We are a group of 4 that plans to visit Genoa for 2 nights this coming March (coming from Barcelona and then heading to Milan for 2 nights after Genoa). We have been to Italy before (including Cinque Terra), but not to Genoa. Any recommendations of what to do while in Genoa?
Thanks
We enjoy catching the highlights of a city, which could be any Key museums or any great restaurants to go to. We plan to take a day trip to Portofino, so any recommendations for that are appreciated.
We do not have any mobility issues.
There is a fabulous aquarium.
For street food and less fancy local food, my husband and I love Genoa. We greatly enjoyed a food tour in Genoa with Enrica Monzani --- she is a cookbook writer and a wonderful guide: https://www.asmallkitcheningenoa.com/food-experiences/genoa-food-tour/
Enrica also booked us a tour of some large basil-growing greenhouses in the hills above Genoa: https://www.serresulmare.com/en/. You can book it yourselves, I believe. Have to take a taxi there. You'll see how basil plants are supplied to all the restaurants and grocery stores, also how they make bottled pesto.
Our favorite place to eat was called Sa Pesta --- pretty much street food plus savory pies, but with tables and chairs. I recommend getting both of the antipasti platters.
We also loved the cemetery north of Genoa (a bus goes there). Although Milan's is our favorite.
You could take a short train ride to Camogli --- a lovely little place with great food and scenery.
Several nice Romanesque churches --- I remember liking the portal sculptures of San Lorenzo.
This is far from the city center, but if you can get yourselves to an area called Boccadasse you will see a picturesque fishing cove that is much loved by the citizens of Genova. There are lots of seafood restaurants there, and definitely have a gelato from Antica Gelateria Amedeo. The best gelato we've ever had (and we've had a lot)!! Then walk along the promenade on Corso Italia. Just beautiful. The Albaro neighborhood is lovely and very different from the crowded center.
Thank you all very much. Those are great suggestions - I like the idea of finding the best places to eat. Pesto sounds excellent. :-)
I have family in Genoa and have been there many times most recently in May. For the short time you will be there, I recommend visiting the historic center. There you can find St Lorenzo Cathedral which actually has a undetonated bomb from WWII. Somehow, the church was spared from devastation. Also located in this area is Christopher Columbus’s birthplace The architecture in Genoa is beautiful….Piazza de Ferrari, Palazzo dell’Universita, Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo San Giorgio…among others. There are magnificent churches on almost every corner. In addition to pesto, Genoa is known for their Focaccia Genovese. Genoa is very walkable and safe. Enjoy the culture, food and history!
