Genoa is the city that saw Christopher Columbus born and grow up, and still jealously guards his home and the passion for the sea that characterized the great explorer. Located halfway between two of the most beautiful tourist coasts in Italy, this city has long been underestimated as a holiday destination. Yet today, after being recognized as a UNESCO heritage site and after also being the Capital of Culture, international curiosity is rediscovering its port, its “Lanterna”, its “carrugi”. Come and discover it too … you won’t regret it!
Best period to visit Genoa
The best time in year for visiting Genoa is from June to September. Also springtime is a lovely period to plan your vacation over there. Try to avoid autumn and winter, because of the rain. When it rains, Genoa collects all the water streams flowing down from the mountains and hills around, and streets turn into rivers!
Travel documents
Since Italy is a nation member of the Schengen Agreement Area, Genoa welcomes all tourists from the same area easily. The nations belonging to Schengen allow their own citizens to travel free from one country to the other, as if they were traveling their own homeland. In this case, ID paper is enough. If you belong to non-Schengen nations, though, you shall show your passport as soon as you arrive at the local airport.
What to pack for your trip to Genoa
Genoa is a seaside city, not far from the most beautiful Ligurian beaches. Your swimsuit, diving equipment, sunscreen, hats and towels should never be missing from your suitcase. But remember that you will also go to admire a beautiful city, with museums, galleries, theatres and pubs … so do not forget elegant clothes. Make sure you always have comfortable shoes, cameras, chargers for electric batteries. Do not leave your umbrella and a few jackets or sweaters at home. Seabreeze can be nice, but even too cold sometimes!
How to get to Genoa
Getting to Genoa is easy, since the city is very well connected to the Italian/European territory. It has an international airport, the Cristoforo Colombo Airport, which is located in Sestri Ponente where public and private transportations work. The port connects Genoa with the main ports of the Mediterranean. If you prefer to arrive by train, no problema t all! Railway lines are also a convenient and effective solution and will let you arrive at the two main stations in Genoa. There are four highways that allow you to reach Genoa by car: A12, A10, A26 and A7.
How to move through Genoa
Genoa is a city confined between the sea and the hills. This means it has many steep streets, so if you want to drive a car – or ride a bike – here, you must be very self-confident! Besides, most part of the city’s old quarter is closed to car traffic, so renting a car is not a great idea!
You can decide to move through Genoa by bus or by taxi. One of the most used means is certainly the metro, while in order to reach some high quarters you can take funiculars and elevators. There are also tourist buses and private transfers, granting your personal tour thanks to professional chauffeurs driving cars/shuttles. You can buy specific cards that allow you to move by different means and/or enter the No Traffic Zone if needed.
What to see
When you arrive in Genoa, make sure you start your tour from the oldest part of the city. Explore the majestic Piazza della Vittoria, then walk along XX Settembre street admiring its many shops, stop in Piazza De Ferrari and take photos to the many elegant buildings.
Do not miss a visit at the Cathedral of St Lorenzo, look for lovely shops and pubs at the old Port’s quarter, then have fun climbing the “carrugi” little alleys. At sunset, go up to Castelletto balcony and enjoy the view!
Something you shall never miss, in Genoa, is: the Aquarium, Christopher Columbus’ House, the lighthouse of Lanterna and the lovely hamlet of Boccadasse. Museums, art galleries and live music in the lovely trattorias and pubs will make your evening happy!
What to do and NOT to do in Genoa
What you must do in Genoa is: take your time and enjoy a slow-rhythm holiday. Walk a lot, take a lot of photos, plan many interesting itineraries … not only in the city! And go walk along the docks, especially in the afternoon, while the city lights light up here and there.
But, remember, in Genoa you should never:
- walk at the port late at night
- walk the “carrugi” late at night
- show jewels or money in the oldest quarters, late at night
- buy a supermarket pre-packaged “pesto” sauce
- ask local people to offer a dinner, sandwich, beer or whatever; Genoans are quite stingy!