Genoa City Breaks

A guide to Genoa

Genoa features one of the finest and largest medieval old towns in Europe: a wonderfully evocative, atmospheric labyrinth of medieval lanes climbing steeply from an ancient port rich in history and culture, and the local churches and palaces match those of anywhere else in Italy. As well as renaissance splendour, there's an entertaining choice of museums, a healthy cultural agenda, and superb art galleries housed in beautiful historic buildings. Breaks here offer a particularly characterful choice of cafes, bars and restaurants, and a surprisingly good shopping scene, including one of Europe’s finest food markets, superb traditional Italian grocery stores, terrific antiques shops and classy boutiques.

Gorgeous squares and palaces

The charm of Genoa lies in discovering the city’s beautiful piazzas and hidden gardens, admiring the treasures in innumerable churches and palazzos, and strolling wonderful streets like the museum-laden Strada Nuova and elegant Via Garibaldi. You can take in the colourful multicultural atmosphere of the city’s oldest trading streets, rewarding seafront walks in the brilliantly redesigned harbour area, scenic boat trips from the old port, and the fine 17th century city walls, as well as explore the gorgeous surrounding countryside.

Relaxing Italian destination

Other attractions include the outstanding aquarium, the emblematic 17th century lighthouse, the atmospheric promontory of Portofino, and the walk to the quaint fishing neighbourhood and beach at Boccadasse. The city’s manageable size and varied attractions make Genoa a better choice for relaxation than some many of the more touristy Italian destinations, particularly in the peak summer months.