Genoa is not just a maritime city, it is a Ligurian city to discover and explore. Especially during the Christmas period when its historic center (a true mosaic of styles and artistic movements) transforms into the ideal setting for the many artisanal and gastronomic markets that, like small warm and evocative worlds, color its streets and squares.

Discovering this Ligurian city with a millennial history by getting in touch with its culture, customs, and traditions through Christmas shopping is what can be done starting from the Marina Porto Antico; an area overlooking the sea just outside the historic center and which until the 1980s was part of Genoa’s commercial port. For those arriving by sea, starting from this area of the city is ideal since the berths are in the city center.

The Porto Antico represents the ideal place to start discovering Genoa and its Christmas markets; from here, in fact, you can venture into the vibrant heart of the historic center starting from the arcades of Sottoripa.

Sottoripa is the place where the Superb begins to tell its story as a city of the sea and exchanges; different cultures and stories coexist and integrate with Genoese traditions. It is located in front of the Marina Porto Antico area (mountain side) and it is here that the Antica Friggitoria Carrega, one of the most renowned Genoese sciamadde (typical gastronomic venue), is located. Passing by, it is impossible not to be tempted by a piece of farinata cooked in a wood-fired oven or by a cone of mixed fried seafood with squid, anchovies, and baby octopus.

Once your appetite is satisfied, you can venture into the Genoese historic center to discover the Christmas markets by continuing to walk through the arcades of Sottoripa up to via Ponte Reale, a small street that connects the Porto Antico to the picturesque Piazza Banchi. The square takes its name from the Loggia della Mercanzia, an ancient space once dedicated to commerce and now hosting exhibitions and cultural events. The square is still a place dedicated to street commerce, as evidenced by the various stalls that populate it, where you can buy books, vinyl records, CDs, and rarities at affordable prices.

By walking through Piazza Banchi towards via degli Orefici, you come across the first Christmas market dedicated to street crafts. The market is located in Piazza Campetto and develops around the ancient barchile, which was once the symbol of Piazza Ponticello, one of the symbols of Genoese commerce until the early 1900s. At the Campetto market, you can find handmade leather bags and wallets, artisanal clothing, contemporary art paintings, wooden objects, and accessories made using recycled materials.

The market ends near via di Scurreria; the street that leads to the square where the majestic Cathedral of San Lorenzo stands. It goes without saying that the imposing building exudes history and tradition and can be visited before continuing the hunt for the perfect gift at the nearby market in Piazza Matteotti, adjacent to Palazzo Ducale; the historical cultural heart of Genoa.

Made in delightful wooden houses, the market in Piazza Matteotti offers antiques, artisanal clothing, and Christmas decorations; ranging from nativity figurines to trees to decorate with lights and colorful balls.

From December 15, a market will also be set up in the adjacent Piazza De Ferrari, the Mercanatale. Being located in the central square of Genoa, the Mercanatale is very suggestive with its two rows of wooden houses (36 in total) positioned around the De Ferrari fountain.

Book lovers cannot miss the opportunity to visit the Book Fair, the now classic event dedicated to new and used publishing located in Galleria Mazzini, just a stone’s throw from Piazza De Ferrari.

Going to the Book Fair means walking through the historic Galleria Mazzini, the Art Nouveau gallery that hosts the retail outlets of some of the most renowned and sought-after clothing brands, as well as a store specializing in the sale of vintage and latest-generation HI-FI systems.

Finally, we cannot fail to mention the historic and traditional Mercatino di San Nicola set up in Piazza Sarzano near the walls of the old city and the House of Christopher Columbus. Created inside a tent structure sheltered from the cold and wind, the Mercatino di San Nicola is the flagship of Genoese Christmas markets and this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. The offer inside includes; handcrafted items; clothing; home decor items; kitchen accessories and food stands offering typical products to be enjoyed on the spot. The Mercatino di San Nicola also features an area dedicated to shows and live music.

The journey through the Genoese historic center to discover its Christmas markets can conclude with an aperitif in the vibrant heart of the city’s nightlife, the famous Piazza Delle Erbe. Here you can enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, or a cocktail in one of the many venues that offer the opportunity to have a hearty apericena.

There is nothing better than having a drink in the company of friends and family before retracing your steps and returning near the Marina Porto Antico from which you can set off again to celebrate Christmas with family or embark on a winter cruise along the Ligurian coast.