We'll be near the end of a month in Italy, having spent time in Lecce, Naples, Orvieto, Bologna and Cinque Terre (staying in La Spezia). We're looking for somewhere we can get to from La Spezia in a half day of travel by train, with our final five days in Lugano before flying home out of Milan. I'm kind of torn between Turin and Genoa, two cities we've never visited. Our interests are wandering the city on foot, museums, general sightseeing and of course food (though our tastes tend toward the street-food variety rather than Michelin stars). Any ideas about which of these two cities might suit us best? We'll be at this point of our trip in early October.
Posted by
Wengen
2539 posts
I haven't been to Turin, but we did go to Genoa on a whim last month, and we were pleasantly surprised.
Genoa is a gritty port town, dirty in places, but the "Strada Nuovo" and its adjacent palaces and museums is magnificent, as is the area around it. The geography also makes for some interesting transportation solutions...
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6592 posts
There is another thread right now about Turin. Sounds like people suggest about 3 days. Would you consider doing a few days at each?
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1594 posts
For street food and less fancy local food, my husband and I love Genoa and have been there several times. On one trip, we greatly enjoyed taking a food tour with Enrica: https://www.asmallkitcheningenoa.com/. She is a fabulous guide! On another trip, our favorite place to eat was Sa Pesta, kind of small sit-down street food place with sampler plates of antipasti.
Posted by
314 posts
S, F, 70+, solo traveler, 72 countries and lots of repeat cities and towns. I went to Northern Italy for a month in November 2022. Milan, Turin, Genoa and Bologna. Milan large city, Bologna I adored. Turin very walkable, manageable, lots to see and I had a magnificent apt on VE down from the train station. I have never been to a city I was ambivalent about and I hesitate to say didn't care for as much as Genoa. Had a great apt in the old lighthouse but Genoa is the only city in 60 years of travel I didn't care for. Can't really put my finger on it.
Posted by
West Chester PA
122 posts
I spent a month in Genova and was not bored. From there, I did a day trip to Turin (specifically to see the Egyptian museum) ...plus multiple day trips to the Cinque Terre. Also close by is Camogli (breathtaking fishing village) and even Milan for the day! Many fabulous restaurants in Genova like Sa Pesta that was already mentioned. There is a great indoor food market plus several palaces to explore. IMO Genova would be the better place to stay then explore from there. enjoy!
Posted by
OP
SoCal
1231 posts
Thanks, everyone, for your thoughtful comments. Wifey wants Genoa, so that's where we're going (day trip to Turin very possible).