Embark on a magical journey again in time to Genoa, the capital of the Ligurian area of Italy.
Often handed over by vacationers for extra common locations resembling Venice, Florence, and Rome. I’m positive you might be questioning what to do in Genoa, Italy, and whether it is value making the journey, however I can let you know that we adored our twenty-four hours in Italy’s sixth-largest metropolis, Genoa.
Even with simply in the future in Genoa, you’ll thrill in Genoa’s distinctive delicacies, ornate art work, plentiful buying choices, and maritime custom. With a historical past courting again over 2,500 years, Genoa boasts many claims to fame together with town the place Christopher Columbus was born, the house of famed violinist Nicolò Paganini, and a buffet of beautiful structure representing Gothic, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque kinds.
In simply in the future you’ll perceive why Charles Dickens in his Pictures from Italy mentioned about Genoa, “It is a place that ‘grows upon you’ every day. There seems to be always something to find out in it.”
We left feeling like we simply sampled the highlights and might’t wait to return to dive deeper, exploring town’s hidden piazzas, opulent palaces, and close by fishing villages.
Here is my steered plan to pack probably the most into a wonderful one-day go to to Genoa. Ready, set, go!
What to do in Genoa
Editor’s Note: The writer was supplied with discounted and/or complimentary excursions and passes in order that she may strive them and overview them to your info. All opinions are her personal. This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All photos courtesy of Lisa Grabelle until in any other case famous.
Old Port
In this seafaring metropolis, there isn’t a higher option to kick off your day than strolling by way of the bustling Old Port, Portico Antico. The port is a hub for each vacationers and locals abounding with museums, eating places, historic buildings, tour boats, and a playground. Once you arrive on the port, flip round, face inland, and soak in the great thing about this metropolis constructed vertically method up into the mountainside.
Genoa’s Aquarium
Kids of all ages (and adults, too) will take pleasure in Genoa’s Aquarium, the biggest in all of Europe. This super aquarium options 70 tanks flourishing with over 12,000 fish and different sea animals representing 600 species. We all felt like youngsters laughing on the playful antics of the penguins and dolphins, and marveling on the number of sharks.
For these serious about endangered wildlife, duck into the Biosphere which is suspended over the ocean and situated proper outdoors the Aquarium. You may take a ship journey or go to the Galata Maritime Museum.
Bigo
Next, head 40 meters vertically in Bigo, the panoramic elevator raise designed by Genoese architect Renzo Piano, that zips you method above town for a superb 360-degree aerial view.
TIP: Buy your Old Port attraction tickets on-line earlier than you arrive in Genoa. Book a time slot for the Aquarium since it’s a tremendous common attraction. Combination tickets together with each Bigo and the Biosphere are additionally out there.
Eataly Genoa
Directly throughout from Bigo, you’ll discover Eataly Genoa. Weave your method by way of the highest flooring gourmand market with plenty of tempting free samples (even caviar!) and fabulous harborside views. Choose between a fast focaccia or pizza lunch or choose one of many tasty sit-down choices. On your method out, give your gang a sugar rush at Eataly’s ground-floor gelato and crepe stand.
We particularly loved the stracciatella, a scoop of milk-based gelato topped with sizzling chocolate sauce that freezes on contact. Mmmm. Right subsequent to the doorway to the port, you should definitely admire the outside of the Palazzo San Giorgio, constructed between 1257 and 1260.
Genova Segway
Genoa’s alleys, streets, and neighborhoods seamlessly mix historical past with trendy life. What is the most effective (and most enjoyable) option to see town? Zip across the metropolis on a Segway. Matthia, proprietor of Genova Segway (based mostly proper on the Old Port) and our entertaining tour information, led us as we glided by way of the medieval middle, with stops at prime sights such because the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Ducale, and the Teatro Carlo Felice.
We even buzzed by way of town’s well-known indoor buying galleria. We lined extra floor in 60 minutes than we may have walked round for hours. All smiles from my crew.
TIP: Check the Segway firm’s web site to make sure your youngsters are sufficiently old to journey. All excursions embrace a brief lesson on the using fundamentals (or a refresher course for you Segway specialists).
Strada Nuova Museums
A should in Genoa is a go to to the UNESCO World Heritage Palaces, the Strada Nuova Museums. Whether you solely have an hour or spend all day, you’ll take pleasure in your time meandering by way of the massive three of the 42 Palazzi dei Rolli palaces, the Palazzo Rosso (Red Palace), the Palazzo Bianco (White Palace) and the Palazzo Tursi.
These historic palaces home one-of-a-kind inventive masterpieces starting from work by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Caravaggio, to richly woven carpets, and a tranquil courtyard, offering you with a glimpse into the opulent existence of the mid-sixteenth century.
TIP: Consider buying a Genova City Pass that gives you with experiences, admissions, and different perks. On their web site, you may personalize the move to fit your household’s journey pursuits, resembling arts, “edutainment,” museums, journey, and so on. You may determine how lengthy you prefer to the move to be legitimate. All passes embrace free journey on the Genoa AMT public transport system.
Shopping
Time to buy! Head to Genoa’s city middle, the Piazza de Ferrari, and set off below town’s beautiful porticos lining Via XX Settembre, which shade the entrances to Genoa’s buying thoroughfare. Whether your crew is into window buying or true retail remedy, strolling below town’s stunning porticos is a should.
Head within the route of the Mercato Orientale on Via XX Settembre, a bustling market stuffed with locals that envelops you with the sights, sounds, and smells of fruits, greens, meats, cheeses, dried herbs, olives, and different Ligurian merchandise.
Genoa Food Tour
End your day with a top-rated Soul of Genoa Food Tour. Led by proprietor Alessandro, we explored the secrets and techniques of the carruggi (slender walkways of the Old Town) whereas stopping alongside the way in which to style genuine Genoese delicacies. Alessandro regaled us with grand tales about Genoa’s meals, artwork, tradition, traditions, and historical past.
We toured specialty outlets providing native delicacies together with tripe, chocolate-dipped flower petals, and fish preserved in salt. We sampled native specialties resembling focaccia, farinata (chickpea pancakes) and different savory tartes, native wine, and Genoese sweets.
For us, the spotlight was scrumptious do-it-yourself pastas served alfresco at a family-run trattoria. Alessandro revealed hidden alleyways, courtyards, shops, and palaces we’d by no means have found on our personal. Soul of Genoa gives different strolling excursions, too, in addition to cooking lessons.
Where to Stay in Genoa
The well-located and historic Hotel Astoria is a fast five-minute stroll to the Genoa Brignole Train Station. We loved our fashionable, spacious trendy rooms and elegantly adorned bogs (however as a heads-up, like many different European motels, our bathtub/bathe lacked a door or curtain to comprise the hand-held spray head). The not too long ago renovated Hotel Astoria options designer decor, a luxurious breakfast buffet, fitness center, lounge space, and a pleasant, useful entrance desk workers.
How to get round
This metropolis begs to be explored on foot. We walked about 8 miles throughout our one-day go to. If you like, you may simply take a City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus, public buses, the subway, funiculars, ferries, and/or taxis.
Day journeys from Genoa
Genoa is a centrally situated base to take a day journey or two. Hop on a prepare or hire a automobile to discover the realm’s spectacular Italian Riviera cities, resembling Portofino and Rapallo. Consider touring Cinque Terre; we squeezed in a go to to all 5 scenic hamlets in in the future through prepare. While our Cinque Terre go to was low season, in late December, when many outlets and eating places had been closed, we nonetheless cherished our day. Our highlights included strolling alongside Riomaggiore’s harbor, having fun with the view from Corniglia, taking an artisanal gelato break in Vernazza, aperitivos at sundown in Manarola at Nessun Dorma, and eating on native specialties resembling walnut ravioli at Ristorante Moretto in Monterosso.
You may take a day journey or prolong your journey to spend 2 days in Milan or take pleasure in some wine tasting in Piedmont.
TIPS: While visiting the Italian Riviera within the hotter climate is good, a winter go to will also be rewarding. We visited in December and located the climate to be very comfy for sightseeing. Pack a lightweight jacket and an umbrella for doable showers.
Genoa, you stole our hearts! We can not wait to go to once more, this time for an extended keep.
About the Author
This visitor publish was written by Lisa Grabelle. Lisa, a journey author for Hilton Hotels, has been touring all her life…34 international locations and loving it! Originally from the sunny skies of Miami, Lisa, a former lawyer, lives close to Philadelphia together with her husband and has two daughters who’re in school. Travel is her ardour. As quickly as one trip ends, Lisa busily plans her subsequent journey for her continuous household of adventurers. Lisa’s motto is “don’t just visit the destination…live it!” You can observe Lisa on Twitter or Instagram.
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