Genova Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit in Liguria
Best time to go in
Spring and Summer are the best times to go to Genova and enjoy the beautiful long sunny days, next to the stunning Ligurian sea!
Language
Italian
CurrencY
Euros, €
Transportation
The best way to move around Genova would be either by feet, (as the town is not that big), if you like walking. Alternatively, a car or a scooter are both very pratical to reach further areas (such as: the sea and the beaches).
What to take ?
Sunglasses and sun cream as the sun always shines in Genova! Some of your favourite dresses and clothing pieces for evening happenings, and lighter clothes to wear during the day for your city tours.
Last but not least, do not forget to pack in your suitcase, your fanciest swimsuit pieces to wear in Portofino’s bay, and some gym clothes if you love running early in morning or late in afternoon.
What to know before you go ?
Genova is a beautiful city that has a lot to offer. If you go there during spring and summer time, make sure to book in lunch and dinner reservations, as the city may get quite busy.
What is good to know, is that Genova is located next to many other beautiful seaside places that are famous all over the world because of their beauty: Portofino, Cinque Terre, Santa Margherita are all an absolute must see! Lastly, this is the city where the famous pesto sauce was invented. It’s a mix of: basil, salt, pine nuts, olive oil and parmesan cheese that works amazingly with fresh pasta.
If you’re a focaccia lover (soft oily bread), you MUST try one for breakfast, and order some with your friends to enjoy during your local “aperitivo time” (Italian cocktail hour) next to the sea!
BEST PLACES TO EAT
Breakfast
Mangini (traditional, yet fantastic local coffee and pastries).
Cambi Caffè (another stunning coffee place, that deserves a visit!).
Romanengo (incredible bakery, with stunning interiors that not only must be seen, but must also be tried!).
Focaccino (best focaccia in town!).
Lunch
Le Cicale in Albaro (very nice local bistrot to enjoy with your loved ones and friends for a fast and unpretentious lunch stop!).
Life Ristorante Sano (very cozy and beautiful healthy lunch/brunch spot).
Medusa Bagni at Nervi (a 25 minute drive from Genova, but completely worth the ride! A beautiful beach place, that offers seasonal foods just in front of the sea. Once you will be seated, you will instantly relax and admire and hear the ocean, while enjoying fresh foods with a glass of white wine! Make sure to book in advance).
Trattoria Rosmarino (great Genovese trattoria, situated in the city’s center. Perfect to enjoy fresh and local dishes).
Dinner
Osvaldo in Piazzetta (great trattoria, situated next to the sea in Boccadasse. Ideal for a Sunday lunch!).
Ristorante Santa Chiara on the terrace (good fine dining food, with an incredible view of Genova from the sea).
Il Marin (great fine dining food, with Old Port View).
In the city center:
Ristorante San Giorgio (Ligurian and modern cuisine, excellent for fine dining experience).
La Piedigrotta da Carmine (my favorite restaurant, 15 minutes drive from the center of Genova. The protagonist here is seafood. If you like raw fish, order their fresh tartars, followed by salt crusted fish with baked potatoes. Make sure to book in advance and ask to be seated outside, to look at the beautiful sea).
Trattoria Da Ugo (local and historical trattoria, offering typical Genovese food. If you are a pesto lover, their linguine with homemade pesto, are an absolute must! Just next to their restaurant, they have a small gastronomic shop, where you can buy their homemade pesto and fresh pasta to bring home to your loved ones).
Ippogriffo (my favorite sea food in the city. A must try, if you love fish and if you are just like me, a Pasta alle Vongole lover!).
Where to buy fresh foods, fruits or vegetables. Markets or organic farms
Healthy Supermarkets
Natura Si
Cortilia
Local Markets
Mercato Orientale
Piazza Banchi
Piazza Palermo market
Piazzale Parenzo maret
What to see or visit?
Activities to do in THE CITY
Museums
Acquario Renzo piano
Acquarium of Genova
Museo del Mare
Palazzo Ducale
Museo di Palazzo Reale
Must- See in the city
Boccadasse
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi
Porto Antico
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Spianata Castelletto (amazing view point where you can admire Genova from above)
Parks of Nervi
Quick and Unique escapes from the city to melt away your stress
Visit to Portofino and Santa Margherita
Escape to Cinque Terre
Tour of Camogli and Recco
Yoga Studios
Mermaids and Crabs (great only girls gym)
Red Yoga
Best Trails for a morning or evening runs
Parco Della Mura
Circonvallazione a Monte
Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, Via Quinto
Corso Italia
Activities to do
Take a Genovese cooking class, followed by an outdoor garden lunch.
Do a day tour to: Portofino, Santa Margherita and San Fruttuoso.
BEST PLACES to stay
Palazzo Grillo
Melià
NH Marina
Where to shop (vintage stores, local boutiques, antiques, bookstores, markets)
Stores
Grimaldi in Via Albaro
Urban Suite in Via Luccoli
Coco in Via Giordano Bruno
Profumeria Damiani in Via Albaro
Profumeria Caleri
Via Garibaldi 12 (my absolute favourite interior design store, a must stop when in Genova!)
Why do you love this place and why would you recommend it to a friend?
Genova is my hometown. This is the city where my father and his family were born and raised. Even though I was raised in Milan, we have been going to Genova since I was born every year for Christmas time.
I love how the city calms me every time I go there. I personally find it very refreshing and soothing to be able to stare and listen to the blue ocean all year round.
Even though Genova is a smaller and calmer city, compared to Milan, I still think that it can get quite busy. There are families and generations that have been living there forever and that have no matter what, continued to follow their daily routines: wake up, walk to the sea, breakfast with friends with fresh focaccia and cappuccino… and off they head to work!
Moreover, Genova is full of beautiful palazzo’s, museums and cultural activities. It will always have a special place in my heart, because my grandparents’ have lived there all of their lives, and the memories that we shared together in this unique city will stay with me forever.