Cheap city break Genoa

When is the best time to visit?

May, June, September and October are ideal: 20 to 26 degrees and sunny without high-season crowds. Thanks to Liguria's sheltered climate, Genoa is mild even in winter with 10 to 14 degrees and little rain. Avoid mid-July and August: tourist crowds peak and hotel prices rise.

Best neighbourhoods in Genoa

• Caruggi (Historic centre) The largest medieval city centre in Europe: a labyrinth of narrow lanes, focaccerie, trattorias and small shops. UNESCO World Heritage, always lively. Best area to stay.
• Porto Antico The redeveloped old harbour by Renzo Piano: Acquario, Il Bigo panoramic lift, terrace with sea views and an ice rink in winter. Popular with young travellers.
• Boccadasse Picturesque fishing village 3 km east of the centre. Pastel-coloured houses, a small sandy beach and the best gelato in Genoa by the water.
• Carignano Hilltop quarter above the centre with Art Nouveau architecture, fewer tourists and a quieter atmosphere. Recommended for longer stays.
• Via XX Settembre The main shopping street with a covered arcade, cafés and the Galleria Mazzini. Great for an afternoon stroll.

Top 5 things to do in Genoa

• Caruggi UNESCO walk Explore Via San Luca, Via degli Orefici and Piazza delle Erbe: the largest medieval city centre in Europe. Free. Try the focaccia al formaggio in one of the bakeries for under €2.
• Acquario di Genova One of Europe's largest aquariums with polar bears, walruses, penguins and sharks. Ticket €26 per adult, €33 with extra attractions. Daily 09:00 to 20:00.
• Musei di Strada Nuova Three palaces with works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Caravaggio: Palazzo Rosso, Bianco and Tursi. Combined ticket €14, Tue-Fri 09:00-19:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-19:30.
• Cinque Terre day trip Take the train from Genova Brignole to the five colourful coastal villages in about 1 hour 10. Cinque Terre Card €19.50 per day (train included). Best day trip from Genoa.
• Spianata Castelletto The hilltop panoramic terrace above the centre gives the best view over Genoa and the harbour. Reach it by the historic lift (ascensore, around €2) or bus 35. Free entry.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

KLM flies five times a week direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) in about 1 hour 45, return from around €190 to €290. From Eindhoven a stopover is needed, usually via Amsterdam or Milan. Bus Volabus runs every 30 minutes from the airport (6 km from the centre) to the city for €6, taking about 30 minutes.

A taxi costs around €30. For day trips along the Italian Riviera a hire car is handy: book via DiscoverCars for a hire car at Genoa Airport, typically €35 to 65 per day.

What does a Genoa city break cost?

Hostels from €18 per night, mid-range hotels €70 to 120, boutique hotels in the caruggi €90 to 150. Food is reasonably priced: focaccia €1.50, cappuccino €1.50, trattoria lunch €12 to 16, dinner with wine €22 to 35. Acquario €26; Cinque Terre Card €19.50; Musei Strada Nuova €14. Four days including flight and hotel: around €380 to 550 per person.