Ciao,

give a check at this link:

http://goitaly.about.com/od/genoa/a/genoa.htm

Cheers

In such a short time you should stay around the central area.

After San Lorenzo Cathedral, follow on Via San lorenzo and go to the Porto Antico area: maybe you should visit the Acquario.

Then you can walk back and, very close to your hotel, take a look at Via Garibaldi and its Palazzi, take the Ascensore (Lift/Elevator) from Piazza Portello to Spianata Castelletto, where you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

If you have enough time, from Piazza De Ferrari (where the Opera House Carlo Felice is) take the bus no. 42 and go to the wonderful Boccadasse (it will take some 15 mins), at the edge of the seaside promenade Corso Italia, for an ice cream (try the Panera flavour).

You can then walk back or take bus no. 31, in Corso Italia, to the city centre.

Have fun.

Depending on the time of day you are visiting, and your interests, there are several sites you might appreciate -- try looking up the newly revamped tourist board website at http://www.genova-turismo.it/spip.php?lang=en

As for your trip to MXP airport, the direct bus is indeed your best bet (make sure you reserve ahead), and it will allow ample time for checking in.

We had the same dilemma as you about bus/train back to Milan Malpensa. Our flight was due to leave at 1240 so we had a little more time than you. We opted for the train, the 0644 to Milan got us into the main train station for 0820, we had a coffee and a croissant, that probably took up about a half hour, then got a bus at 0930 ( we hung about and got a later one so that we were first on and got seats at the front) which got us into the airport for 1020. Then we had to hang about the airport for quite a bit.

We opted for the train only so we had 44 minutes extra sleep! That didn't happen as the hotel we stayed in was next to the train station, was noisy and a dive. Ah well...

Also, I prefer train travel to bus if possible. Was tempted by bus as it meant so hassles with changing though. Either option is do-able adn both virtually the same price too.

Have a lovely time!

Have a look at this site:

http://www.irolli.it/english.html

it is in english and it also has lot of info about historical centre in Genoa includong a map:

http://www.irolli.it/map/centro_storico.html

Ciao

sorry for such a late reply, but thank you all for your suggestions! we are looking forward to our trip next month. thanks again!!!