Fancy a weekend break? Then why not try Genoa, a charming port city in Italy’s Liguria region? It’s the country’s oldest seaport, so there’s plenty of history to discover on this short getaway. Plus, it’s full of charming sights, places to shop and great restaurants and cafes. Here, we’ve got everything you need to know about spending a weekend in Genoa.
Visit the old port
Genoa is a port city, which means you can visit here by boat after booking your tickets on Ferryscanner. When you’ve arrived, head to Porto Antico, otherwise known as the old port. It’s a popular marina with an aquarium and landmarks like Galeone Neptune, a replica pirate ship. Or you can walk around, enjoying the local sights and array of sleek yachts and cruise ships floating on the port. Take a trip back to the golden age during your weekend in Genoa with a visit to the old port.
Discover the delights of MOG
Pesto hails from Genoa, and it’s a city that knows a thing or two about mouth-watering cuisine. Mercato Orientale Genova (MOG) is a modern gourmet food market. Embrace your culinary senses at one of Europe’s most important markets where there are over one hundred stalls serving up treats. You’ll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat, fish and spices, plus flowers. There are also bars, workstations for tasting typical products and a cooking school if you want to learn how they cook up a storm in Genoa.
Check out the mediaeval sights
Genoa has plenty of beauty, much of which comes from the medieval era. See the sights during your weekend in Genoa with the 12th-century city gates in Porta Soprana, which also happen to be nearby the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Other worthy areas and landmarks include the city centre. Here, you’ll pass through quaint cobbled alleyways leading to Piazza de Ferrari with its grand bronze fountain. Another notable spot is Catterdrale di San Lorenzo, a zebra-like striped facade.
Head to the skies
Ascend the city on a cliff railway by funicular and spend your weekend in Genoa seeing the city from a different perspective. The Zecca-Righi route gets started at the tip of Via Cairoli. It takes you to the Parco Urbano delle Mura, which features sweeping views of the city and has the ruins of Castellaccio and Sperone military forts.
See Palazzo Reale
One of the largest 17th to 18th-century complexes in Genoa, the Royal Palace is a sight to behold. It’s decorated with a collection of frescoes, sculptures, furniture, fittings and stuccos owned by the families who’ve occupied it over the centuries. Once you’ve finished exploring the interiors and admiring all that’s on show, including two paintings by Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck, spend some time in the ornate garden and see the objects on display.
Go shopping in Via XX Settembre
If you’re after a city break with a spot of shopping, then head to Via XX SettembreSee the stores on Genoa’s main shopping street, where you’ll find chain favourites like H&M as well as independent, smaller boutiques. And why not stop off for an espresso or gelato in between store visits?
A weekend in Genoa
Spending a weekend in Genoa affords you the chance to experience a charming city with lots of buzz and vibrancy. Whether you’re down by the port or high up on the hills admiring the views, Genoa will capture your heart even if you’re only here for the weekend.