The inclusion of Genoa in the list of Genoa Best in Travel 2025 by Lonely Planet has earned it a rightful place among the most interesting destinations in the world. For those who may not be aware, Lonely Planet is one of the most renowned tourist guides in the world, celebrated for showcasing unique and culturally enriching destinations. This puts the historical, cultural, and gastronomic jewels of Genoa in the limelight as a destination of excellence for 2025.
Now, this is a recognition that we at The Italian Lesson are particularly fond of. There’s something special about Genoa, not just because the co-founders are Ligurian natives, but also because it epitomizes so much of what is extraordinary about Italy. Let us take you through Genoa, which isn’t just a place; it’s a source of inspiration.
Table of Contents
Why Genoa is so special to us at The Italian Lesson
Genoa, also commonly referred to as “La Superba”, has history swirling in the labyrinths, so to say, much like the streets. During the Middle Ages, Genoa had been among the powerful Italian maritime republics, a center of commerce and learning. It was the home of Christopher Columbus, whose traversing of the globe on a round earth course radically changed it forever. And when you make your tours around Genoa, almost every stone and every piazza there seems to speak of that glorious age.
To us, here at The Italian Lesson, Genoa is not just a city-it’s home. We have grown along its historic streets, tasted the great food, and we always feel attached to this place. History, culture, innovation-characteristics that define Genoa-inspire our mission: to teach Italian and share the soul of Italy with our students.
Genoa’s Culinary Delights
No tour of Genoa is without a plunge into its gastronomic traditions; the city is synonymous, in fact, with pesto, mainly produced with aromatic basil leaves from Pra’, giving this sauce a celebrated reputation on an international level. Most especially, this sauce merged with trofie or trenette is in a class of Ligura you will never forget or be able to get again.
Other dishes that should be tried include:
- Focaccia: A simple, yet divine flatbread, traditional to Genoa, it’s great for dipping in your cappuccino every morning or enjoyed alone.
- Torta Pasqualina: a savory pie filled with spinach, ricotta, and eggs that shows the ingenuity of a Ligurian housewife.
The close connection with food is one of the most pleasant means of having contact with the Italian culture through its language. Our Italian online courses often use culinary themes to make learning fashionable and playful.
Exploring the historic center of Genoa
The historic center of Genoa is one of the widest medieval old towns in Europe with a tangle of tiny alleys, known to locals as carruggi-places practically inviting one to lose his way through its charm. Filled with architectural treasures like a World Heritage site and packed with energetic street life, it enjoys a natural protection from a valley surrounded by hills.
Some of the must-see attractions include:
- Palazzi dei Rolli: These are the richly decorated palaces that hosted visiting dignitaries and speak to the grandeur of Genoa.
- Cathedral of San Lorenzo: this is a unique blend of the Romanesque and Gothic building styles.
- Porto Antico: This is the old port area of Genoa, reshaped by Renzo Piano himself and now a very bustling center hosting the famous Acquario di Genova – the largest in Europe.
A walk through the historic center of Genoa is not only a visually stimulating experience but also a journey through culture. It would serve as a walk that will bring into light why it featured in **Genoa Best in Travel 2025.


Genoa’s Commercial and Cultural Significance
One of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean, Genoa has always been one of the most vital corners of Italy’s economy. Its maritime spirit has always been part of its identity, from the yards to the crowded docks. Such mercantile solidity finds a counterpart in the artistic contribution that this city has given: Fabrizio De André himself had to compose many songs dedicated to Genoa.
At The Italian Lesson, we find that the spirit of Genoa—resilient, proud, innovative—echoes the journey of learning the Italian language. Just as Genoa has survived through the ages, so does every learner of a language with every challenge and triumph, emerging at the end enriched and empowered.

Bringing Genoa to Life with Words
For us, teaching Italian is not limited to grammar and vocabulary; it means opening a window on the culture, history, and soul of Italy for our students. Genoa, with its deeply rooted traditions, is a perfect example of why learning Italian opens doors to a more interesting world.
Our platform offers a variety of materials that will help you learn more about Italy through its language and culture:
- Italian courses online with native teachers
- Learn Italian online with ease on our culture blog
- Italian lessons online for beginners and advanced learners via our podcast
- Discover Genoa’s historic center and more on our YouTube channel
Genoa Best in Travel 2025: A Personal Connection
With Lonely Planet naming it one of Genoa Best in Travel 2025, this is a special recognition for us at The Italian Lesson, who are proud to see our hometown take center stage. To us, Genoa is more than a place to travel; it’s about being alive, beautiful, and culturally rich. It is one of those places which will touch your heart and enrich your soul.
From discovering its cultural heritage to savoring its delicious food, from wandering its historic alleys to attending live music concerts like we used to as teenagers, Genoa remains a city that is timeless yet alive. At The Italian Lesson, we accompany you not only in learning the Italian language but also in discovering the Italy we love the most—starting with Genoa.
Come along for the ride. Discover Genoa. Learn Italian. Love Italy.