Genoa-7-day-itinerary

Genoa 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Historic Center

  • Morning: Arrive in Genoa and check-in at Hotel Cairoli or similar.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture.
    • Explore the narrow streets of the historic center, including Via San Lorenzo and Piazza dei Fossatelli.
    • Stop by the Loggia della Mercanzia, a beautiful 16th-century building.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Berlocca, serving traditional Ligurian cuisine.

Day 2: Maritime History and Seafront

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Galata Museo del Mare, a museum showcasing Genoa’s rich maritime history.
    • Explore the Port of Genoa, one of the largest in Italy.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the seafront promenade, Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi.
  • Evening: Enjoy seafood at Ristorante La Marina.

Day 3: Palaces and Gardens

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Palazzo Reale, a stunning royal palace with beautiful gardens.
    • Explore the Giardini di Palazzo Tursi, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Afternoon: Relax at the Bagni Moderno, a historic thermal bath complex.
  • Evening: Dine at Ristorante La Lanterna, offering traditional Ligurian dishes.

Day 4: Day Trip to Portofino

  • Morning: Take a train or bus to Santa Margherita Ligure, then transfer to a ferry to Portofino ( approx. 1 hour).
  • Afternoon: Explore this picturesque fishing village, known for its colorful houses and luxury boutiques.
  • Evening: Return to Genoa and enjoy dinner at Osteria alle Langhe.

Day 5: Hiking in the Hills

  • Morning: Take a bus or taxi to Righi, a hilltop village with breathtaking views of the city.
  • Afternoon: Hike through the beautiful hills and forests, following trails like the Sentiero delle Creuze.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Ligurian cuisine at Agriturismo Le Fontane.

Day 6: Modern Genoa

  • Morning: Visit the Bigo, a modern art museum housed in a former industrial building.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Fiera di Genova, a large exhibition center with various events and exhibitions.
  • Evening: Dine at Ristorante Il Marinello, offering seafood and modern Italian cuisine.

Day 7: Last Day in Genoa

  • Morning: Visit the Mercato Orientale, a bustling marketplace with fresh produce and local products.
  • Afternoon: Relax at the Parco dell’Acquasola, a beautiful park with gardens and a lake.
  • Evening: Farewell dinner at Ristorante La Piazza.

Things to Know

  • Genoa is a hilly city, so be prepared for some walking uphill.
  • Try the local specialty, farinata, a thin, crispy pancake made from chickpea flour.
  • The Genoa Aquarium is one of the largest in Europe and worth visiting.

Transportation

  • Genoa has an international airport (GOA) with connections to major European cities.
  • The city is well-connected by train to other Italian cities.
  • Local transportation includes buses, funiculars, and a metro line.

Tips

  • Book accommodations and popular restaurants in advance to avoid high prices or unavailability.
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions during peak season.
  • Learn some basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.

Other Things of Interest

  • Ligurian wine: Genoa is surrounded by vineyards producing high-quality white wines, such as Vermentino and Pigato.
  • Festival and Events: Genoa hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Genoa Film Festival and the Festa di San Giovanni.
  • Day Trips: Consider visiting other nearby towns, like Camogli, Sestri Levante, or Rapallo.