WHERE TO STAY

Attico Palazzo Giustiniani

A romantic B&B on the top floor of a 17th-century palazzo. On sunny days, breakfast is served on the enchanting terrace overlooking the rooftops of the city. Doubles from £83. Piazza dei Giustiniani 6, 00 39 346 275 4662, atticopalazzogiustiniani.it

Hotel Bristol Palace Located under the busy porticoes of via XX Settembre, Genoa’s main shopping street, this is art nouveau luxury at its best. Fully revamped, it features spacious rooms with polished parquet floors, plush curtains and original antiques. Many rooms come with an outdoor terrace. Giotto, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, which serves both Italian and Ligurian dishes, is also worth a visit. Doubles from £117. Via XX Settembre 35, 00 39 10 592541, hotelbristolpalace.it

Le Nuvole Residenza d’Epoca Another grand medieval Genoese townhouse turned into a stylish and budget-friendly boutique hotel, its surviving frescoes speaking of the opulent world of bygone Genoese aristocracy. The 15 rooms are all individually furnished. Ask for one overlooking the beautiful 10th-century Chiesa della Madonna delle Vigne. Doubles from £99. Piazza delle Vigne 6, 00 39 10 2510018, hotelnuvole.it

Palazzo Grillo Seize the opportunity to stay in a magnificent 16th-century Palazzo dei Rolli (a Unesco-designated ambassadorial residence). The mansion preserves many original features, including vaulted ceilings and fresco cycles. In contrast, furniture is sleek and essential, with modern facilities across the 25 rooms, from bluetooth speakers to Smeg minibars. High-profile photography shows are often held in the exhibition area on the first floor. Doubles from £102.

Piazza delle Vigne 4, 00 39 10

247 7356, hotelpalazzogrillo.it