Things to do in  Genoa

Once a powerhouse maritime republic, Genoa is Italy’s largest seaport and gateway to the Riviera. The old city is a tangle of narrow paths called caruggi. Three palazzi along Via Garibaldi comprise the elegant Musei di Strada Nuova. Expect to eat the famous pesto alla Genovese on pasta, bread, and bruschetta.

Yes. Visitors head straight for medieval old town to explore the caruggi, cave-like pathways lined with bars, shops, and cafes. The revitalized port district is a must-see, as is Via Garibaldi and the Musei di Strada Nuova, three museums each housed in a palazzo more elegant than the other.

Start from Piazza Raffaele De Ferrari, straddling the old town and the new. Drift towards Via Garibaldi and choose one of three Musei di Strada Nuova to see—Palazzo Bianco is the Liguria region’s main art gallery and your best bet. Then, savor a sunset gelato at Boccadasse or Spianata Castelletto.

Yes. Genoa has fewer tourists than Milan or Florence and offers singular architecture, intriguing regional cuisine (cheese focaccia and pesto alla Genovese), and a growing reputation thanks to its revitalized port district and the sprawling UNESCO-listed Palazzo dei Rolli. It’s also the key gateway to the Italian Riviera.

Genoa is home to the Palazzi dei Rolli—42 UNESCO-protected buildings comprising an open air museum. It also has two types of unusual pathways: the dank, medieval caruggi in the historic center and the creuze, connecting the sea with surrounding hills. These are found only in Liguria, and Genoa in particular.

Yes, for the most part. Genoa is shedding an uneven reputation but is fundamentally safe. Parts of the port district and historic center can seem unwelcoming late at night; stay alert near alleyways, dead ends, and the Genova Piazza Principe train station. Pickpocketing is common in Italy—keep belongings close.