We are a family group of 8 adults with a day to spend in Genoa from a cruise ship. Somehow the cruise lines don't want you to know how far everything is from the port and details about the town. RS Italy book does not mention Genoa. I hear there is cool architecture, but what sights, restaurants, activities are the coolest, must-do things? Any suggestions much appreciated.
Posted by
San Carlos, CA, USA
393 posts
I agree with what periscope said.
The downtown area is centered around Piazza Ferrari and from there you can walk into the old center, Cannetto Lungo, which are the characteristic narrow dark streets of Old Genoa. Another nice shopping street with small characteristic shops is Via Luccoli. A very good restaurant just off Piazza Ferrari is Rosmarino.
Otherwise, a leisurely walk down the promenade on Corso Italia ending in Boccadasse, which is a colorful old cove area that has some seafood restaurants and a really good gelato place.
The city has some museums, a big indoor marketplace called Mercato Orientale is off the Via XX Settembre, and an aquarium. The pastel-colored apartment buildings which dot the hillsides are characteristic of Genoa. Wherever you end up, I recommend eating two things while in Genoa: fresh focaccia from a bakery, and pasta with pesto. These are foods of Genoa. You can eat them elsewhere in Italy but they will not be the same.
Prepare for some walking--or take a taxi to save time.
Also, the locals warn that you don't want to be near the port area at night.
Posted by
nova scotia
98 posts
I was trying to figure out how to describe some of the many highlights in Genoa - then I remembered this Forbes article - It captures most of them.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/catherinesabino/2018/08/12/9-reasons-to-check-out-genoa-one-of-italys-most-underrated-gems/?sh=2085b8823e64