Last Friday I left for Genoa where I spent the weekend. The city can be reached from Milan by highway, train or FlixBus, the trip takes about an hour and a half.
I stayed in a small hotel in Boccadasse, an area known for a very characteristic beach. Boccadasse is an ancient seafaring suburb set to east in comparison to the centre of the city but well connected with the public transport. In the neighbourhood there are some restaurants that prepare typical dishes and bakers who make an excellent Genoese focaccia.
From Boccadasse it takes about twenty minutes to reach Piazza De Ferrari in the city centre by bus 42. Following the carruggi, small narrow streets going downhill, you reach the harbour area passing by the Palazzo Ducale, the cathedral of San Lorenzo, the most important church of the city, and Palazzo San Giorgio, with a colossal fresco on its façade. The ancient harbour area is very characteristic with several shops and places to eat.
Genoa has a system of funiculars and lifts that allow you to quickly reach breathtaking viewpoints such as Spianata di Castelletto from which it is possible to see the entire historic centre area.
Another scenic spot is the Lanterna, the world’s oldest still functioning lighthouse. By paying a ticket you can climb up to half the height of the lighthouse, from where you have a complete view of the city’s port area. It can be reached by metro, getting off at Dinegro and then walking along a panoramic walk.
Another place I recommend visiting is the Nervi district at the eastern end of the city, famous for its beautiful promenade and parks. It can be reached from the city centre by bus or train.
Among the countless places to eat, I recommend two. The first is Panino Marino in the old harbour area, which makes fish sandwiches. The second is Ge8317 in Boccadasse, a place run by local fishermen that makes an excellent fried fish.
These are just a few ideas for a visit to Genoa, other places I recommend are Via Garibaldi with its monumental villas and a ride on the Sant’Anna funicular, the oldest in the city. There is a day ticket for all urban public transport, including lifts and funiculars.
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