Genoa travel guide

The selection of Genoa as European Capital of Culture 2004 prompted the city to commence the repair of its large and, in many places, quite run-down old town. A stroll through the vibrant maze of streets is a must, as are the baroque boulevards Via Garibaldi and Via Balbi, with their magnificent palaces filled with art collections - once the residences of wealthy shipbuilders, merchants, and bankers from Genoa's peak in the 16th and 17th centuries. Many new cocktail bars and trendy restaurants have established themselves within the walls of beautiful palazzi of the old city center. Forty-two of them, collectively called the "Palazzi dei Rolli," have been under UNESCO protection since 2006. With gear trains and lifts, you can reach the upper parts of the city. Perhaps the best view of the city, the harbor, and the sea can be found at the rooftop terrace of the new Museum of the Sea located in the old port area. In short: Genoa today is one of the most attractive destinations in Italy.