Beautiful old part of town with narrow shady streets,stone paved.Little shops,cafes and bars. Lot of african emigrants,prostitutes starting early afternoon ,but don't worry,none of them are aggressive.

Have lunch or a drink outside in Piazza Delle Erbe, where Genova college-age youth hangs out. Nights in the summer are packed. Great little birrerie, young people hanging out everywhere. Don't go with Jewelry and don't look 'out of place'. Just relax, don't walk in the empty dark alleys, and stay around the main roads.

If you want to see the real city, not for tourist, hae a walk through the small paved roads in the caruggi district, just a few meters from the Ancient Harbor. Don't be scared by the people there: it's more true than you can think, but it's safe.

As a solo woman traveller I found the very narrow and dark twisting alleyways unattractive mainly because of the large number of prostitutes looking for trade in broad daylight. It reminded me of the port area of Barcelona pre the Olympics. Yes, it is part of the "authentic" city but it is quite seedy. To some people it will be... More

It’s been 18 months since I last reviewed the Caruggi district and some changes have taken place. There are only two tourist offices now (the office by Carlo Felice Theatre is closed). The one on Via Garibaldi is on Genova’s most important street and tourist destination, is open, in the Caruggi area. Maps are still free, but they now charge... More

A bit scaring if you don't know it but lively and terrific once you live there! What a poem!

So many contrasts in a few meters! These narrow streets are very nice for long walks discovering old shops and enjoying the special atmosphere. Ideal also to get some protection in windy days.

As an American living in Genova, I absolutely love wandering around the Caruggi District or Old City or as the many signs posted throughout the area," Centro Storico", which is the largest historic area in Europe. The best time to visit is when the shops/restaurants/business are open, roughly between 9-1 and 4-7. The only time NOT to visit is late... More