Genoa, a port city on Italy’s northwest coast, has many great points of interest but is often overlooked by tourists heading to beach resort towns along the Italian Riviera. Genoa’s port area has been renovated and has one of Europe’s top aquariums. Its medieval center, full of winding streets to wander, is a pleasure to explore. Several of the city’s elegant Rolli palaces are open to the public and some have been made into museums.

There’s plenty of good food, too, and if you run out of things to do, Genoa makes a good base for visiting nearby seaside towns. Genoa is on Italy’s main west coastal rail line, between La Spezia and the French border. The city’s two train stations are Piazza Principe, near the historic center, and Brignole. Find out more about Genoa’s train stations and book train tickets on Rail Europe’s guide.