Getting Here and Around

By car, take the Genoa Ovest exit off the A12 and take the upper bridge (sopraelevata) to the second exit, Genova Centro–Piazza Corvetto. Be forewarned: driving in Genoa is harrowing and best avoided whenever possible. If you want to see the city on a day trip, go by train; regular service operates from Genoa's two stations. If you're staying in the city, park in a garage or by valet and travel by foot and taxi throughout your stay.

The best way by far to get around Genoa is on foot, with the occasional assistance of public transportation. Many of the more interesting districts are either entirely closed to traffic, have roads so narrow that no car could fit, or are, even at the best of times, blocked by gridlock. Although it might seem a daunting task, exploring the city is made simple by its geography. The historical center of Genoa occupies a relatively narrow strip of land running between the mountains and the sea. You can easily visit the most important monuments in one or two days. The main bus station in Genoa is at Piazza Principe. Local buses operated by the municipal transport company, AMT, serve the steep valleys that run to some of the towns along the western coast. Tickets may be bought at local bus stations or at newsstands. (You must have a ticket before you board.) This company also operates the funicular railways and the elevators that service the steeper sections of the city.

Transportation Contacts

AMT. Palazzo Ducale , Molo, Genoa, Liguria, 16137. 010/5582414; www.amt.genova.it.

Stazione Brignole. Departures from Stazione Brignole go to points east and south. All the coastal resorts are on this line. Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, Foce, Genoa, Liguria, 16129. 010/27425475 .

Stazione Principe. Departures from Stazione Principe travel to points west. Piazza del Principe, San Teodoro, Genoa, Liguria, 16126. 89 20 21 ; www.trenitalia.com .