Genoa or turin
 

We will take the train from either genoa or turin to nice. We are trying to keep our train ride down to 4-6 hours to nice. So we are looking at best options. We have narrowed down to genoa or turin. I've heard genoa is a bit rough around the edges. But we could dat trip to Milan (wife has been but I haven't hence why Milan isn't a primary option). If there are other thoughts please do help. If not some input on genoa or turin would be great.

I'd pick Turin no question, but a longer train ride-- 6.5 to 7 hours with two changes. Visit the Cinema Museum and the Cafe Don Carlo.

I found Genoa very characterful, and Ligurian food is wonderful. Also it's only a short train trip along the coast to all the Cinque Terre villages.

maybe by default genoa is the more realistic option. give us a day trip to milan and to CT.

is genoa as gruff as all the reviews make it seem? we've been to 4-5 other italian cities and have always loved the charm and people.

If you do decide on Genoa, I recommend this hotel directly across from the duomo. Huge beautifully-designed rooms and charming reception staff.

"is genoa as gruff as all the reviews make it seem?"

Not sure what reviews you are referring to but I found Genoa to be very nice, lovely people, great food and a nice compact centre with good architecture. It also has a good nightlife and is cheap.

Hotel Cairoli is great if you go to Genoa.

Two things I noticed that didn't put me off whatsoever but may put off others were quite a few African immigrants and some prostitutes.

These might help:


I spent a few days in Turin; very interesting city; easy to cover on foot. Excellent museums, excellent food:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nd-bicerin.cfm

We stayed at the GH Sitea; they often have good "deals," as do other hotels, as this is a big business city.
http://www.grandhotelsitea.com/




About Genoa:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/tr...ours.html?_r=0

We've been to both Genoa and Torino...and back to Torino many times. IMO, Torino is a more beautiful city with plenty to see and do in the city and surrounding area.

Turin - would love to do. but with a baby with us...6-7 hours by train will seem like forever.
Genoa - seems like a compromise really w/ options to CT or Milan for a day trip. i've heard its got some seedy parts. i've been to a fair amount of european cities and nothing bothers me. but with a small one with me...my way of thinking has shifted to her safety/comfort. and now being distracted with her...makes me a bigger target than previously. i'm a first time dad so very paranoid! lol

How about staying in Camogli instead of Genoa? It's a lovely town with a beach, a harbor with fishing boats, and the town has lots of character. There is also a public boat to take you to spots along the coast. The train station is right in town. Check google images and you can see how beautiful the town and surrounding area are.

I forgot to attach the link to the hotel in Genoa

http://www.palazzocicala.it/

Camogli is a nice suggestion - - and in that vein Sta. Margherita Ligure isn't much further and has more shops & restaurants - - a classy place - - both are beautiful. As is Turin - - a real gem (here are my piccies: http://www.flickr.com/photos/douglas...7632250101195/ )

Absolutely Genova. It's a unique Town with so much charm and history. Plus there is the beach - boccadasse is just wonderdul. Here's a blog about Genova and Liguria that's great http://bit.ly/1hIMS7q

Vote for Genoa, smaller with a fair bit to see.