We are planning to overcome our jet lag in Genoa instead of Milan where we've already stayed a number of times. We enjoy having the energy and convenience of a big city before starting a road trip through the countryside. At the same time we're wondering if Genoa really merits a one or two night stay. Some Fodorites have mentioned that Genoa is underrated but for those who have stayed there, how would you rate your stay in Genoa from 1 to 10?

Would also appreciate any tip on great restaurants, local activities, city shopping and museums (we're in our 40's and read Italian). We're looking into staying at the Bristol as the surrounding area seems to be more comfortable & clean ( Piazza di Ferrari area).

I am a big fan of Genoa and do not understand Americans' condescension towards such a great historic city. I sent two nights there and could have spent more time with pleasure. I don't know the Bristol area, but would suggest going to the waterfront. I posted this in an earlier thread: "There is a museum, either Palasso Rossi or Blanco, I can't remember now, that has a tower with a 360 view of the city and the harbor. Beautiful! The city of Genoa seemed very real to me, not just a tourist destination like gorgeous Florence."

Thanks RainyDay, glad to hear that there are fans of Genoa on Fodors. I like exploring real cities beyond the touristic must sees if the city is comfortable to stay in.

Any other insight/tips for Genoa?

No specific tips, but a confirmation that Genova definitely merits one full day at least. It's a very interesting city with many first-class monuments; and as RainyDay said, it's a "real" city, with some real problems, too, that make it feel run-down in comparison with tourist show-case cities like Florence or Venice. This may account for the negative rap it often gets. But for travelers who are adult enough to know that real life isn't always fresh painted, this is a wonderful city to explore, and of course, of utmost historical importance.

In addition to Palasso Rossi and Blanco, I recommend seeing the Christopher Columbus house and Bocadasse beach. I am not the best guide, because I stayed at my friend's house and she is a native of Genoa. She took me everywhere and I didn't have a guidebook or a map. I simply relaxed and enjoyed.

Thanks Franco for your confirmation, now I understand that we really have to sort out what we want to do and see as we won't accidentally run into them as we turn left at the next fountain. Do you know of an informative local website for all the restaurants and bars in Genoa? I can read Italian.

Thanks again RainyDay, I am definitely adding Columbus house to our list, not sure how much there is to see in Boccadese ( do you remember?) plus we'll be going to Camogli and Portofino. I found a good website on the three palazzi where we may agree on which one to see, they seem to leave quite an impression with you. http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique4

We're not planning to do any ambitious sightseeing but more to decompress and enjoy the stores, cafe and enoteca in the "city". I wish there is a good Genoa city website describing all the city details.

"36 Hours in Genoa" from the NY Times earlier this year:

http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/05/30...l/30hours.html

todor, I can't help any further, sorry - I'm not a Genova expert, I just know it like every other tourist does (i.e. every other of those few who go there!). We used to have a local expert here on Fodor's who lives near Genova, but a couple of weeks ago, she ceased to post after a series of rather heavy conflicts with other Fodorites, unfortunately. If you're lucky, she'll come back to this thread to help you. zeppole, are you listening?
If not, just plan it the old-fashioned way and get yourself a good guidebook (the Cadogan guide on Liguria is said to be excellent).

I spent 2 nights in Genoa and enjoyed it so would rate it 7+ out of 10.
Highly recommend you swing by Cattedrale Di San Lorenzo.
Here's an online photo i found
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/5404470

OK, my Italian is terrible but we enjoyed walking around the town with the Italians ..passiagata? and strolling along the waterfront. Loved the funicular too, great views!

Can't help with restaurants as my visit was about 8 years ago.

I loved Genoa. Its history, the port and the sottoripa, the narrow alleyways from medieval times, the tiny altars on the corners of buildings (it became like an Easter egg hunt, trying to find them), aperitivo hour (you can make a meal of them alone, along with a Campari or Amperol spritz). And if you see Lasagnette on a menu, try it. Although it technically describes the shape of the noodle - flat and wide - in Genoa it is served with pesto, boiled sliced potatoes and green beans. Who knew something so common could be so extraordinary. But enough of my reliving a magic time -here are some web sites that might lead you in the right direction.

This first one seems to be a protype site considered by the Chamber of Commerce. It may take some trial and error to get the info available but it gives some perfect walking tours.

http://www.virtualgenova.it/inglese/itineraries.htm

And this one
http://www.premier.net/~Italy/genoa.htm

And another
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguid...things_to_do-i

Have fun exploring.

You'll enjoy Genoa, especially if you've been to other places in Italy already. The Bristol is an excellent choice. I stayed there a couple of years ago, and the location was perfect. Breakfast was one of the best I've had in Italy, as well.

Thanks everybody for your help!

Jean, what fantastic article you have for me, it's just what I need!
sassy cat, yes San Lorenzo is on our list, nice picture.
Toni, you're a treasure trove for information, great walking tour link!
Holly, how was your room at the Bristol? I'm a bit concerned as it receives mixed reviews on trip advisor.  

todor, my room was fine. I had a DUS (double for single use) and it was quite a bit larger than most doubles I've seen in Europe. It and the bathroom were impeccably clean. The hotel decor is not brand spanking new, but it is not a 5 star hotel in NYC, either.

As for the breakfast room problems noted on TA, I didn't experience any of that because I was traveling during the week in March, and I go down to breakfast around 7 a.m. I think one should expect problems on a busy weekend in a full hotel if waiting to go to breakfast until 9 a.m. on a Saturday.

Considering Genoa some time next year and wondered if the OP went? Would love a report.

I totally agree with RainyDay09. When I told my co-workers that I was going to Italy for a week over New Years, they were, "Oh, Rome, Florence, Venice?" When I said, Genoa, they responded, "Where's that?"

As a solo female traveller, I felt totally embraced by Genoa! It's easy to get from the airport to the city center by bus. Since I wanted to take a day trip to Alba, I stayed near Station Principe. My hotel[Bellevue] was not fancy, but clean, with a multi-lingual staff and a great free breakfast. There was free wi-fi in the lobby area, which got me out of my room and offered a chance to meet other travellers.

My real dilemma was where to eat New Year's Eve, when everything is couples, reservations and "un bacio a la mezzanotte!" Added to my problem was my flight from Rome to Genoa was delayed, so insteas of getting to Genoa around lunch time, I did not arrive until 5PM. I can not begin to tell you how I lucked out and found "Lupo" a typical trattoria [on Vico Monachette]. The fact that they let me in and fed me while they were setting up for the evening speaks of their wonderful hospitality. The food was excellent! I had an instant new "family" and made sure that I went back on my last night.

Genoa is so much like Baltimore (my home) where tourists see the Inner Harbor and miss so much of what the city has to offer. My days were spent wandering the caruggi (narrow alleys) and doing whatever I stumbled upon. Not to be missed are the Cattedrale San Lorenzo and Palazzo Rosso. Not once walking alone did I feel threatened or uneasy.

My limited Italian was good enough to secure a round trip ticket to Alba for my day trip. There is a tourist information desk inside the station which was very helpful. Alba has changed so much since my last visit in 1992! So cosmopolitan.

At this time I am planing a return trip for later this year and will make Genoa my base because there was so much left to see, do, and taste. It's a city that is easy to get around, has much to offer, and so very friendly!

PS - One of the best books I found for Genoa is CITYSPOTS GENOA (Thomas Cook). Good maps, etc.and small enough to carry around!

Thanks, flirtinfilly, these posts make me want to plan another trip to Genoa!