Turin, Bologna or Genoa
 

For the last three years, I've been able to visit a Northern Italian city for an extended weekend. If somebody were to ask me which of the three cities they should see, Turin, Bologna or Genoa (all easily accessible from Milan), I'd be at a loss for a recommendation. All three are beautiful and unique in its own way.

Turin is elegant and very easy to manover due to its street layouts. It reminded me a bit of Paris.
Bologna is wonderfully historical and is famous for its porticoes. It's probably the most touristic of the three.
Genoa is more gritty but authentic. The maze of alleys led to hidden surprises. We had the most amazing meals in Genoa.

I visited all three in the winter months and was not disappointed by any of the.

We visited only Bologna . Liked it very much.

All 3 are on my list.

I've been to Turin and Bologna and if someone asked me which of those I'd have to definitely say Bologna. Turin I thought was a pretty, pleasant city I'm glad I saw but Bologna I thought was amazing. The feeling of history everywhere in the city was amazing. Been twice and going back again in March.

Genoa I have not been to but am going to in March. I'm debating whether to do it as a day trip from Milan or spend a night. Any tips or things you could share about Genoa. My main interests are to just explore the old town and waterfront, probably not that interested in museums. How long would you suggest?

I love Torino, don't remember Bologna and dislike Genoa.
Don't really know why. Maybe I generally dislike ports...

We stayed at Best Western Metropoli and had a wonderful lunch at Trattoria Maria's. It's cheap but quite authentic. You can see Genoa in one day but I think it's worth spending the night.

»All three are beautiful and unique in its own way.«
I agree: all three are wonderful places, each with a totally different character.
You should consider another one: Trieste. Again with its own atmosphere, in this case a mid-nineteenth-century time capsule from the days this was the main seaport of the Austrian-Hungarian empire.

»Genoa I have not been to, but am going to in March«
You should definitely have an overnight stay, and not forget to visit the Cimitero Monumentale. It has been on my list for years and it was certainly not a disappointment. www.staglieno.comune.genova.it/en/node/199
The tourist office can inform you on the bus services from the city centre.

Sorry for the late reply (I joined a few weeks ago) but Bologna is my choice.

So purely Italian and so hauntingly beautiful.