What to do in Genoa, Italy in a single day

Embark on a magical trip in time for Genoa, the capital of the Ligurian region of Italy.

Often passed through tourists for more popular destinations such as Venice, Florence and Rome. I’m sure you are wondering what to do in Genoa, Italy, and if it is worth making the trip, but I can tell you that we loved our twenty-four hours in the sixth city of Italy, Genoa.

Even with a single day in Genoa, you will pour out the distinctive cuisine of Genoa, ornate works of art, abundant shopping options and maritime tradition. With a story dating back over 2500 years, Genoa has many claims to glory, notably the city where Christopher Columbus was born, the house of the famous violinist Nicolò Paganini and an astonishing architecture buffet representing Gothic, medieval, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

In one day, you will understand why Charles Dickens in his Photos of Italy said about Genoa, “It is a place that “grows on you” every day. There seems to always be something to discover. »»

We left as if we had just sampled the strengths and I can’t wait to return deeper, exploring the hidden piazzas of the city, the opulent palaces and the fishing villages nearby.

Here is my suggested plan to pack the most in a glorious day visit to Genoa. Ready, adjust, go!

What to do in Genoa

Publisher’s note: The author has received visits and passes at reduced and / or complementary prices so that she can try and review them for your information. All opinions are his. This message contains affiliation links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I can receive a small commission. All the images graceful of Lisa Grabelle, unless otherwise indicated.

Old port

In this maritime city, there is no better way to launch your day than to walk in the old animated port, Portico Antico. The port is a hub for tourists and abundant inhabitants with museums, restaurants, historic buildings, touring boats and a playground. Once you arrive at the port, turn back, face the land and soak in the beauty of this city built vertically in the side of the mountain.

Genoa aquarium

Children of all ages (and adults too) will appreciate Genoa‘aquarium,, the largest in all of Europe. This huge aquarium includes 70 flourishing tanks with more than 12,000 fish and other sea animals representing 600 species. We have all felt like children laughing at the playful puffing of penguins and dolphins, and amazing ourselves with the variety of sharks.

For those who are interested in flora and fauna endangered. Biosphere which is suspended on the sea and located just outside the aquarium. You can also walk by boat or visit the Maritime Museum galata.

Bigo

Then go 40 meters vertically BigoThe elevator of the panoramic elevator designed by the Genoese architect Renzo Piano, who closes you well above the city for a fabulous 360-degree aerial view.

ADVICE: Buy your old online port attraction tickets before arriving in Genoa. Book a time slot for the Aquarium Because it is a super popular attraction. Combined tickets, including Bigo and the Biosphere, are also available.

Eataly Genoa

Directly opposite Bigo, you will find Eataly Genoa. Pull your path through the gastronomic market on the top floor with many free samples (even caviar!) And fabulous views of harbonside. Choose between a quick focaccia or a pizza lunch or select one of the delicious sit-down options. Going out, give your gang a rush to sugar on the gelato and the pancake stand on the ground and the eataly pancake.

We particularly appreciated the Stracciatella, a gelato ball based on milk lined with hot chocolate sauce that freezes on contact. Mmmm. Right next to the entrance to the port, be sure to admire the outside of the Palazzo San GiorgioBuilt between 1257 and 1260.

Genova Segway

The alleys, the streets and the districts of Genoa perfectly mix history with modern life. What is the best way (and the most fun) to see the city? Zip in the city in Segway. Matthia, owner of Genova Segway (Based just at the old port) and our entertaining tourist guide, led us while we slipped through the medieval center, with stops at high towers like the cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Ducal Palazzo and the Teatro Carlo Felice.

We even buzzed through the famous interior shopping gallery of the city. We covered more land in 60 minutes than we could have wandered for hours. All the smiles of my crew.

ADVICE: Consult the Segway company’s website to make sure your children are old enough to ride. All visits include a short lesson on driving bases (or a recycling course for you segway experts).

Strada Nuova museums

An essential in Genoa is a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Palace, the Strada Nuova museums. Whether you only have an hour or spend all day, you will take advantage of your time to mix through the three talls of the 42 Palazzi Dei Rolli Palaces, the Palazzo Rosso (Red Palace), the Palazzo Bianco (White Palace) and the Palazzo Tursi.

These historical palates are home to unique artistic masterpieces ranging from the paintings of Rubens, Van Dyck and Caravaggio to richly woven carpets, and a quiet courtyard, offering you a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle in the middle of the 17th century.

ADVICE: Consider buying a Genova City Pass This offers you experiences, admissions and other advantages. On their website, you can customize the pass to adapt to the travel interests of your family, such as the arts, “edatainment”, museums, adventure, etc. You can also decide how long you want the passing to be valid. All passes include free trips to the Public Transport System of Genoa AMT.

Purchases

It’s time to shop! Head to downtown Genoa, Ferrari piazza, and go under the magnificent portico of the city Via xx setlember, which shaded the entries of the Benten Shopping artery. Whether your crew is in the window shopping or real retail therapy, walking in the beautiful portico of the city is a must.

Head in the sense of Eastern transfer window On Via XX Settembre, a lively market full of premises that envelops you with the images, sounds and smells of fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, dried herbs, olives and other Ligurian products.

Annoying tour

End your day with a better chest Embarrassment of the soul of Genoa. Led by the owner Alessandro, we explored the secrets of Carruggi (narrow footbridges of the old town) while stopping along the way to taste an authentic Genoese cuisine. Alessandro gave us back with great stories about food, art, culture, traditions and the history of Genoa.

We have visited specialized stores offering local specialties, including guts, chocolate -soaked flower petals and fish preserved in salt. We have sampled local specialties such as Focaccia, Farinata (CHICHE POLES) and other savory pies, local wine and Genoese candies.

For us, the culmination was delicious homemade pasta served outdoors in a family trattoria. Alessandro revealed hidden alleys, lessons, stores and palaces that we would never have discovered by ourselves. Soul of Genoa also offers other walking visits, as well as cooking lessons.

Where to stay in Genoa

The good located and historic Astoria hotel is a quick five -minute walk to Genoa Brignole station. We appreciated our elegant and spacious modern rooms and our elegantly decorated bathrooms (but as a tête-à-tête, like many other European hotels, our bathtub / shower had no door or curtain to contain the portable spray head). The recently renovated Astoria hotel has a creator setting, a sumptuous buffet breakfast, a gym, a lounge area and a friendly and helpful reception staff.

How to move

This city asks to be explored on foot. We traveled around 8 miles during our day visit. If you prefer, you can easily take a City Sightseeing Hop on Hop Off Bus,, Public bus, metro, funicular, ferries and / or taxis.

Excursions of a day of Genoa

Genoa is a base located in the center to make an excursion of a day or two. Stop on a train or rent a car to explore the spectacular Italian cities in the region, such as Portofino and Rapallo. Consider visiting Cinque Terre; We tightened during a visit to the five picturesque hamlets in one day via the train. While our Cinque Terre visit was out of season, at the end of December, when many shops and restaurants were closed, we have always loved our day. Our strong moments included walks along the port of Riomaggiore, taking advantage of the view of Corniglia, taking an artisanal gelato break in Vernazza, aperitivos at sunset in Manarola in Nessun Dorma, And eat on local specialties such as the Ristorant Moretto nut ravioli in MONTOSSO.

You can also make a day trip or extend your trip to spend 2 days in Milan or enjoy the wine tasting Foothills.

ADVICE: Although visiting the Italian Riviera in warmer is ideal, a winter visit can also be rewarding. We visited in December and found that time was very comfortable for visits. Pack a light jacket and an umbrella for possible showers.

Genoa, you stole our hearts! We can’t wait to visit again, this time for a longer stay.

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