Genoa surprises with its dual soul: Renzo Piano's renewed Old Port with the Aquarium, and the millennial old town with baroque churches and maritime palaces. From here, Cinque Terre and Portofino are easy day trips.
📅 Best time to visit
Spring and autumn. Summer is hot and humid but Nervi and Boccadasse beaches compensate. Winter is mild.
🏛️ Why visit Genoa
🍽️ Local cuisine
Genovese pesto (with mortar!), Recco focaccia with cheese, trofie al pesto, farinata, fritto misto and cappon magro. Genoa is Italy's focaccia capital.
🗺️ Neighbourhoods to explore
Caruggi for the medieval old town. Old Port for the Aquarium. Via Garibaldi for UNESCO palaces. Boccadasse for the fishing village. Nervi for seaside walks.
✈️ How to get there
Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) is 6 km from the centre. Volabus to Brignole in 30 minutes. Trains to Cinque Terre (1h), Milan (1h30) and Turin (1h45).
💡 Practical tips
- Rolli Palaces open free during Rolli Days (May and October).
- Best focaccia at Antico Forno della Casana in the caruggi.
- Take the train to Camogli or Portofino: 30 minutes to paradise.