Genoa : What budget to travel? Money and currency

The euro is in effect in Genoa. This is not the most expensive destination in Italy, but it is not for the faint of heart. The bulk of the budget is for accommodation. Move away from the city center to find an affordable room or look into hostels. Public transportation is very affordable. The Mudei Card is economical for visiting museums and other buildings. And since Genoa is a student city, there are many good deals.

Genoa : What budget for activities and outings?

The price of admission to a museum in Liguria ranges from €4 to €12, depending on the importance of the site and the size of its collections. In many cases, combined packages allow you to visit two or more partner sites for a reduced price, as in the case of the Musei di Strada Nuova, the three palaces on Via Garibaldi.

Genova Museum Card. An advantageous package giving access to 28 of the city's museums, including unlimited use of public transport. Valid for 24 hours from the first admission, it costs €15. On sale at the reception desk of all partner museums, or online (www.museidigenova.it/it/card-musei).

Genova City Pass. Another "à la carte" visit package available for 24h, 48h or 72h, including many advantages including entry to the city's museums and public transport. From €20 (www.genovacitypass.it).

An evening cocktail can cost from €7 to €15, and a glass of wine from €4 to €8. To get into a nightclub, expect to pay between €25 and €30 with a drink, and up to €50 for the jet-set nightclubs of Tigullio and Riviera.

Tickets for concerts and operas at the Teatro Carlo Felice cost between €30 and €95.

Genoa : What is the budget for eating?

In Genoa, you can always find a good place to grab a bite to eat at a low price, or take your time over a dish of pasta al pesto in a local trattoria. On the other hand, the bill will be considerably higher in the seaside resorts along the coast. If you don't have a big appetite, you can also satisfy yourself at aperitif time. In fact, almost every bar and even many bakeries offer happy hour with a cocktail or glass of wine and plenty of appetizers. Round off with a gelato from one of the city's ice cream parlors.

A coffee at the counter costs between €1.10 and €1.50, a cappuccino between €1.30 and €2. Prices rise quickly if you decide to sit down. Count between €4 and €7 for a squeezed orange, and €1 or €1.50 for a small bottle of water. An aperitivo will cost you between €7 and €15, always accompanied by plenty of appetizers. Some places offer real buffets for the price of a cocktail, and many make it their dinner. For a good two-flavored ice cream, expect to pay between €2.50 and €4.50.

Genoa : What is the budget for accommodation?

As a rule of thumb, you'll need to spend between €60 and €90 per person per day, preferring accommodation in a youth hostel or 2-star hotel and light catering.

If you spend between €110 and €130 per person per day, you'll stay in a charming B&B and eat in a trattoria, not forgetting transport and a few cultural visits.

Moving upmarket, expect to pay from €160 for a very nice hotel, elegant restaurants, sightseeing, etc.

There are a few tricks you can use to avoid breaking the bank. Renting an apartment, for example, will cost you less than staying in a hotel, especially if you're traveling with the family. Likewise, going off-season will save you money on accommodation and airfares (note: the autumn Boat Show in Genoa and the months between June and the end of September by the sea are the most expensive periods).