7-Day Itinerary for Genoa: Featuring Restaurants, Bars, and Museums

  • Day 1: Acquario di Genova
    10 minutes (1.2 km) from Genoa Cathedral

    The Acquario di Genova is a massive aquarium featuring an expansive array of marine life, divers, and panoramic views of the city's harbor. Visitors can take advantage of several interactive exhibits and explore the depths of the ocean in a submarine simulator.

  • Day 2: Piazza Matteotti and Bars in the Historic Center
    10 minutes (1.2 km) from Acquario di Genova

    The Piazza Matteotti is a grand square with picturesque architectural sights and elegant fountains where visitors can relax and enjoy the city. In the evening, the historic center comes to life, and travelers can unwind in one of the many local bars and pubs for a fun night out.

  • Day 3: Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco
    5 minutes (550 meters) from Piazza Matteotti

    The Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco are two adjoining museums that house impressive collections of artworks by Italian and European masters. Visitors can admire works by the likes of Caravaggio, Rubens, and Van Dyck in the lavishly adorned rooms of these palatial settings.

  • Day 4: Madre di Dio and Cathedral of San Lorenzo
    10 minutes (1 km) from Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco

    The Madre di Dio is a beautiful and important church in Genoa, featuring a famous black marble portal and a massive dome painted by Luca Cambiaso. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is the city's largest medieval landmark, boasting an ornate interior and a blend of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

  • Day 5: Via Garibaldi and Strade Nuove
    10 minutes (1.1 km) from Madre di Dio and Cathedral of San Lorenzo

    Walking down Via Garibaldi in the historic center, travelers can admire the elaborate facades of many of Genoa's most impressive palaces, such as Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellino, Palazzo Doria Spinola, and Palazzo Reale. The Strade Nuove neighborhood is another nearby attraction, featuring a magnificent procession of palaces from sixteenth-century Genoa, including Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco.

  • Day 6: Boccadasse Beach and Village
    20 minutes (3.3 km) from Strade Nuove

    Boccadasse is a charming little village featuring a picturesque stretch of beach along the Ligurian Sea. With cozy restaurants and cafes lining the seafront, it's a perfect spot to unwind after a busy week of sightseeing and exploring Genoa.

  • Day 7: Genoa's Culinary Experience
    20 minutes (4.5 km) from Boccadasse Beach and Village

    For avid foodies seeking to complete their Italian experience in Genoa, the city's culinary tour is a must. Travelers can visit artisanal food shops, specialty cheese makers, wine bars, and markets to get a taste of some of Italy's most authentic and delicious culinary delights.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Acquario di Genova (2-3 hours, $25-30)
  • Piazza Matteotti and Bars in the Historic Center (2-3 hours, $10-30)
  • Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco (2-3 hours, $15-20)
  • Madre di Dio and Cathedral of San Lorenzo (2-3 hours, free)
  • Via Garibaldi and Strade Nuove (2-3 hours, free)
  • Boccadasse Beach and Village (2-3 hours, $10-20)
  • Genoa's Culinary Experience (2-3 hours, $50-60)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $125-190

Transportation

Most of Genoa's attractions are accessible on foot, and visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and take in the city's magnificent architecture and seaside views. For travel outside the city center, taxis, buses, and trains are available at reasonable prices. Travel times can vary depending on traffic and distance, but visitors should budget around $50-60 for transportation costs throughout their trip.

Useful Tips

For travelers who want to visit more museums, the Musei di Strada Nuova (di Palazzo Bianco) offers a collection of Genoese art, decorative arts and furnishings, as well as temporary exhibitions from international museums. Travelers with less time can concentrate on Via Garibaldi to see the most impressive historic palaces.

Airports

Genoa's airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), located about 9 km west of the city center. The airport offers flights to several domestic and international destinations, including direct flights to Rome, Madrid, and Paris. Visitors can take a taxi, public transit, or a shuttle service from the airport to the city center.

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