Genoa Travel Guide
Italy's largest port and birthplace of Christopher Columbus, where a UNESCO old town of narrow caruggi alleys, Rolli palaces, and pesto meets the Porto Antico, the Aquarium, and the Riviera.
🏛️ Sights and Attractions in Genoa
- Genoa Old Town (UNESCO) — A UNESCO World Heritage old town of narrow caruggi alleys, medieval gates, and 100+ Rolli palaces, one of Europe's largest medieval centers.
- Palazzi dei Rolli — A UNESCO group of 100+ Renaissance and Baroque palaces built for the Republic of Genoa, with frescoed interiors and courtyards, several open to the public.
- Genoa Aquarium — Europe's largest aquarium, opened 1992 in the Porto Antico, with 70 tanks, 12,000 animals, and a biosphere dome with tropical birds.
- St. Lawrence Cathedral — A 12th-century Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with a 13th-century facade, the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, and a 9th-century treasury museum.
- Via Garibaldi — A 1556 UNESCO street of Renaissance Rolli palaces, including Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Doria Tursi, with art museums.
- Boccadasse — A 19th-century fishing village within Genoa, with pastel houses, a pebble beach, and waterfront gelato shops.
- Lighthouse of Genoa (Lanterna) — A 1543 lighthouse, the world's second tallest, with 375 steps to the top, a museum, and views of the port and the city.
- Galata Maritime Museum — A 2004 maritime museum in the Porto Antico, with 4 floors of Genoese maritime history, a submarine, and a 17th-century galley replica.
- Porto Antico — A revitalized old port by Renzo Piano, with the Aquarium, the Biosphere, the Bigo crane lift, and the Galata Maritime Museum.
- Palazzo Ducale — A 13th-century ducal palace in the old town, seat of the Genoese Republic, with state rooms, art exhibitions, and a courtyard café.
🥾 Trails and Hikes in Genoa
- Portofino Regional Park Trail — A 4-hour hike through the Portofino Regional Park from Camogli to Portofino, with coastal views, Mediterranean scrub, and fishing villages.
- Camogli to San Fruttuoso Trail — A 2-hour hike from Camogli to the 10th-century San Fruttuoso abbey, with coastal views, a cove, and a beach.
- Mount Figogna Trail — A 3-hour hike to the 2,677-foot Mount Figogna, with views of Genoa, the Ligurian coast, and the Maritime Alps.
- Genoa High Trail — A 5-hour traverse of the hills above Genoa, with city views, the Forts of Genoa, and the Apennines.
- Parco delle Mura Trail — A 3-hour hike through the Parco delle Mura, with 17th-century city walls, forts, and views of the old town and port.
🏖️ Beaches in Genoa
- Boccadasse Beach — Boccadasse is an old mariners' village of the Italian city of Genoa. It lies within the borders of the neighbourhood of Albaro. In today's administrative subdivision it is located in the Municipio VIII - Medio Levante area which includes the neighbourhoods of Albaro, Foce and San
- Sturla Beach — Sturla (Italian: [ˈsturla], Ligurian: [ˈstyɾla]) is a quartiere of Genoa, Italy. It began life as an ancient fishing village which developed around a number of small coves – Sturla a Mare, at the mouth of the Sturla river, Vernazzola and Boccadasse. Sturla is located in the Golfo
- Camogli Beach — Camogli is a fishing village and tourist resort located on the west side of the peninsula of Portofino, on the Golfo Paradiso in the Riviera di Levante, in the Metropolitan City of Genoa, Liguria, northern Italy. As of 30 April 2017 its population was 5,332. Camogli is one of the
- Paraggi Beach — Paraggi is a bay between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. Paraggi beach is a tourist attraction known for its crystal clear blue water. Paraggi beach is a fishing location and a popular attraction for tourists because it is the only sandy beach near Portofino. Most beaches
- Beach in Genoa — a laid-back beach in Genoa in the Albaro area with warm sand, shallow entry, and nearby casual food options.
- Bagni Santa Chiara — A scenic stretch of coastline near Levante in Genoa, with rocky and sandy sections good for walking and exploring.
- Squash — A resort-backed stretch of sand near Medio Levante in Genoa, with sun loungers, calm swimming waters, and beachside facilities.
- Centro Elioterapico Gaslini — Centro Elioterapico Gaslini, a waterfront escape in Genoa in the Levante area good for swimming, beach walks, and a quiet break from the city.
- Spiaggia Capolungo — a sandy stretch in Genoa in the Sant'Ilario area known for its relaxed atmosphere and clear water for swimming.
- Bagni Sporting — A developed beach in Genoa, Albaro lined with resorts, known for calm water and a comfortable, full-service beach day.
🍽️ Restaurants in Genoa
- Ristorante Le Rune — A Michelin-recommended restaurant in the old town serving creative Ligurian cuisine, fresh pasta, and seafood in a cozy setting.
- Sa Pesta — A 1643 trattoria in the old town, the birthplace of focaccia col formaggio, with traditional Genoese dishes like pesto, farinata, and pansoti.
- Trattoria da Maria — A no-frills trattoria in the old town serving Genoese home cooking like pesto, minestrone, and stockfish since 1896.
- U Giancu — A Michelin-recommended restaurant in the hills above Genoa, with creative Ligurian dishes, a wine cellar, and a terrace with city views.
- Ristorante Genova In — A modern Ligurian restaurant in the old town with creative pesto dishes, fresh pasta, and seafood.
- Pesto Ecco — A casual restaurant in the old town specializing in pesto Genovese, with fresh trofie, lasagna, and focaccia.
- Osteria di Vico Palla — A cozy osteria in the old town with seafood, pasta, and a 200-bottle wine list in a 16th-century building.
- Ristorante Dock 7 — A seafood restaurant in the Porto Antico with fresh fish, oysters, and a terrace overlooking the port.
🍸 Bars and Nightlife in Genoa
- Bar Berto — A historic bar in the old town since 1907, with cocktails, local wines, and a lively atmosphere.
- Jazz Club — A jazz bar in the old town with live music, cocktails, and a speakeasy atmosphere.
- Mura Caffè — A bar and café in the Parco delle Mura, with cocktails, city views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Banana Tsunami — A beach bar at Boccadasse with cocktails, gelato, and sunset views over the pebble beach.
- Lantern Bar — A bar near the Lighthouse of Genoa with cocktails, port views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
🎯 Activities and Tours in Genoa
- 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa — This great tour will show the essence of Genova, that mean the monumental parts in contrast with the most hidden and mysterious alleys. During the first hour you will discover the Maddalena district, fascinating and made by really little alleys and narrow streets; during the seco
- E-bike tour in Genova — Treecycle brings you to discover the most unusual and beautiful places in town, out off the beaten tracks! The staff is made by local and enthusiastic guys and girls, that love their city and want to share with you its secrets and treasures; furthermore, we work only with small g
- Genova & Portofino: with Mediterranean Boat Cruise from Milan — See the best of the Italian Riviera on your Genoa and Portofino full-day trip from Milan! After a guided walking tour of Genoa, explore the best bits of these contrasting coastal towns at your leisure. Combine maritime history at Genoa with glamorous Portofino seaside scenery on
- Genoa Day Tour: 4 hours of History with Focaccia , Prosecco & Joy — • See Real Wealth and Buildings popping Out from Fairy Tale. • Walk through a King Palace. • Caress a " Warrior's Swords " ( with the eyesight ) of a Real Hero. • Feel the Religious Fervor of the Soldiers of God going to the Crusades. • Eat the " Real Focaccia " and " Pesto "
- Guided Food Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa — Break up your sightseeing in Genoa with a deep dive into the city’s local cuisine with this insider-led food tour through the old town. Meet your guide and a small group of fellow foodies to discover artisan food shops, market stalls, and other gourmet hot spots and sample a vari
- Genoa Food, Wine Tasting & History Walking Tour — Experience the authentic taste of Genoa with a selection of traditional dishes. From the famous pesto alla genovese to succulent focaccia, Farinata and much more! Each bite will offer a glimpse into the city's culinary heritage. Complement your meal with the finest local wines. T
- Genoa Private Walking Tour with a Local — Skip the standard sightseeing tour and discover Genoa through the eyes of a local. With Lokafy, every tour is private, unscripted, and personalized to you. Your Lokafyer is a passionate local who shares stories, hidden gems, and authentic tips you won’t find in a guidebook. They
- Genoa : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide — Genoa can sometimes feel inaccessible to foreign visitors. Take the mystery out of your visit by exploring with a local on a private walking tour. This is a personalized experience where you will discover the exterior of monuments, including museums. If you wish to include an ins
- City Sightseeing Genoa Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour — Thanks to the panoramic double-decker buses of City Sightseeing® Genoa, the only hop on hop off service of the city, visitors can admire the historical and artistic heritage of Genoa thanks to 2 different lines eachone with 15 convenient stops. From the De Ferrari stop, for examp
- Genoa Must-See Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide — Delve into the vibrant streets of Genoa on a walking tour, starting at the iconic Plaza de Ferrari, the city's lively hub. Traverse through centuries of history at the majestic Palazzo Ducale, a grand palace resonating with tales of the past. Witness the medieval charm of Torri d
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🏨 Hotels and Stays in Genoa
- Hotel Bristol Palace Genoa — Experience an abundance of unparalleled facilities and features at Hotel Bristol Palace. Maintain seamless communication using the complimentary Wi-Fi at hotel. Guests can avail parking facilities at the hotel.During your stay at this fantastic hotel, the attentive front desk personnel can provide y...
- Grand Hotel Savoia — A hotel in Porto Antico / Waterfront, Genoa, offering comfortable accommodation and essential amenities at luxury rates. Well-reviewed by guests for comfort and value.
- Meliá Genova — A hotel in Carignano / Via Garibaldi, Genoa, offering comfortable accommodation and essential amenities at luxury rates. Well-reviewed by guests for comfort and value.
- Hotel Continental Genova — A 4-star hotel in a 19th-century building on Corso Italia, with 44 rooms, a rooftop terrace, and sea views from the top floor.
- NH Collection Genova Marina — A hotel in Albaro / Levante, Genoa, offering comfortable accommodation and essential amenities at luxury rates. Well-reviewed by guests for comfort and value.
- Hotel Ariston — A budget hotel in the old town near the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with 50 rooms, a breakfast buffet, and walking access to the Porto Antico.
- Best Western Hotel Moderno Verdi — Best Western Hotel Moderno Verdi offers top-notch services and amenities, ensuring guests experience utmost comfort.Maintain seamless communication using the complimentary Wi-Fi at hotel.Guests can avail parking facilities at the hotel.During your stay at this fantastic hotel, the attentive front de...
- Hotel Agnello D'Oro — A family-run hotel in a 16th-century building on Via Garibaldi, with 12 rooms, a rooftop terrace, and walking access to the Rolli palaces.
- Hotel Vittoria Orto Botanico — Located in Foce / Corso Italia. 3-star property. Guest review score: 9.8/10. Rates from $95/night.
- Hotel Fiume Genoa — Located in Albaro / Levante. 2-star property. Guest review score: 8.7/10. Rates from $105/night.
- +12 more hotels and stays