Palazzo Durazzo

Worth getting out of bed for

Genoa’s Renaissance, Baroque, and mediaeval architecture can be admired at every turn from Palazzo Durazzo’s portside position – you need only take a short passeggiata to find yourself at the Porto Antico, Doge’s Palace, Teatro Carlo Felice, and Unesco-listed Palazzi dei Rolli, where you could happily spend several days discovering the impressive art collections, terraced gardens, and sculpture galleries. If you’re short on time, prioritise Palazzo Reale – its Hall of Mirrors rivals Versailles, and was commissioned to celebrate the hotel’s founding Durazzo family. Also worth visiting are the colossal Musei di Strada Nuova, an elegant trio of interconnecting palazzi that house old masters works from Caravaggio to Rubens. Aside from the abounding art, wander along the waterfront Corso Italia to the pebble beach at Boccadasse, a half-asleep fishing village that’s quieter than Cinque Terre – though this iconic stretch of the Italian Riviera can be reached by the hotel’s boat that’s available for private charter, including sailing trips to Portofino. Drop anchor at Bagni Sillo on your way back to the city, a cliffside beach club serving fresh seafood and spritzes to a stylish, sun-kissed crowd.

Local restaurants

Seafood is the star of Genoa’s restaurant scene, and you’ll only need to venture on a short drive to Ristorate San Giorgio to sample elevated fish dishes – including grilled squid and lime gel Gazpacho prawns. Try seasonal Mediterranean dishes such as Amberjack raviolo with shellfish and Iberian pork pluma at Ristorante Ippogrifo.  You'll find Sa Pésta, a traditional Trattoria within walking distance from the hotel. The 19th-century eatery serves dishes like stuffed squid, chickpea pancakes, and vegetable pies, which locals wash down with Camatti, a bitter liqueur from Recco.

Local cafés

Make like the Genoese and sip caffè con panera at Cremeria Buonafede, a 10-minute walk from the hotel.