A super-aquarium, a maritime museum and a street of UNESCO palaces: Genoa's greatest hits.
Start at the old port, follow the seafront museums, then climb into the historic centre for the palazzi and the caruggi. The 77-metre Lanterna lighthouse, one of the world's oldest working lighthouses, watches over it all.
One of Europe's largest aquariums, opened in the old port in 1992, with dozens of tanks from Mediterranean to tropical habitats. Official site.
Tip: Book timed entry and go early; afternoon queues build fast.
Official site →The Mediterranean's largest maritime museum, tracing Genoa's seafaring past - and you can board a full-scale 17th-century galley. Official site.
Tip: The rooftop terrace has a great view over the port.
Official site →Three of the UNESCO-listed Rolli palaces on Via Garibaldi, now galleries holding Genoese aristocratic art, Van Dyck portraits and the rooms where Paganini played. Official site.
Tip: One ticket covers all three palaces - allow a relaxed half-day.
Official site →The seat of the Genoese doges, now the city's grand exhibition venue, with courtyards and rooms open even between shows. Official site.
Tip: The courtyards are free and make a shady pause.
Official site →The striped Gothic-Romanesque cathedral, home to the relics of St John the Baptist and a treasure chapel of silver and gold.
Tip: Step into the nave just before noon for the softest light on the black-and-white stripes.
A picture-book fishing village at the end of the seafront promenade, with a tiny pebble beach and the city's favourite sunset aperitivo spot.
Tip: Walk there along the water from the centre - about 30 pleasant minutes.