration for budget travelers. However, the garden is situated within the free-to-enter Parco del Valentino, offering a significant green space to explore without cost. If the greenhouses are a priority, it might be worth confirming their open status to ensure you're getting the full value for your ticket.

Alternatively, focusing on the arboretum and enjoying the broader park can provide a fulfilling experience without a significant expense. Bringing your own snacks and drinks to enjoy in the park is also a cost-saving tip. :moneybag: :parkwith_trees:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Purpose

Established in 1713, the Orto Botanico Torino is one of Italy's oldest botanical gardens, originally serving the University of Turin. Its primary mission has always been the study, conservation, and display of plant diversity. Over centuries, it has evolved, housing a significant collection of species that reflect both local flora and exotic specimens gathered from around the globe. The garden's historical significance is tied to botanical research and education, making it a living museum of plant science.

Today, it continues this legacy, though visitor experiences can vary. While the outdoor arboretum offers a mature collection of trees, the greenhouses are intended to showcase plants from different climatic zones. However, as some reviews indicate, the accessibility and condition of these greenhouses can fluctuate, impacting the visitor's perception of the garden's completeness. Despite these challenges, the garden remains a valuable green lung within the city and a testament to botanical endeavors.

Insights from visitors suggest that understanding the garden's historical context and its ongoing role in research can enhance the appreciation of the visit, even when certain facilities are temporarily unavailable. It's a place where nature, science, and history intertwine.

Navigating Visitor Experiences

Visitor feedback for Orto Botanico Torino presents a mixed picture. On one hand, many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to explore a historic green space within the city. The presence of local honey produced on-site is a unique highlight that many enjoy. The garden's integration with the larger Parco del Valentino also adds value, allowing visitors to extend their outdoor experience.

However, a recurring theme in reviews is the perceived value for money, particularly when greenhouses are closed without prior notification. Some visitors have found the plant collections to be less diverse or 'underwhelming' compared to other botanical gardens they've visited internationally. Issues with plant labeling clarity and the narrowness of paths in some sections have also been noted. These points suggest that managing visitor expectations, especially regarding the current state of facilities, is crucial for a positive experience.

To make the most of a visit, it's recommended to check the status of the greenhouses beforehand and to approach the garden with an understanding of its historical context rather than solely as a modern, high-spec attraction. Combining the visit with a stroll through Parco del Valentino can also enhance the overall enjoyment.

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