On the 17th of July, we visited the city of Genoa. It was only about 25 minutes by car, so that was very relax. We left quite early in the morning so we had the whole day to spend in the city. You immediately see that Genoa is an authentic Italian city. Especially when you drive down the Autostrada and look around you will see a lot of typical Italian landscapes, houses and other buildings. The city centre itself has a population of 620.000 and the entire urban area has a population of about 890.000.

We parked our car near the city centre and walked towards the main streets. Walking around in Genoa is pretty exhausting, a lot of climbing up and down the hills, haha. Especially with warm weather like that day. We first walked up to the Piazza de Ferrari, one of the main sights in the city centre. There wasn’t a lot to do over there. Some nice architecture, but that’s all. A bit disappointing. We then walked down some other streets, had some great city views and took pictures of buildings and other sights. Genoa is also the supposed birthplace of Christopher Colombus. The house where he lived (not officially sure), is located near the Medieval Gates of Genoa.

When we sat down for a drink, I forgot that Italians have a different interpretation of the word ‘coffee’. When you order a coffee in Italy, you’ll get a very small cup of strong espresso (very cheap though). They don’t seem to know the classic American coffee. Espresso will never be my favourite, but it was a funny situation to see me with that tiny little cup which I could barely hold in my hands.

My girlfriend really wanted to see the Aquarium of Genoa. I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to, but after the visit, I was glad I did and I thanked her for the plan. It’s the biggest aquarium of Italy and the second in Europe. So I guess you can say it’s pretty big. The entrance fee was pretty high (€16,-), but it was worth it. They have dolphins, sharks, turtles, penguins, rays, rare fish breeds, seals, crocodiles and a lot more. We had a great time over there and were really amazed how big it was. It was the best aquarium I’ve ever been to so far. I hope to go to the Osaka or Georgia aquarium one time, because they have whale sharks over there.

The aquarium was located in the harbour of Genoa. This was the part of Genoa I liked the most, from the parts I’ve been to. There was an old pirate ship and the bigo is one impressive, but strange, structure. You had a great view when you looked up to the city centre from out of the harbour. Walking around over there is very nice. Overall I can say that we had a great time in Genoa. If you want to visit an old and authentic Italian city, then Genoa is suited perfectly.

Genoa is Italy's principal seaport and is located on the northwest coast of Italy in the region of Liguria, not far from the French border.

Genoa has an excellent train system and can be reached from Milan, Turin, La Spezia, Pisa, Rome, Monte Carlo, Monaco and Nice, France. The two train stations, Principe and Brignole are both in central Genoa. Ferries leave Genoa's port for Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba. Genoa also has a small airport, Cristopher Colombus (Cristoforo Colombo), with flights to other parts of Italy and Europe.

The Genoa region  of the Italian Riviera has several interesting villages, ports, and resorts. Most can be reached by train, bus, or ferry from Genoa. Portofino (great food and wine), Rapallo, and Camogli are three of the most popular destinations. The town of Nervi in Genoa was where I stayed. Nervi is a resort town for Europeans and wealthy Italians. The town of Nervi has a boardwalk with amazing views of the sea, a park that includes several gardens and excellent restaurants.

there is really nice tradition in all bars:you order just a beer,then it's served some snack like cheese,olive,bread etc for free:)

even if it's not so easy to find and arrive at this hostel after getting out the train i think it's the only hostel in genoa,so it wasn't so bad,free breakfast and internet,and also an amazing city view at nights...

before going to italy,one of my italian friends told me that the best pizza you can eat in the world is in italy,but i think he forgot to say that the best pizza you can eat in italy is in genoa:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2_udJAW9WI

don't miss christopher columbus house,and just find a pizza restaurant...

i never forget you old lady,you are the loveliest musician for me!

Genoa has a taste of spanish Valencia due its modern dock area. Someone told me there is nothing to see in Genoa beside the docks, but he was wrong.

The only flaw I have found its Genoa´s hills. You will have to train your legs before going if your hotel it´s up there. And for those who love backpaper travelling, bad news: Genoa´s youth hostel is located at the top of one hill.

Seriously, even taking the bus, you end exhausted! the good point is the incredible view of the city you have.

Well, the city itself is great. You have a good amount of museums and palaces to see (including a Oriental museums I should have seen), and very beautiful streets. The city center is quite modern, as Genoa was severely damaged during the world war but it still has lots of places to enjoy and discover. I also reccomend to join the elevator at the dock: its cheap and you´ll get an impressive view of Genoa´s hills (showed below in pictures).

Trip tip: Don´t miss Staglieno Cemetery. I know, it sounds odd, but visiting this place is a good idea. It´s outside Genoa and has an ancient section of incredible sculptures and pantheons. You wont find this quality artwork in any other place!

My brother has been living in Italy for almost 3years now, in Genoa, North West of Italy. He's the first of the family to go to Italy. So as soon as we could, we all went to see him. Genoa is a really beautiful town with all the historical center, the mountain and the sea. By night, there's a lot to do and people are very nice, even when you don't speak italian ;)

If you can go to Italy, don't hesitate to go to Genoa or nearby. it's very beautiful how the mountain "falls" into the sea. there are great spots to swim, and great path to walk around.

I just have to say: I LOVE GENOA and surroundings!!!!

Took a train here.

Today was a holiday in Italy called Epifania, celebrating when the three kings brought gifts for baby Jesus. This is the day when Italian children are given sweets in stockings - if they have been good - or a witch comes on her broomstick and places coal in the stocking if the child has been bad. I was delighted to receive a stocking of my own this morning from Chiara's parents, full of Gianduiotti, Torino's own chocolate.

I spent the day in Genova with Chiara's friend, Vanessa. Luckily the weather treated me well and we had the sun shining down on us, in spite of the cold wind. Vanessa was a great tour guide and took me all around the tiny streets of Genova, including a hidden square called 'Piazza dello Amor Perfetto' ('Square of Perfect Love'). Unfortunately, the piazza's name bears no relation to the actual piazza, where I found a greasy kebab shop. We then had a wonderful lunch at a restaurant near the port of antipasto, seafood risotto and gnocchi with Genova's claim to fame - pesto!

Afterwards, we strolled along the port with gelati and I visited the huge acquarium, which has everything from seahorses to seals and penguins (I felt a bit sorry for the penguins in their small enclosure though).