Shopping

A good road for an afternoon passeggiata and shopping is Via Luccoli, which continues into Via Soziglia. Here you'll find little clothes boutiques, cafés including a grand old pasticceria, posh chocolate shops and lots of homeware. 

For antiques, take a turn up Vico del Fieno - or for really impressive surroundings visit the Galleria Imperiale in Piazza Campetto, where furniture and display cases are crowded beneath Renaissance decor.

Amongst the modern attractions and smart redevelopments you'll also find some surviving traditions, like fishermen selling freshly-caught fish on stalls alongside the docks. There are places to eat and drink and sit, including a stylish bar, called Oltremodo, on the static ship beyond the aquarium. 

As well as winter ice-skating, there is also a summer outdoor swimming pool. In fact, you could quite easily spend an entire day sightseeing in the waterfront area without even penetrating into the mazes and elegant streets of Genoa.

If it is something more American style you are looking for, 10-15 min taxi ride from new port side there is the Centro Commerciale Fiumara, a Mall with cinema, restaurants, bowling, Virgin Active gym and swimming pool.