Genoa, Italy’s biggest port city, is packed with gorgeous buildings, mouth-watering cuisine and sweeping seaside views. Here in the Liguarian capital, visitors can dive deep into an exciting cultural history – and into the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.
Genoa’s historic old town is worth visiting for the architecture alone. You’ll discover a maze of winding narrow streets adorned with baroque palaces, some of which are collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll down Via Giuseppe Garibaldi and admire three of the site's most beautiful buildings – Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria-Tursi – home to some of Genoa’s finest artistic treasures.
A food-lovers paradise, Genoa buzzes with authentic family-run and gourmet eateries. Check out Il Genovese, a cozy restaurant serving classic Ligurian dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Pesto was born in Genoa and tasting this iconic dish in its purest form is a must. The simple yet satisfying blend of pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, basil leaves and parmesan cheese is sure to hit the spot.
There are plenty of spots just outside Genoa that offer stunning scenic views. Visit Boccadasse, an ancient village decorated with pastel-coloured houses on a cobblestone beach. Time stands still here and tourists are encouraged to slow down too. Browse the village's quaint shops, bakeries and art galleries, and take in the Gulf of Genoa with an ice cream.