Genoa (Italy) > Reviews (7)

I went to Genoa as a day trip, so i don't have much in the way of accommodation, but would definatley reccommend the Youth Hostel, as in almost any other place I would/have been to. To be honest, since i have become a YHA member, I don't know why i should stay in a normal hotel again. Not only is it cheaper in a hostel (approx 12-20 euros per bed), but it is more comfortable and in better locations for their price than almost all hotels. The service is second to none also. Ive never got as muckh useful information from a hotel receptionist than from a the hostel staff, and there are family rooms available, so it isn't just dorms.

Anyway back to Genoa. I flew here with Ryanair on a 'free' deal (plus taxes it's about £30). This is great because it's cheap, and they fly to the main airport. From the airport it's a cheap short bus ride into the city. Here there is plento of old architechture and monuments to look at, but one or two of these are enough for a tight schedule (the columbous monument is reccomended and a great attraction).

Along the seafront there is, they claim, Europes biggest aquarium, and to be honest, I beleive them! This is an amazing experience with hundreds of fish, dolphins, elephant seals, sharks and neon tetras. There is a massive number of fish, and is well worth the £15 enerance fee. A wander along the seafront is also very interesting, as there are many different cafes and things to see and do here.

The second thing we did in our day here was a train ride just outside the city into the hills. This can be picked up at Stazione per Casella in the north of the city, and is very cheap, at only 5 eros per person for a return. The railway shakes round the mountains and clinging to the hillside, shaking precautiously, so is a nerve-racking ride. The scenery here is spectacular amongst the terracotta roofed villages.

Once back in Genoa we had dinner at the Cafe Uno next to the bus station. This resturant is definatley reccomended as it's in a busy area of the city and is full of life. The service is very quick, and the pizza is the best i've ever eaten.

The city was voted city of culture 2004, so that is reason enough to go, and the city is like no other that i've been to.