Genoa Essentials

Genoa Tourist Attractions
Cultural and historic sites are numerous in Genoa and it is particular renowned for its inspiring museums. The finest collection of art can be found at Galleria Nazionale which has significant medieval artworks, decorative arts and ceramics. It is open every day and costs €6. Kids should enjoy a day at Acquario di Genova, which is the largest public aquarium in Europe and houses a tremendous range of underwater exhibits from every ocean in the world. It is a truly massive place and deserves a few hours exploration. Entrance fees start from €8.50 and it is open until 8pm each day.

Italian Phrases For Tourists  

Hello (informal)	Ciao		Good bye	ciao (informal)/salve (semi-formal)/ arrivederci (formal)
Good day	Buon giorno		Excuse me	mi scusi (formal) scusa (informal)
Good evening	Buon sera		You're welcome	Prego
Good night	Buona nottea		Thank you	Grazie
Yes	Sì		Train Station	la stazione
No	No		Airport	l'aeroporto
Please	Per favore		Currency exchange	l'ufficio del cambio
Thank you	Grazie		The bill, please	Il conto per favore

Shops in Genoa open weekdays from 10am - 8pm, often until 10pm on Thursdays with an afternoon break between 1pm and 4pm. Large and small shops tend to close around 5pm on Saturday and are virtually all shut on Sundays. This is the best time to visit one of the colourful street markets such as Mercato Orientale which opens early at 8am and features a great range of local produce from fresh herbs, fruits and seafood. 

Genoa Food & Drink
The city's most famous culinary export is Pesto Genovese - a sauce of garlic, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, pine nuts and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and used to accompany a variety of pasta dishes. The local Ligurian diet is a typically healthy Mediterranean one, rich in vegetables, fish, and white meat and especially noted for its seafood. Other popular traditional dishes include Genoese minestrone soup and la torta Pasqualina - a savoury vegetable tart. Focaccia bread made with cheese is a staple on any restaurant menu and makes the ideal accompaniment to a dish of ravioli - another Genoese invention or delicious corzeti, fresh dough pasta stuffed with spinach and tomato.

Tipping & Etiquette in Genoa

Depending on the type of eating establishment, a service charge may or may not already be added to the bill. If not a tip of around 10% is considered a satisfactory amount that will be gratefully received. Hotel room service staff and taxi drivers may expect a similar gratuity and baggage porters and bar staff can simply be rewarded with small change. 

Genoa Useful Numbers

• Calling the UK from Genoa – 0044 + area code minus zero + number

• Police – 112

• Ambulance – 112

• Fire - 112

 

There is a fabulous range of special guided disabled tours of the city which can be enjoyed without obstacles or steps. These include the Medieval Town, the old harbour and around the Renaissance Town. The bus and metro system is fully accessible for wheelchair users and special needs passengers and there is a high proportion of public taxis equipped with low floors and wheelchair space. Only a handful of Ligurian beaches offer access from street level or adequate toilet and changing facilities. 

• British Consulate Piazza G Verdi 6/A 16121 Genoa Telephone: +39 010 5740071

• Italy Embassy - 14 Three Kings Yard, London W1K 4EH, Telephone: 020 7312 2200.

Genoa City Breaks  Getting Around Genoa

Things To Do In Genoa  Genoa Weather