Genoa’s Local Experiences and Must-See Sights

Genoa is the capital of Liguria, a.k.a. the Italian Riviera: this narrow seaside region stretches from the Northern tip of Tuscany to the Côte d’Azur and is home to renowned locations such as Cinque Terre, Portofino, Santa Margherita, and San Remo… with Genoa nestled in the very centre of the coastal arch.

We speak with Luisa Puppo, Liguria Brand Ambassador for Ormina Tours, for her tips on Genoa’s local cultural experiences and tourist traps.

What is the most unique aspect of your city?

Its stunning biodiversity: cultural, architectural, gastronomic, geographic… Genoa is a multifaceted urban universe that fascinates travellers with the charm of its countless identities.

What are the local customs that travellers should embrace?

First, skip breakfast at the hotel and indulge in what is called “colazione genovese”: a slice of piping hot focaccia dipped into your cappuccino. Focaccia is Liguria’s most iconic street food: perfect as a snack, it is often eaten instead of bread at meals and matches local dry white wines (from Vermentino to Bianchetta) during late afternoon aperitivi. Enjoy it like a local and flip it over – the coarse salt on its upper surface will hit the taste buds on your tongue first – for an explosion of flavour.

“Colazione Genovese” – focaccia and coffee

Second, leave some space for an afternoon cup (or cone) of pànera – a hearty semifreddo (i.e. soft gelato) made with cream and coffee – which was invented in Genoa and became a craze in the 19th century. Pànera can be enjoyed in Genoese gelaterie (ice cream parlours), temples of taste and strongholds of traditions that dot the carruggi (narrow alley) of the city’s historical district.

Where would you suggest going if you want an authentic local experience?

A morning walk in one of the city’s food market is a lesson in culinary culture and folklore. Food is the storyteller of places: take time to enjoy the sight and scents of stalls; the layout of fruit and vegetables follows strict rules, remember that Genoese merchants were the forerunners of visual merchandising. Last but not least, the dialogues between vendors and buyers are a show in themselves… it comes as no surprise that Genoa was the birthplace of several comedians.

Enjoy a cooking class and meal at a local home. Read more from one of our at home cooks here, and taste a delicious local recipe here.

What other sights do you think are often missed by travellers and are a must see?

Seek out Genoa’s medieval chiostri (i.e. cloisters) in the heart of the city centre. Built close to churches, they have often lived through vicissitudes of all kinds – before restoration interventions brought them back to their former splendour. The cloister of the canons of the Cathedral were first converted to public housing and later turned into a depository. Nowadays, they are gems of art and tranquillity.

What are your city’s tourist traps?

Avoid visiting areas such as the Porto Antico on weekends. While it is packed with attractions, during high season weekends and/or holidays you can try to avoid overcrowding and queues by opting for weekdays. And always try to book in advance.

Porto Antico, Genoa

What day trips outside of the city shouldn’t be missed?

The fisherman’s village of Camogli in the Golfo Paradiso (i.e. Paradise Gulf) is a must see, and is only a short distance away, both by train or by car. From its marina, hop on a ferry and quickly reach San Fruttuoso, a miniature bay which treasures a stunning Medieval abbey. On your way back, find time to stroll along Camogli’s seaside promenade, flanked by the tall colourful façades of ancient fisherman’s houses, and enjoy the gourmet treat of focaccia col formaggio, “the most addictive food on the planet” according to American food guru Fred Plotkin.

The fisherman’s village of Camogli

Any other tips, hints or must experience suggestions?

Have lunch in a sciamadda, our typical, cheap eating joint. Sciamadda in the local dialect means “blaze”, with a wood oven operated all day long. This is the perfect choice to enjoy Liguria’s astounding array of street food – chick pea farinata and panissa, cuculli and frisceu fritters…. – and savoury pies, tantalizing concoctions of vegetables, aromatic herbs (marjoram rules), eggs, Parmigiano Reggiano, prescinsêua (curdled milk) … treasured in veil-like layers of supple dough. Always ask for the day’s special – from minestrone alla genovese(the mother of all vegetable soups) to tripes, these eateries celebrate the great classic dishes of traditional Ligurian cuisine.

Luisa Poppo, Ormina Tours Brand Ambassador	xx	ABOUT LUISA PUPPO Liguria Brand Ambassador for Ormina Tours 100% Genoese. Destination expert, experiential tourism specialist and marketing and training professional since 1994. On Women’s Day 2018 Luisa was appointed as one of the “Ambassadors of the the City of Genoa” by the Mayor, Marco Bucci. Luisa is the President of “Genova World”, an association of food & wine, and tourism professionals. Luisa also runs Ligucibario®, a dynamic on & offline platform that she created with her business partner (and husband) Umberto Curti.