Porto Antico — Genoa

The area is completely walkable from Principe station — exit the station, head downhill toward the water and you'll reach Porto Antico in about 15 minutes on foot

The Vascello Neptune is free to view from the outside — the full-size replica ship moored in the harbor is one of those unexpected Genoa moments that catches you completely off guard

Acquario di Genova and Galata Museo del Mare are both here — don't try to do both in the same afternoon, each deserves proper time. The Acquario is better for families with children, the Galata is better for history lovers

The Biosfera — the giant glass sphere floating on the water — is worth a quick look even if you don't go inside

Porto Antico gets crowded on weekend afternoons in summer — weekday mornings are significantly calmer and the light on the water is better anyway

The waterfront cafés here are priced for tourists — walk one block inland for better coffee at local prices