Even though it seems like the summer travel season is flying by, those still looking to book a European getaway have some cheap options for a last-minute trip, according to a new report.
21.07.2023 - 07:44 / roughguides.com
Genoa is often overlooked and under-appreciated. Yet it has the largest medieval centre in Europe, 42 World Heritage Palazzi and Genovese food is outstanding. Take a closer look and discover seven top Genoa foodie experiences, revealed by Natasha Foges. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Italy your essential guide for visiting Italy.
Eat your way round historic Genoa Italy © Shutterstock
Genoa likes vegetables, so it's not the city for piling on pizza pounds. Instead try local pesto alla Genovese for its extra green and herby flavour which is almost exclusively down to the use of fresh Prà basil.
If you're really serious about Genovese pesto, visit Palazzo Ducale, the site of many pesto-making world championships and several gorgeous frescoes. Then discover local pesto lore on a traditional food tour round Genoa.
Try pesto alla Genovese in Genoa © Nelli Syrotynska/Shutterstock
Focaccia is made to tempt you all over Genoa, so don't even try to resist. Head to the medieval old town and look for hole-in-the-wall Focaccerie, they're not hard to spot. And if you need a quick boost, try mid-morning focaccia with a bianchetta wine chaser.
For the city's best focaccio sandwiches at bargain prices, make for Il Gran Ristoro and order their famous focaccio with swordfish. Thinking about staying in the city? Book Genova Suite Art in the historic quarter.
When in Genova you have to taste farinata chickpea flour pancakes. The best place to eat them is at traditional sciamadda, historic Ligurian inns where pancakes are baked in wood burning ovens.
For the best of the best farinata in Genoa visit the local favourite, Sa Pesta on Via Dei Giustiniani. And if you want some pancake prepping know-how and more, think about taking a private home cooking class in the city.
Genoa’s old town is Europe's largest and Henry James called it, “most winding and incoherent'. So be prepared to get lost a little in its maze of twisting alleys punctuated by faded frescoes and startling ruined columns and arches.
If you need an energy boost while you're exploring, keep your eyes peeled for street vendors selling strips of fried tripe. Oily, salty and presented in little card cones, this much loved local snack is the ultimate Genovese street food.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Italy or Italy Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Italy expert.
Genoa medieval old town is the largest in Europe © Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock
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Discover Genoa at its sweetest in the old town where
Even though it seems like the summer travel season is flying by, those still looking to book a European getaway have some cheap options for a last-minute trip, according to a new report.
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