"Enjoy the crunch of the onions Even if you think you aren't an onion fan, make sure you try at least one slice of the Focaccia con Cipolla while you are in Genoa - there is something about the crunchy sweetness of the slightly caramelized onions with the bright grassy olive oil that is addicting! (You can even order it for breakfast, and no one will look at you funny!)"

"600-year-old angels One of the most highly decorated churches in Genoa , Santa Maria della Vigne is hauntingly beautiful. Originating in the 10th century (when monks tended wine-producing grapevines in the courtyard, hence the name), the Basilica was not completed until the mid 1700s. But tucked into the far corner is an original Madonna and the Angels by Giovanni Mazone, circa 1465."

"Walk out with treats in blue paper Inspired by the beautiful French chocolate salons, Romanengo Pietro fu Stefano fashioned their old-town shop just as the French - with gorgeous old woods, glass display cases, and gold-gilded platters. Pop into this store, unchanged since its opening in 1814, and leave with parcels of truffles, almond-paste confections, and crunchy pinoli dragees wrapped in their signature dark blue paper."

"Snails for lunch (or dinner!) Tucked just a few steps away from the towering Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Al Giardino degli Indoratori is a lovely small restaurant with a delicious wine list, serving locally-sourced Genovese specialities (their menu is very balanced though - expect to find as many meats as you do fish). The orzotto (think risotto, but with barley in place of the rice) with shrimp and snails is especially delicious - even if you think you are not a snail fan!"

"16th-century art gallery with gorgeous gardens Nestled among the stunning palaces of the UNESCO World Heritage Palazzi Dei Rolli, Palazzo Bianco was built in the late 16th century by the Grimaldi family, one of the 28 'albergi' families that ruled Genoa for centuries. Today, the gorgeous building houses an art museum focusing primarily on Flemish and Italian artists, with a strong emphasis on Genovese artists themselves. But do not miss the opportunity to stroll out into the gardens. They are magnificent anytime of year, but especially beautiful in early spring."

"See the 'original' blue jeans! Step inside the Museo Diocesano and be taken back to the Romanesque abbey of the monks of San Lorenzo Cathedral, originally built in the early 600s. Inside her recently renovated walls, explore many of the glories of the Catholic Church of Genoa . Paintings, relics, and an illuminated Bible make up most of the exhibits. But there is another room that pays homage to the sacred use of the original blue jeans. (Yes, Genoa claims originator status on them. They were dying their canvas-like fabric a deep Genova Blue centuries ago for the laborers on the city's docks. As for the name "jeans"? Well, in French, Genoa is Genes, a close derivative of the "jeans" we call them to this day...). For the price of your 6-euro ticket, you also get access to the crypt of San Lorenzo, where they house their silver and gold treasures. Definitely worth a look!"

"Dusk at the top of the world The winding streets of ancient Genoa all lead in one direction—straight up. Lace up your tennis shoes and keep climbing. Eventually you will reach a small park at the edge of the city, the entrance to one of the many fortresses that speckled its 17th-century walls. From here you'll be treated to one of the best views of both old and new Genoa. Come at dusk for a stunning sunset over the urban edge of the Ligurian Sea. (And if you are too tired to walk back down, catch the funicular for less than two euros!)"

"Dinner (and harbor lights) at Il Marin There are but few 'grocery stores' that live up to the title 'eatery'. Eataly, the Italian food market concept (headed up by Oscar Farinetti and Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini), certainly deserves all accolades poured upon it. With outposts throughout Italy, and now in Japan, the United States, and even Dubai , one can find delicious Italian delicacies in one's own back yard. But journey to the Eataly in Genoa , and enjoy a beautiful meal at the gourmet seafood restaurant Il Marin tucked within. With some of the most stunning views of the ancient Genovese harbor, and plates of innovative and impassioned food, you will leave impressed."

"Accessible only by foot, or boat The tiny Abbey of San Fruttuoso is nestled in a cove between Camogli and Portofino, and accessible solely by foot or boat. If you want to hike it, find the trail at the far end of Camogli, and be ready for a steep, but gorgeous, two hour hike up and over the mountain. If you would prefer a quick 15 minute boat ride, catch the boat for a few euro in the harbor of Camogli and ride to San Fruttuoso in style. The abbey itself is beautiful, but it is also nice to simply sit and have a cocktail at the beachside restaurant (look closely - their kitchen is upstairs, so they send the food down in a small wicker basket when it's ready!)."

"Explore the Church of San Rocco While the climb is quite literally breathtaking (900 steps), the Church of San Rocco, perched on the very edge of the Ligurian Sea, is a gorgeous spot to spend the day. Taking the train to Camogli, you can then spend the morning hiking up to the church and enjoying the beautiful altar piece and frescoes. Coming back down into town, make sure you stop by one of the many seaside restaurants for a celebratory lunch, and grab a gelato from one of the boardwalk stands on your way back to the train station!"

"A bar with a sunset view Camogli is a quick 30-minute train ride out of Genoa , making it easy for an evening out for cocktails and dinner. Leave from Brignole Station, and arrive in Camogli by 6:30pm so that you can get a seaside table at Bar Auriga for a perfect Aperol Spritz as the sun sets and the waves crash in."

"Zuppa di Pesce If you like to eat straight from the sea, the small restaurants along the Corso Italia are perfect spots for a cold glass of white wine and a bowl of piping hot fish soup from the waters directly off your seaside perch. Normally including deep red shrimp, plump orange mussels, and chunks of flaky white fish, the zuppa di pesce makes for an incredible lunch."

"National Gallery in beautifully restored palace Tucked deep in the heart of the ancient city, this is an easy Palazzo to miss—but don't miss it. My favorite of the Genovese museums, five floors of this massive palace are dedicated to the history and splendor of Genoa—the first three being the restored palace of the Spinola family, and the top two serving as the National Gallery. Explore beautiful frescoes, ceramics from the 1700s, actual clothing from the 15th century, and a massive original Rubens, among the many other varied treasures."

"Cappuccino Alfresco Take your morning coffee in the sunshine, shaded by the the Palazzo Ducale. With quite a few tables, Douce does a busy morning cappuccino/focaccia business, so you can also come later in the afternoon (when it's slightly warmer) to make sure you get an alfresco seat. Just make sure you don't order a cappuccino after 10am—the Genovese are likely to laugh at you. It's espresso or nothing at that point!"