Genoa

Genoa, Italy

Genoa, "La Superba", is a city that makes a profound impression. Sandwiched between the sea and the Ligurian hills, Genoa spreads upwards from the port, a jumble of a city with a long and chequered history. This European Capital of Culture in 2004 has dozens of museums and galleries, a renowned theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. The city has good shopping, the best nightlife in Liguria and excellent restaurants. Day excursions along the stunning Ligurian coast are highly recommended.

Population:

580,097

Currency:

1 euro (€) = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

113 Police Emergency
115 Fire Brigade
118 Medical Help (Ambulance)

Opening Hours:

Shops are generally open from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 7:30, while larger stores and supermarkets are frequently open all day. Food stores often close on Wednesday afternoon, while other stores are frequently closed on Monday morning.

Newspapers:

Il Secolo XIX
La Repubblica
La Stampa

The City

Genoa: the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and Paganini, Italy’s biggest port and, as Charles Dickens remarked in 1844 "A city of the strangest contrasts." Renaissance palaces, grand 19th-century boulevards and gilded Baroque churches are squeezed alongside, and on top of, a warren of steep medieval streets. Fine restaurants and chic bars are hidden in the narrow alleys. Genoa is made for exploring and getting lost in the medieval quarter – one of Europe’s largest – and is all part of the experience. With one of the biggest universities in Italy, Genoa’s student population guarantees a buzzing nightlife.

Do & See

Being one of the best-kept travel destinations secret, Genoa for sure offers many beautiful and interesting tourist attractions. With dozens of museums and galleries, a renowned theatre, the largest aquarium in Europe and many famous landmarks, tourist will find themselves busy. Most of the popular tourist sights are either near Genoa's main square, called Piazza de Ferrari or by the old Port of Genoa, so these are the places to head for. Other sights not be missed is Palazzo Ducale, Palazzi dei Rolli and the Medieval Quarter just to name a few. To get a good idea of the town's geography and history, take a boat tour, there are large variety of boat trips that departs from Genoa harbour.

Dining

Genoa and Liguria are famous for pesto, the delicious pasta sauce made from basil, pine nuts, olive oil and parmesan. If you think you know pesto because you buy it in a jar – think again. There is nothing like a dish of fresh vivid-green pesto served with the local pasta (little twists of troffie) or spaghetti-like trenette. Other specialities include farinata, a bread-like snack made from chickpeas, focaccia, fish dishes (particularly salt cod-baccalà), mushroom dishes and stuffed meat dishes. Plan to eat out in Genoa? Remember that many restaurants are closed on Sunday and Saturday lunchtime.

Cafes

Italians are famous for their delicious food, ice cream and romantic cafés: in Genoa you will find many lovely cafes to rest your feet at after a day’s shopping and touring. Grab a strong espresso, a sweet delicacy of the region such as "pandolce" and enjoy!