Roz1103

My husband and I are doing a 2 day Cinque Terre from Milan on the end of a trip. There are 2 trains that go direct to Cinque Terre 8:10am - 10:58am or 12:10pm to 2:57pm. All the trains go through Genoa, Italy but these 2 trains continue so you don't have to change trains. I was wondering about taking a slightly later train out of Milan (9:10am) so we could have time for our breakfast which is included in our hotel rate and then catch the later train to Cinque Terre, that arrives at 2:57pm. We would arrive at Genoa (Piazza Principe) at 10:40am and leave on this other train at 1:47pm so we would have 3 hours in Genoa.

I checked and there is a "left luggage office" where we can leave our bags so it is more a question of is 3 hours to walk around a little and have lunch in Genoa worth it?

Anyone been to Genoa who thinks this is a good idea and has any suggestions as to best way to spend the 3 hours?

travelingnomad13

Genoa is worth a stop but you are not going to see much in 3 hours. It might not be worth the worry and hassle to get off the train on your way to Cinque Terre. I think Genoa deserves at least a day, IMHO.

Cubakat

Yes, Genoa is worth at least one full day. In 3 hours you could walk to either Piazza de Ferra or the San Lorenzo Cathedral. The cathedral has a small piazza where markets or bands sometimes play, and there's shop shops along he way. Alternatively, you could head up hill on the main drag outside Priciple (theres a statue of Christoper Columbus there, I beleive) and walk a few hundred meters up hill and catch the dunicular up to the top of the hill. I'd opt for the Cathedral, but time will be tight no matter what you do. Don't bother ging all the way over to Colubus' house...Its not worth 15 minutes!

Have a nice trip. I know you'll love Milan, and Cique Terre flood damage from two years ago should all be okay now.

gwan

I enjoyed Genoa, but more as a break to decompress and enjoy some nice food, people-watching and chilling out rather than rushing around seeing stuff. The Cathedral (especially the stuff in its "museum") is worthwhile, or a nice lunch. Up to you whether you want the extra stress/hassle really.

dwdvagamundo

My spouse and I did Genoa as a day trip by train from Milano quite a few years ago. We had just a few hours but saw quite a bit and had a great lunch. So I'd go for it.

travelingnomad13

OK, it is probably worth a stop but just expect that you will not be able to see everything or even much of Genoa. It is very easy to get lost in the old city where San Lorenzo is. Don't judge Genoa by the short stop, there is so much more to it.