Rarely if ever have I seen this gorgeous city - Genoa in English, Genova in Italian - included on tourist itineraries to Italy, unless the itinerary also involved a cruise ship. Located on the Mediterranean sea, and near the Alps and the French border, Genoa exceeds expectations every time.
Sea-Related Activities
Amble along the 2.5 km long seaside promenade, Corso Italia (see photo).
Find the old harbor and visit the acquarium; or for ship lovers, visit the Museum of the Sea. Wander through the tropical plants and small animals inside the "Bolla" (see photo, below), which was built for the 2001 G8 Summit. Eat fish.
City Activities
Visit the old town: walk down Via Garibaldi and admire the many Rolli palaces, a UNESCO World Heritage site (for more, click here). Sit in the main square, Piazza de Ferrari, and marvel at the architecture around you: the Opera house, the Doge's Palace, and the lively fountain. Visit the house where Christopher Columbus lived as a child.
Don't miss the 1500 year old funky striped Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (see photo, a detail of the main entrance). Eat pesto with trofie or trenette. Eat focaccia. Take the public elevator up to Piazza Castello and enjoy the views.
Open Space
The parco dell'Acquasola, in the centre of the city, is a great spot for the kids to run around. Or take the short train ride to Nervi, to explore the gigantic Parchi di Nervi, a green space and amalgamation of 3 villas plus their gardens. If you go on a Sunday, you'll join the throngs of local Genovesi.
Art
Visit the National Gallery, Palazzo Spinola. Or admire the Genoese and Flemish art at the Palazzo Bianco museum, and ride the acensore panoramico up to the roof to take in the views.
Photos of boats, La Bolla, and Cattedrale di San Lorenzo detail by Sanjay
Photo of Corso Italia by Federico Perola, used with permission.
