Genoa, the capital of Liguria and Italy's sixth-largest city, stands as the busiest port in the Mediterranean. Historically a dominant maritime republic and one of the world's wealthiest cities, it retains its nickname 'La Superba' through impressive landmarks and a dense, historic center. Today, it serves as a major economic hub and the gateway to the Italian Riviera. For hotel travelers, Genoa offers a unique blend of medieval charm, UNESCO-listed palaces, and modern connectivity, making it an essential stop for those exploring Northwest Italy.
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Base yourself in the historic center to explore the narrow Caruggi alleys and UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli easily. The port area is ideal for business travelers, offering proximity to major transport hubs and headquarters of key companies like Fincantieri and Leonardo.
As a major economic center, Genoa has efficient public transport. The old town is best explored on foot, while connections to the Riviera, Milan, and Turin are facilitated by robust rail networks, leveraging its position in the industrial triangle.
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring outdoor sites and the bustling port. Summer is lively but hotter, while winters are mild. The city remains vibrant year-round, with the busy port adding dynamic energy to the urban experience.
demolished highway bridge in Genoa, Italy
football stadium
lighthouse in Genoa, Italy
cathedral in Genoa, Italy
historical palace in Genoa, Italy
opera house in Genoa, Italy
aquarium in Genoa, Italy
cruise ship that ran aground in a maritime accident in 2012.
square in Genova, Italy
church in Genoa, Italy
Palaces in Genoa, Italy. UNESCO World Heritage Site
highway bridge in Genoa, Italy
Just a few steps from the central Piazza De Ferrari, this authentic trattoria – a point of reference for Ligurian cooking for fifteen years – continues to delight its guests with dishes prepared according to tradition. Its popularity is such that booking well in advance is almost always essential. Beyond the unmissable brandacujun and the classic trofie al pesto alla genovese, the accomplished chef Alessandro Massone also puts his name to a wealth of other specialities, born of passion, experience and a sincere devotion to the regional kitchen. A straightforward and generous table, one that te
🕐 Mo-Sa 12:30-14:30, 19:30-22:30; Su 19:30-22:30
WebsiteAnticipate a little time and patience tackling a winding progressively less urban road to reach, inland, San Desiderio, where Bruxaboschi has been delighting clients since 1862 under the same familial management. It will be worth it. Rightly renowned, the cuisine pays homage to local traditions (nearly exclusively meat), commencing with an excellent Genoese cima, picagge and pansotti among pastas, and fried rabbit. In season, obligingly, is the unmissable fungi engagement.
WebsiteIn the heart of the Carignano quarter, the restaurant conceals itself along a quiet side street, revealing an atmosphere that is both intimate and elegant. Three tasting menus – Tradition and Innovation, Classic, and Vegetarian – guide the guest through a gastronomic journey rich in identity, with the option of dining à la carte should one prefer. The cooking unites boldness with refinement, interweaving classic references and modern impulses in dishes that impress through their balance and personality; the trofie al pesto genovese, presented here in a reinterpretation of decided character, ar
WebsiteA modern bistro in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the famous Via XX Settembre. Here, the chef and owner interprets fragrant, market-fresh cuisine that pays tribute to Ligurian tradition – such as potato cream with Genoese-style sea snails – and embraces Italian flavours, such as pappa al pomodoro with burratina. In addition to the menu, delicious dishes inspired by the market surprise guests every day. Don't miss the “Minestrone alla ligure” soup, served in a small pot: pure goodness! The warm and informal welcome makes everything special.
WebsiteRun by three partners, this contemporary-style restaurant is situated in the heart of Genova’s historic centre. The cuisine here is prepared using the best seasonal ingredients, all presented in an array of modern dishes. Meat and fish feature on the menu, with a focus on regional recipes and the occasional Asian twist (for example, the amberjack and ponzu bonbon).
WebsiteThis elegant restaurant with a smart, classic feel is situated in the Expo Fiera area not far from the city centre. Ever since it opened in 1982, this restaurant has been a reliable choice for top-quality fish (although meat also features on the menu), which is prepared using classic techniques and recipes. Highlights include dishes such as tuna and amberjack carpaccio, warm seafood salad, grilled fish, fish cooked in typical Ligurian style with potatoes and Taggiasche olives, and fish soup with croutons.
WebsiteWithin the Palazzo Doria De Fornari, overlooking the celebrated piazza De Ferrari, one need only cross the threshold and venture into the heart of the building to discover Etra’s discreet entrance: a name that is an anagram of arte (art), evoked by the constantly evolving gallery that adorns the walls of the restaurant, enveloped in dark tones and studied minimalism. The cooking is distinguished by curiosity, verve and technical precision, structured around three tasting menus. Among the most accomplished offerings are the ray bottoni with red prawn tartare and a green vegetable jus, a dish th
WebsiteA classic-style dining room adorned with mirrors and silverware acts as the backdrop for fish and seafood dishes at this restaurant. The raw fish is particularly excellent, as are the mupa (a little-known fish that lives in the deep waters of the Mediterranean), prawns (in season) and home-made primi served with delicious sauces, such as the chicken plin with brown gravy. For special occasions, we recommend the table to the rear of the room near the arte povera-style dresser. Cheerful, friendly service adds to the appeal.
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