Driving and Parking in Genoa

[chaslee]

I have read some recommendations about not driving in Genoa, but we are thinking of going to the Aquarium on their waterfront while we are in Nice. I noticed that there is parking very close to the aquarium, and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with either driving, parking, or visiting the aquarium in Genoa. Your help is very much appreciated. Thanks.

[emdreiSMG]

I don't have a direct answer for you, but I have driven through Genova on the Autostrada.

I have heard that Genova is a bit seedy down by the waterfront. i.e. look out for pickpockets. I have also heard that there is not a lot to do there (the acquarium must be a top draw).

In any event, the coastline in Liguria is fantastic to travel through. You really should stop in Portofino/Santa Margarita.
Enjoy!

[2nynbak]

I have driven there on a couple of occasions some years ago I remember the juxtaposition of seeing a Lambo out on the Autostrada and then a man with a donkeycart shortly there after. In recent years ( post Euro) things are much more equalized and the city is not seedy anymore. Coming down out of the mountains is a nice road for the driver in a new BMW but passengers may not like the hundreds of turns that track along side of the rivers. By the time you reach Genoa you're ready for the flat land of the coast. I agree with the prior comment on not missing Portofino. You will have a great photo-op in anything other than rain. It is one of Europe's most beautiful spots. My wife ads not to miss Cinque Terre. She's right.

[chaslee]

Thanks for the advise. I hope my kids will not get car sick on those turns. That would be bad.

[Marco]

I have read some recommendations about not driving in Genoa, but we are thinking of going to the Aquarium on their waterfront while we are in Nice. I noticed that there is parking very close to the aquarium, and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with either driving, parking, or visiting the aquarium in Genoa. Your help is very much appreciated. Thanks.
I took my daughter to the Genoa acquarium last year. Parking is not a problem. If I remember well the payment system is not intuitive, but the lot (open air) is big. To get to the acquarium is a bit more difficult: if you are coming from the south, you have to avoid the ramp that takes you onto the elevated road and stay on ground level, under the E. If you come from the north, it is likely that you are on the E and you should find the ramp to go down.
If you go I suggest that you leave the car in the acquarium parking and walk up through the small alleys ("carrugi") just behind the port and towards Piazza de Ferrari (nothing to do with cars). You'll get lost, but it's fun and sooner or later you'll find your way out. Via Luccoli is one of these pedestrian alleys and is the fanciest street in Genoa.
If you are going to (or coming from) the South of the city, stop in Boccadasse for icecream (or in Recco for pasta al pesto and focacia with onions -- not necessarily together)
M

[chaslee]

Thank you Marco for that information. Did you and your daughter enjoy the aquarium? It is suppose to be one of the largest in Europe. Also, did you feel safe in Genoa? Thanks again.

[Marco]

Thank you Marco for that information. Did you and your daughter enjoy the aquarium? It is suppose to be one of the largest in Europe. Also, did you feel safe in Genoa? Thanks again.
Yes to both.
My daughter (10 year old) is crasy for all kinds of animals and she loved it. The acquarium is also interesting because half of it is in a ship. In the harbor there is also a fake galleon used for some movie she enjoyed. If you are interested in architecture, the harbor has been redesigned/restructured by Renzo Piano.
Genoa is as safe as any other city in Italy. Correction: way more than Naples. This does not mean that it is totally safe from pickpocketing etc. But I didn't have any problems.

[chaslee]

Thanks again for letting me know about your experience in Genoa. I think we will try and make a day trip there from our home base in Nice. I heard that the pesto is suppose to really excellent there.