Morning: Start from the Old Port, the area redesigned by Renzo Piano. Here you can visit the Genoa Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe, and the Galata Maritime Museum, to understand the history of Italian navigation and migration. Don't miss the panoramic view from the "Bigo" (panoramic elevator). Lunch: A stop at a historic "Focacceria" is a must. Buy a piece of Genoese focaccia (the classic one with holes and oil) and eat it sitting on the docks while watching the boats. Afternoon: Stroll towards the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its black-and-white striped façade. Get lost (literally) in the Caruggi, the narrow medieval alleys of the historic center, where historic spice and fabric shops alternate with small votive altars.

Morning: Visit Via Garibaldi (Strada Nuova), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are the Palazzi dei Rolli, the ancient noble residences that hosted visiting sovereigns. Enter Palazzo Rosso or Palazzo Bianco to admire the sumptuous interiors and hidden gardens. Lunch: Sit down in a typical trattoria for the city's star dish: Trofie al Pesto (basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan) with potatoes and green beans, as tradition dictates. Afternoon: Reach Piazza De Ferrari, the modern heart of the city with its large fountain, and admire the Teatro Carlo Felice. From here, climb to the top or take a public elevator to reach Spianata Castelletto: a balcony suspended above the city, offering 360-degree views of the slate rooftops and the sea.

Morning: Take a bus or local train to Boccadasse. It's an ancient fishing village nestled within the city, with pastel-colored houses that slope down to a small pebble beach. It feels like the Cinque Terre, but you're still in the city. Lunch: Stay in Boccadasse for a cone of fried fish or a plate of pansoti (stuffed pasta) with walnut sauce by the sea. Afternoon: Return to the port and walk along the "Passeggiata della Lanterna" to reach the Lanterna di Genova, the city's iconic lighthouse (the tallest in the Mediterranean). Climbing to the first terrace will offer a unique, industrial perspective on the bustling port.