Sanremo in 48 hours: art, good food, and the Festival

The long-awaited week of the Festival of Italian Song is just around the corner, and Sanremo is dressing in its finest to welcome music lovers and visitors alike. Yet, the Ligurian city isn’t just about the Ariston Theatre — it offers an enchanting blend of art, natural beauty, and good food. Whether you’re in town for the Festival or simply exploring the Ligurian coast, Sanremo promises a weekend full of charm and discovery.

Sanremo: art just steps from the sea

Known as the City of Flowers, Sanremo combines the strength of its historical monuments with the elegance of its coastal scenery.

The Co-Cathedral of San Siro, the oldest building in the city, dates back to 811 AD and is a magnificent example of Romanesque art. Dedicated to Bishop Siro, later canonized, the church features three naves supported by double rows of columns and pointed arches. Inside, visitors can admire the black crucifix (protector of sailors), the Renaissance tabernacle sculpted in marble bas-relief, and a 16th-century panel depicting Saint Siro alongside Saints Peter, Paul, John the Baptist, and Romulus.

Another must-see landmark is the Forte di Santa Tecla, located in the historic port. Built by the Republic of Genoa in the 18th century, this triangular fortress is one of the few surviving examples of military architecture on the Ligurian coast. Today, it hosts exhibitions, cultural events, and conferences — particularly during the Festival week. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m., with an entry fee of just €4.

Your tour should also include the Villa Nobel, once home to Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. Restored in 1891, the villa now houses a museum that reconstructs Nobel’s workspace and showcases the major scientific innovations of the 19th century — from the telephone to synthetic materials. The collection also includes postage stamps dedicated to Italian Nobel laureates such as Fermi, Levi Montalcini, and Dario Fo. The surrounding botanical garden, once home to Nobel’s laboratories, remains a highlight of the visit.

To conclude your art tour, stroll along the Passeggiata dell’Imperatrice, named after Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna. This elegant seaside promenade, lined with towering palm trees, ends in a small garden featuring two iconic sculptures: “Primavera” by Vincenzo Pasquali — now a symbol of the city — and the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, facing the sea atop a bronze-adorned pedestal.

Sanremo: the taste of Liguria

As every Ligurian city should, Sanremo delights the palate with the flavors of the Mediterranean. Its streets are lined with restaurants that celebrate both gourmet innovation and traditional cuisine.

Among the most renowned is Quintessenza Restaurant, located on Corso Matteotti, the city’s main pedestrian street near the Casino and the coastal bike path. Here, you’ll find fresh local seafood, handmade pasta, and creative desserts, alongside a variety of pizzas that balance tradition and originality.

Another excellent choice is Buena Vista Grill Restaurant, facing the Casino Theatre. Its terrace garden offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, ideal for savoring meats and fish cooked over a Josper charcoal oven, which enhances flavors while respecting the quality of the ingredients.

Sanremo: home of the Festival

Finally, no visit to Sanremo would be complete without exploring its musical soul — the Sanremo Music Festival. Few people know that before moving to the Ariston Theatre, the Festival was originally held inside the city’s splendid Casino Municipale.

Built in Liberty style, the Casino hosted the event from 1951 to 1976 and remains one of Italy’s four official gaming houses. Located along Corso degli Inglesi, the building today combines gaming, theater, and culture: it stages concerts, ballet performances, art exhibits, and literary evenings, supported by its own symphony orchestra.

For an elegant dining experience, guests can enjoy the “Biribissi” restaurant inside the Casino, renowned for its refined seafood dishes. Private parking and guided tours of the historic halls are also available for those wishing to discover its storied past.

After such an inspiring journey, all that’s left to do is pack your bags and treat yourself to 48 unforgettable hours in Sanremo, where art, flavor, and music come together in perfect harmony.

Cover photo credits: InItaly / Comune di Sanremo