Art, Culture & Authentic Italian Life
For travellers looking beyond Italy’s best-known city-break destinations, September and October are a wonderful time to discover Genoa. With the summer crowds beginning to fade, the city invites visitors to slow down and explore its maze of medieval caruggi, elegant historic streets, traditional food shops and magnificent palaces - all with the Ligurian Riviera within easy reach.
Perfectly placed in the heart of the city, Hotel Bristol Palace makes an elegant base for an autumn stay. One of Genoa’s historic grand hotels, it is instantly recognisable for its beautiful Art Nouveau interiors and spectacular elliptical staircase, while many of the city’s highlights – including Palazzo Ducale, the historic centre and the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli – are just a short stroll away.
Cultural Calendar
Autumn also brings an exceptional cultural calendar. From 26 September, Palazzo Ducale hosts World Press Photo 2026, showcasing some of the year’s most compelling international photojournalism.
The city then welcomes the Genoa International Boat Show from 1–6 October, one of the Mediterranean’s leading yachting events, before the Rolli Days return from 16–18 October. This year’s autumn edition is particularly special, marking the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO recognition of Genoa’s Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli and offering visitors the opportunity to step inside some of the city’s extraordinary aristocratic residences.
Food & Drink
And, of course, no autumn escape to Genoa would be complete without discovering its food. From freshly baked focaccia and traditional pesto to historic delicatessens and local markets, the city is made for travellers who enjoy exploring through flavour. Back at Hotel Bristol Palace, Ristorante Giotto offers a refined setting in which to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and the flavours of Liguria.