15 things to do in Genoa - enjoy the city like a local

Get the locals' advice and discover the multifaceted charme of Genoa, the capital of Liguria, also known as the Italian Riviera. Go through these 15 hints and live the genius loci at its top!

1. Enjoy Genoese breakfast: focaccia genovese and cappuccino are the best way to start your day.
2. Reach the most scenic views of Genoa: take the lift up to Spianata Castelletto.
3. Try focaccia with pesto at the Pesto Bene eatery near Piazza Cinque Lampadi
4. Unravel the maze of carruggi and discover the charm of ancient traditional shops (botteghe)
5. Get the party started with a few shots of Asinello, the iconic Genoese aperitivo
6. Say cheese and post your selfie with the lions of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.
7. Get on board the Navebus, the public transportation ferry service, and go ashore in Genova Pegli, home of the stunning Parco di Villa Pallavicini
8. Breathe the memory of late 19th-century atmospheres and discover the Art Nouveau masterpieces of the Cimitero di Staglieno.
9. Stroll through time and space along the circuit of the historical Aqueduct
10. Hike your way to the hills and conquer the grand fortresses overlooking the city
11. Savour yummy focaccette di Crevari, stuffed with stracchino (a traditional Italian cheese)
12. Wander your day in the district of Nervi and live its Italian Riviera mood: Mediterranean scents, parks, museums, and seaside promenade
13. Live a day at the market: discover Mercato Orientale, the lively, vast fresh food market in the city centre
14. Dine with the sharks during special events in the Acquario, one of the largest in Europe
15. Unwind in Boccadasse, the colourful fishing village close to the city centre.

This post is the outcome of a hands-on training activity I shared with the students of the Tourism Hospitality AE course (promoted by Endofap Ligure) on the occasion of my English and Hospitality training module.

Luisa Puppo