Hidden Gem: Genoa, Italy

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Hands up, I had never heard of Genoa in Italy until very recently. I mean everyone knows Rome, Venice, Milan, but Genoa? No I don’t… geddit?

Er, anyway…

I was heading out to see Cinque Terre (see full post here) and Genoa was the nearest airport. So I figured I should spend some there on the way back to break up the journey. I didn’t really know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised!

Genoa, Italy

Genoa, Italy

Genoa, or Genova in Italian, is a lovely city with so much to see and do. There’s plenty of beautiful architecture to see all over the city, especially the museums on Via Garibaldi.

Via Garibaldi, Genoa

Via Garibaldi, Genoa

There’s also gorgeous 360 views from a lookout point called Spianata di Castelletto. It’s a really pretty city to look out over so I massively recommend walking up to this platform if you’re visiting.

View of Genoa from Spaniata Castelletto

View of Genoa from Spaniata Castelletto

View of Genoa from Spaniata Castelletto

View of Genoa from Spianata Castelletto

Steps to Spianata Castelletto

There’s also a ton of things to see in the city centre such as Porta Soprana (the old gates to the city), the fountain in Piazza De Ferrari, the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo… Honestly there’s so many cool things to see that you can easily spend a day just wandering around looking at all of the amazing buildings.

Porta Soprana (the old gates to the city)

Porta Soprana (the old gates to the city)

Piazza De Ferrari, Genoa

Cathedral De San Lorenzo, Genoa

The harbour is quite a spectacle as well with the old historic port, lots of waterside restaurants and even a pirate ship! Because why not, right?

Harbour

Harbour

Harbour

As there are hardly any tourists around everything feels a lot more authentic than nearby cities like Florence or Pisa. For example, the intimate little trattoria I had dinner at was completely locals (See full post of Cavour 21 here).

Pesto from Cavour 21 Trattoria

Also, the rabbit warren of back streets that weave through the city are historically beautiful and make you feel like you’re in another time, it’s insane. And in the evening I really liked exploring the night life with all of the tucked away bars and buzzing little piazzas full of locals.

Back Streets of Genoa

Back Streets of Genoa

Piazza in Genoa

Kamun Lab was a cool little place I checked out which specialised in different kinds of beer (try the ginger beer, it’s fab).

Kamun Lab, Genoa

But you have to be careful at night, and it’s worth taking the main roads instead. It’s not dangerous or anything, just a bit rough around the edges, so I think it’s better to be safe than sorry. But this edge is part of the city’s charm.

Genoa at Night

I stayed at Manena Hostel during my visit, which is a really chilled out and easy-going kind of hostel.

Manena Hostel, Genoa

The dorm rooms are bright and breezy with chalk boards above every bed to write your name which I thought was a pretty cool idea.

Manena Hostel, Genoa

Manena Hostel, Genoa

Everything feel really easy there with a very welcoming host who gave me a free map and marked all of the sights on there, even recommending places to go for lunch. I love that kind of thing, it makes your experience at a hostel so much better! Locals know best after all. There’s also nice, friendly people staying there and even free garlic!! (Jackpot.)

Manena Hostel, Genoa

Manena Hostel, Genoa

Manena Hostel, Genoa

Manena Hostel, Genoa

If you fancy staying at Manena Hostel, check it out here. Prices start from €18,50 per night.

Definitely a hidden gem, Genoa is full of Italian culture, low-key bars and awesome restaurants. As well as those amazing views. I massively recommend a visit if you’re in this part of Italy.

Have you been to Genoa? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @HeelsInBackpack!

Genoa, Italy

 

5 comments

  1. I haven’t been to Genoa and tbh, didn’t know much about it until I read your post. It looks like you had a great time. I love your map thing at the end of your post too – super helpful for future trips!

  2. I love this post! I lived in Genoa for a total of 6 months and completely fell in love with the city, so I am glad to see other people loved it just as much as I did. I wrote a similar post to yours a little while ago about Genoa

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