My husband and I are ending a 2 week trip this summer in Genoa as we fly out of there to head back home. Our flight is very early, so we will arrive the day before and spend the night in a hotel there. We will be coming from Cinque Terre - what should we do with very limited time while we are there?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15155 posts
The most famous attraction of Genoa is the Aquarium, the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. It's located in the Ancient Port, which is another attraction of that city. At the Ancient Port, you can see other things besides the Aquarium: The Neptune ship, a submarine, the Biosphere (tropical exhibit), The Lanterna (the Ancient Lighthouse), the Galata Museum of the Sea, the Eataly slow food restaurants, the Bigo crane etc.
The oldest part of town is very characteristic and it's called the "Carruggi". It's a maze of alleys with plenty of beautiful ancient buildings. If you get lost (as I did), just follow the Genovese advice: if you get lost, go downhill, eventually you'll end up at the ancient port.
The most elegant street is Via Garibaldi. There you can see the ancient Noble families' palaces, called "I Rolli".
Actually Genoa can easily keep you busy for a couple of days.
Posted by
San Carlos, CA, USA
383 posts
Personally I would not try to do too much on the last day of a trip, particularly if you are coming from a scenic and relaxing place like Cinqueterre. (I never like ending a ending a trip in a large city, but maybe that's just me.) I would skip the Aquarium unless you have never been to one. I would stick with Roberto's suggestion of the "caruggi" since they are so characteristic of Genoa. Also a walk on the promenade in the Albaro district heading toward Boccadasse is beautiful and relaxing. Enjoy the characteristic architecture of Genoa--the residential apartment buildings in their pastel colors dotting the green hills are unique to Genoa.
Mostly I would recommend that you take advantage of eating 2 things: pesto and focaccia. These are foods that Genoa is famous for. Go into a bakery and buy a slab of focaccia--you will not regret it. Also the same bakeries will have various vegetable tortas and a cream puff called "cavolini." Better than any cream puff you've ever had. Been to Genoa many times as we have family there. We love it, although it is not thought of too highly from a tourist's point of view. I do hope you enjoy it.