Suggestions for Genoa

Genoa is definitely worth a visit but it is not an easy place to apprehend in just a few hours. I would focus my exploration on the area between via Garibaldi (visiting one of the palaces there, such as the Palazzo Grimaldi, and perhaps going to Castelletto viewpoint) and via S. Lorenzo (where the cathedral is located).
Parking is available in the Aquarium area, but not that plentiful beware.

Easier visits than Genoa along the way would be:
- S. Margherita Ligure & Portofino
- much further north: Certosa di Pavia.

I visited Genoa a few years ago and we spent the day at the marina. We visited the aquarium in the morning, it's huge and takes a few hours to explore. Next we had focaccia and coffee granita for lunch, then we went on Il Bigo, a lift that gives you a panoramic view of the bay. We also went aboard the Nettuno, a galleon ship. There are lots of street vendors selling food and tourist junk all along the marina. There are lots of families about. The weather was great when we went in June, so it made for a nice day out.
Bon voyage!

We had 3 nights in Genoa just a couple weeks ago. Balso and Lisa P have good suggestions for a quick visit.

Also, in the old town area just across the road from the Aquarium you can find this great long covered Portico with huge arches. I read somewhere that it’s 900 metres long. Inside the Portico, look up at the ceiling of the arches and you will find some of them coloured and decorated with (I believe) small tiles. There are all kinds of small hole-in-the wall Bars, ethnic food vendors and tourist trinkets inside the Portico.

From the Portico take any street that leads up into the old Town and explore the vast warren of narrow alleys (Google “Caruggi”). You might find that you pop out at Piazza Ferrari with a monstrous fountain in the middle.

Know that the streets, alleys and many buildings are made of black or dark stone giving the impression it’s a dirty city. Look past that or face it head on and you might find it immensely appealing. The architecture is amazing throughout.

Further out, there is Mercato Orientale, a large covered building with fruit and veg stalls around the perimeter and a food court affair in the middle.

Edited to Add:

The architecture is amazing throughout.

Except for many of the buildings that tower directly above the Portico.

Thank you for the guidance!

There is a good, locally written website by a Genoese that gives actionable opinions, including suggested itineraries and recommended restaurants. https://discovergenoa.com/genoa-in-two-days/