15 Things to Do for First Time Visitors of Genoa, Italy

15. Take a Walk at the Piazza De Ferrari

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There are lots of things that you can do at the Piazza De Ferrari, starting with its splashing fountain, surrounded by grand buildings. Get stunning views from the principal street of Genoa to the adjacent streets to see outstanding Art Nouveau facades. This place also has one of the largest opera houses in Italy.

14. Indulge into an Architectural History at the Cathedral of San Lorenzo

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This place runs northwest towards the harbor. The dramatic cathedral of San Lorenzo was built back in the 1100s and was remodeled as a Gothic architecture in 1307. However, it was finished off as a Renaissance dome in 1557.

13. Get a Glimpse of One of the Most Ancient Sites in Genoa

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The Castello Hill was one of the most ancient sites in this part of Italy. The site was used by the local tribes when trading with the Etruscans and Phoenicians. Later, a succession of convents and churches were built between 12th and 16th centuries. It was then remodeled into a convent in the 15th century by the Dominicans.

12. Explore Some Via Garibaldi Palaces

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This assemblage of palaces has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You can tour the 3 palaces, namely the Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso, and the Palazzo Tursi. It is possible to see the interiors and the excellent art collections buying only a single ticket.

11. See Some Art Collections at the National Gallery

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If you love art, then it is a great opportunity to be at the perfect setting, the Palazzo Spinola. You can find an extravaganza of carved marble, mosaic floors, crystal chandeliers, painted ceilings, and opulent furniture from the glory days of Genoa.

10. Immerse Yourself at the 17th Century Architecture

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You should visit the Via Balbi and the Palazzo Reale if you want to see 17th century treasures. Yes, that is right, because the Via Balbi offers some splendid palaces to venture when visiting Genoa. Inside these palaces are grand balconies, staircases, decorated interiors, and some art collections.

9. Visit the Oriental Art Museum

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If you haven’t been into Genoa, then you should make it a point to drop by the Piazzale Mazzini. This place is filled with some great views, including one of the largest collection of Asian art in Europe. The museum is also noted for Japanese art that range from 11th to 19th century artifacts.

8. Take a Glimpse of the Harbor, A Point of Travel in Genoa

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It hosts 22km of wharves that is used for cruise, transport, and pleasure vessels. The harbor at Genoa is just 2nd only to Marseilles in terms of Mediterranean travel. This is a perfect place for those who like to venture into the historic remains of the harbor.

7. Wander Around the Largest Aquarium in Italy

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If this is your first time to visit Genoa, you definitely going to love the largest aquarium in Porto Vecchio. This is part of the huge waterfront Edutainment center, which can be explored fully in a matter of days. This aquarium will teach you about marine animals and their natural habitat.

6. Visit the Largest Maritime Museum of the Mediterranean

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Being a naval power in the Mediterranean during the 16th and 19th century, the old harbor is perfect for the largest maritime museum. This occupies part of Darsena, in which the government of Genoa built its own fleet. The 4 floors of engaging exhibits should give a full picture of navigation and ships from the Age of Discoveries.

5. Step Back into the Medieval Period

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Genoa is said to have the largest medieval center in Europe. However, it is still a thriving port, unlike other successful cities in Italy. You can feel the historic significance of the place by wandering the caruggi, the atmospheric medieval alleyways.

4. Shop ‘til You Drop

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If you love designer shopping, then your first port of call will be the Via Roma. You can definitely find products like Louis Vuitton, Mario Forni, and Ferragamo. However, there are also some midrange shops, one-off boutiques, as well as the fabulous Mercato Orientale.

3. You Can Join the Culture Club

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If you love art, you could definitely fall in love with Genoa with its different art exhibits. Take for instance the Palazzo Ducale, which is an art complex that now contains restaurants, bookshops, art galleries, bars, shops, and art exhibitions.

2. Get on Top of It All for Excellent Views

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You can see different views at the Palazzo Rosso to have a view of the rooftops of Genoa. You can also get excellent views from the Renzo Piano’s Il Bigo structure. The lift that resembles the crane of a ship will whizz you at some 130ft on top of the port.

1. Dip into Some Free Beaches

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It is very easy to swim in Genoa, if you love swimming, because there are lots of free beaches here. However, if you want the best ones, you can ride the number 15 bus or onto a train to get to the nearby Quinto, Nervi or Quarto.

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