We have selected a few things for visitors who are short of time or don’t want to miss the best of what the city has to offer. No one can truly say that they have seen Genoa without a visit to its historic centre. Perhaps setting out from Strada Nuova and the Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, through the city’s narrow vicoli and piazzette (alleyways and little squares) before reaching the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (Cathedral of Saint Lawrence). It is here, in the old part of the city, that many of the city’s historic shops and workshops are concentrated along one of the routes that lead to the Old Port (Porto Antico) and the Aquarium.

For a view over the whole of the old city extending as far as the Lanterna (Genoa’s lighthouse), what better than a walk up to the “natural terrace” Belvedere Montaldo, better known as Spianata Castelletto? It can be reached by ascending the hill along one of the many crêuze (the ancient steep cobbled paths leading up from the sea) or via public lifts, funicular and rack railways, perhaps with Giorgio Caproni’s lyrics in mind: “Genova verticale, vertigine, aria scale”.

Avid walkers shouldn’t miss out on the Parco Urbano delle Mura (Park of the City Walls) and a visit to one of the many forts that dot the hills above the coast, before descending once again to Val Bisagno, following the level trail that winds along the ancient aqueduct and visiting the magnificent Staglieno Monumental Cemetery.

For lovers of historic villas and gardens, one of the most enchanting examples is Villa Durazzo Pallavicini, in Pegli, not far from the place where the finest basil is produced and which has made pesto alla genovese famous all around the world. A taste sensation not to be missed, along with fragrant focaccia bread, which can be found all over the city from the early hours of the morning.