Genoa
A former maritime superpower with Europe's largest medieval old town and the birthplace of pesto.
About Genoa
Genoa is Italy's most underrated city. The former capital of a maritime republic that rivalled Venice, it hides extraordinary treasures in the largest medieval old town in Europe—a labyrinth of caruggi (narrow alleys) so dense that sunlight rarely reaches the street. UNESCO-listed Rolli Palaces line the Strade Nuove, built by aristocratic families competing in magnificence. The old port, redeveloped by Renzo Piano, now houses Europe's largest aquarium alongside restaurants and museums. Genoa's food culture is legendary: pesto genovese (made only with Prà basil), focaccia in a dozen varieties, farinata (chickpea flatbread), and some of Italy's best seafood, all flavoured by a city that's been trading spices for a millennium.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to October. Summer can be hot in the narrow alleys. The Salone Nautico boat show in September is world-class. The Rolli Days (biannual) open private palaces to the public.
Local Tips
- Get lost in the caruggi.
Genoa's medieval alleys are the real attraction—not the tourist waterfront. A local will guide you through the atmospheric labyrinth, past hidden churches, hole-in-the-wall focaccerie, and piazzas where laundry flutters overhead.
- Visit the Rolli Palaces.
These UNESCO-listed aristocratic palaces once hosted kings and emperors. A local knows which ones are open to visitors and which hidden frescoed rooms rival anything in Rome or Florence.
- Eat the real pesto.
Pesto genovese is a religion in Genoa—and the commercial stuff is heresy. A local can arrange a mortar-and-pestle lesson and take you to the restaurants where pesto is made fresh daily with Prà basil.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Sebastiano
Genoa, Portofino +8
I’m originally from Italy and have spent years helping travellers plan their trips across the country through my instagram page @friendinitaly - from iconic destinations like Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast to lesser-known places that most tourists completely miss. After moving to the United States four years ago, I realized how difficult it can be to truly understand how to travel in Italy without local insight. That’s why I started helping people plan smarter, more authentic trips - not just following generic itineraries, but creating experiences that actually fit their travel style. I’ve helped hundreds of travellers with practical advice on transportation, timing, hidden spots, and how to avoid common mistakes that can ruin a trip. I also guide people on how to move efficiently between cities, how many days to spend in each destination, and which cities to choose for a first trip to Italy. Whether you're visiting Italy for the first time or coming back for something deeper, I can help you make the most of your time.
Andrea
Latina, Rome +13
I'm Andrea, I have visited over 50 countries around the world. I speak English and Spanish, and traveling has always been my way of truly understanding how places work, not just seeing them. Despite this, Italy remains the place I'm most attached to. I've always lived and worked there, and over the years I've traveled extensively throughout the country: not as a tourist, but by immersing myself in local dynamics, getting to know the people, businesses, and regions firsthand. This is precisely what makes the difference. I've built a solid network of local contacts throughout Italy: entrepreneurs, professionals, and reliable operators, people I've worked with or know directly. These aren't generic suggestions, but real connections. I love Italy because it's incredibly diverse: each area has its own identity, rules, and opportunities. It's a country that can offer so much, but only if you know how to navigate it. I've invested years learning this firsthand, and today I can guide people in a practical, direct, and effective way. In short: I don't just offer advice, but access to a proven local network and concrete knowledge of the area!
Cecilia
Genoa
Hi! My name is Cecilia, I'm Italian born, a passionate student and, hopefully, a trustworthy friend. I love Genoa with all my hearth and I'd love to share all the "chicche" I know. I'm totally immersed in the culture and there's nothing that I want more than share my knowledge with people who are deeply interested in knowing more of my beautiful city, especially if they're on a budget ;) !
Vittoria
Rome, Florence +12
Hi, I'm Vittoria and I'm 100% Italian. I was born in Tuscany, in Arezzo, but I've lived in various Italian cities, Rome, Milan, Florence, and I've practically visited the entire country. I'm passionate about discovering new and unique activities, as well as trying new places to eat and incredible places to visit. I'm very good at organizing trips both alone and with friends. I enjoy so many different things, so I can help with sports, cultural, and culinary activities.