Genoa

This port and the city for being home of famous sailors as the great admiral Andrea Doria or Christopher Columbus. Andrea Doria gave his name to a luxury liner of the 50's that crashed into another ship near the coast of Newfoundland in route to the United States (and sank 10 hours later). Genoa owns the largest port in the whole Italy and has a famous shipyard where most of the cruise ship and passenger ships make their dry dock repairs and global refits. It is home port of MSC cruises.

The port is the heart of the city. From there, the visitor has many options to visit Genoa by foot, bus or boat. Surprising is the large number of small motorbikes that you find all around the city.

MOTORCYCLES

OFFICIAL EXCURSIONS: The most famous is Portofino, a small exclusive holiday place where you'll find restaurants and luxury shops, located 36 km from Genoa on the Riviera of Levante. The companies also offer an overview of the city of Genoa that includes a nice boat ride through the port and its surroundings. If you choose this last option, do not forget to bring a warm clohes with you.

ALTERNATIVES: If you are visiting the city on your own you have to know that the exit of the port is not easy to find. You have to reach the old terminal (Stazione Maritima), go upstairs and reach the street level. From there you can take a tourist bus (NOT HOP ON-OFF), which offers a 40-minute ride through the city for 10 € (there's another one, a little train that is cheaper, but with a shorter duration of the visit). You can also take the tourist bus near the Aquarium (which is closed on Mondays), 10 minutes away from the port. I recommend to visit the aquarium, the old pier and then take the tourist bus. If you have time left you can visit Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Palazzo Ducale and Columbus House.

WHERE TO EAT: In the area of ​​the aquarium there are restaurants where you can eat a Panini, a restaurant spezialiced in fish (medium-high price but also high quality) and a few trattorias.

SHOPPING: Everywhere near Soziglia street or September 20th avenue

VIEW OF GENOA