I’d recommend trying the pesto one if you get a chance, but be careful not to over-order like me, or you’ll be flirting with a food coma all day long.Truly – Genoa, what a relief, what a surprise! What at first glance may appear to be another pretty Italian city is in fact a humble, secret-laden powerhouse with mountains of cool hidden in plain sight: from sumptuous palaces and covert speakeasies to the most breathtaking of viewpoints.
The next best? This giant ship was built in 1985 for Roman Polanski’s Pirates and some say it was the most expensive movie prop ever built at the time.While munching and sipping away, take time to soak in the wonderful views around you. It’s very distinctive and was designed to give a look of a crane unloading ships. Let me introduce my droolworthy two day itinerary, inspired by culture and cinema. One notable building along this street is the sumptuous Hotel Bristol Palace, a preferred hotel of famous filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, who often enjoyed vacationing in Liguria and reportedly stayed here multiple times. This is worth a photo stop anyway as it’s a beautiful building with some gorgeous colours.This is the main square and it is in centre of Genoa connecting the old town with the new with its spectacular fountain as a centrepiece and a perfect place to start your day in the city. Well, time to sample some more.It’s worth mentioning of course that this square is one of many Genoese landmarks that feature in the 2004 comedy Agata e la Tempesta (Agatha and the Storm), which takes place in Genoa.Onwards then to the oldest cinema in Italy, the Cinema Sivori, which is still open today as a movie theatre! An unusual tour among some of areas that used to be part of the "red light districts” of Genoa, from medieval times until the 1950’s, when the “case chiuse” became illegal. If you like your opulent palaces, your history and want to see somewhere that hosted the likes of Napoleon Bonaparte then I recommenced a visit here. Today, this busy square is a lively mix of buskers, kiosks and a flurry of passerbyers.Genoa’s historic street Via Balbi is part of the city’s “Strade Nuove”, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Genoa. Nowadays there are only the names and the anonymous doors of the ancient brothels which characterized the red light district of Genoa. Two days is barely enough to scratch the surface of multifaceted Genoa, a city of contrasts packed with a soulful heritage forged from centuries of compelling history. Being here just as the sun is starting to set makes for some magical lighting!Of course, there’s much more to see in the Historic Centre than just this one filming location. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June.
I’d highly recommend taking the time to visit the exhibitions they have on, or at least heading up to enjoy the view from the palace tower – it’s one of the most breathtaking views in Genoa.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.… But first: coffee.
It’s a good one for kids if they like pirates!The cities of Milan and Turin are in easy reach of Genoa as well being about 2 – 2.5 hours away each by train.It’s a short walk from the Palazzo Reale down to the harbour where you’ll find a very different feel to the city. Things to do in Genoa: Day One.
Enter your email here & you'll gain instant access to my special VIP zone, featuring freebies like checklists and printables... plus exclusive content, tips and updates!Da-O Tagiaen Genova is a simple no-frills eatery, with a shady terrace among warm pastel buildings. With only 1 day in Genoa you might feel like your time is pretty rushed but I think you’ll find that there’s quite a lot of things to see and do in the city.