Discover Genoa: Italy’s Maritime City of Palaces, Pesto and Sea Views

Plan your visit to Genoa with the best things to do, top attractions, and the unforgettable Ligurian coastline

Neighborhoods

Centro Storico, Maddalena, Castelletto

Porto Antico, Carignano, Boccadasse, Nervi

Centro Storico for first-time visitors

Signature Sights

Dive into the Aquarium of Genoa, wander the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli along Via Garibaldi, climb La Lanterna lighthouse, visit San Lorenzo Cathedral, and take in 360° views from the Spianata Castelletto terrace.

Best Time Windows

Spring (Apr–Jun) and early autumn (Sep–Oct) bring warm, comfortable weather ideal for sightseeing. Summer is perfect for the beaches of Boccadasse and Nervi and Riviera day trips, while winter is quiet and mild.

Getting Around

The compact historic centre is best explored on foot through its caruggi (alleys)

AMT runs the metro, buses, and historic funiculars and public lifts up the hills

A single AMT ticket covers metro, bus, funicular, and the public lifts

Food & Nightlife

Pesto, focaccia, farinata, and trofie pasta

Piazza delle Erbe and Porto Antico for bars and aperitivo

Historic cellar bars in the old town and seafront clubs on Corso Italia

Seasonal Highlights

Spring sightseeing and blooming gardens in Nervi

Summer swims at Boccadasse and boat trips along the Riviera

Autumn food festivals and quiet, atmospheric winter alleys

Side Trips

Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure

Camogli and the San Fruttuoso abbey

The five villages of the Cinque Terre

Things to Do in Genoa

Explore the Old Town & Caruggi

Get lost in one of Europe's largest medieval old towns, a labyrinth of narrow caruggi opening onto hidden squares, artisan workshops, and centuries-old shops. Discover Piazza De Ferrari, the Doge's Palace, and historic churches at every turn.

Maritime Genoa: Aquarium & Porto Antico

Genoa's seafaring soul comes alive at the Porto Antico. Visit the Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe, explore the Galata Maritime Museum, ride the Bigo panoramic lift, and stroll the regenerated waterfront designed by Renzo Piano.

Palaces, Art & UNESCO Heritage

Walk Via Garibaldi and the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli, a collection of opulent Renaissance and Baroque palaces. Visit Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Doria Tursi to admire frescoed halls and old master paintings.

Ligurian Food, Pesto & Focaccia

Taste Genoa's world-famous cuisine, from pesto alla genovese pounded by hand to warm focaccia, crisp farinata, and trofie pasta. Browse the Mercato Orientale and join a food tour through the old town's trattorias and bakeries.

Seaside Genoa & Panoramic Viewpoints

Escape to the pastel fishing village of Boccadasse, stroll the Anita Garibaldi promenade in Nervi, and ride historic funiculars and lifts up to the Spianata Castelletto for sweeping views over the rooftops and harbour.

Genoa Neighborhoods

Centro Storico (Molo & Maddalena)

The beating heart of Genoa and one of the largest medieval centres in Europe, the old town is a dense web of caruggi packed with trattorias, focaccia bakeries, artisan shops, and historic churches. Stay here to be steps from San Lorenzo Cathedral, Piazza De Ferrari, and the Porto Antico.

Porto Antico

Genoa's revitalised old harbour is the city's main leisure hub, home to the Aquarium, the Galata Maritime Museum, the Bigo lift, cinemas, and waterfront bars. It's a lively, family-friendly base with easy access to the historic centre.

Castelletto

Perched on the hill above the old town, Castelletto is an elegant residential district famed for the Spianata Castelletto terrace and its panoramic views. Reach it by the Art Nouveau lift for one of the best vistas in the city.

Carignano

A refined hilltop neighbourhood of grand 19th-century buildings crowned by the landmark Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. Quiet and central, it offers fine views and an easy walk down to the seafront and the old town.

Boccadasse

A picture-perfect former fishing village of pastel houses around a small pebble beach, about 20 minutes from the centre along the Corso Italia promenade. Famous for its gelato, seafood, and laid-back seaside atmosphere.

Nervi

Genoa's easternmost seaside neighbourhood, known for the dramatic Anita Garibaldi cliffside promenade, the Parchi di Nervi gardens, and Liberty-style villas. A peaceful, scenic base just 20–25 minutes by train from the centre.

How to Get to Genoa

Airport
Train
Bus
Car

Genoa is served by Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), located around 6 km west of the city centre on a peninsula by the sea. It handles domestic flights and seasonal European connections. Getting from the airport to the city:

Volabus Airport shuttle to Genova Principe and Genova Brignole stations and Piazza De Ferrari (about 25–30 minutes)
Airlink + Train Free Airlink bus to Genova Sestri Ponente station, then a regional train into the centre
Taxi Fixed-rate taxis reach the city centre in around 15–20 minutes
City Bus AMT city buses connect the airport area with central Genoa

Plan your perfect Genoa itinerary

Genoa in 2 Days

We recommend: First-Time Highlights

Explore the old town, San Lorenzo Cathedral, Piazza De Ferrari, and Via Garibaldi's palaces
Visit the Aquarium and Porto Antico, then ride the lift up to the Spianata Castelletto
Ideal for first-time visitors wanting Genoa's essential sights at a relaxed pace

Maritime & Family Genoa

We recommend: Family & Sea Itinerary

Spend a morning at the Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe
Explore the Galata Maritime Museum, the submarine Nazario Sauro, and the Bigo panoramic lift
Perfect for families and anyone drawn to Genoa's seafaring history

Food & Pesto Genoa

We recommend: Ligurian Food Itinerary

Sample pesto, focaccia, farinata, and trofie across the old town's trattorias
Browse the Mercato Orientale and join a hands-on pesto or food tour
Great for food lovers wanting to taste authentic Ligurian cuisine

Genoa Palaces, Art & UNESCO

We recommend: Art & Heritage Itinerary

Tour the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli along Via Garibaldi and Via Balbi
Visit the Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Doria Tursi museums
Perfect for art, architecture, and history enthusiasts

Beyond Genoa: Italian Riviera Day Trips

We recommend: Riviera Day Trips

Take the train or ferry to Portofino, Camogli, and Santa Margherita Ligure
Explore the five villages of the Cinque Terre or the abbey of San Fruttuoso
Ideal for extending your trip along the stunning Ligurian coast

Beyond Genoa: Best Day Trips & Nearby Escapes

Portofino

One of Italy's most glamorous fishing villages, Portofino is famed for its pastel harbour, designer boutiques, and scenic walks. Reach it by train to Santa Margherita Ligure plus a short bus or ferry hop, about an hour from Genoa.

Cinque Terre

The five colourful cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre form a UNESCO World Heritage Site of vineyards, hiking trails, and dramatic coastline. Direct regional trains from Genoa reach the villages in around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Camogli

A romantic fishing village just 30 minutes by train, Camogli charms with its tall pastel houses, pebble beach, and relaxed seafront. It's also the gateway to the San Fruttuoso abbey by boat.

Santa Margherita Ligure

An elegant Riviera resort town with palm-lined promenades, a pretty harbour, and Belle Époque villas. Around 40 minutes by train, it's the main hub for reaching Portofino.

San Fruttuoso

A secluded bay reachable only by boat or on foot, San Fruttuoso is home to a medieval abbey set right on the water and the famous Christ of the Abyss statue beneath the waves.

Sestri Levante

Known for its two beautiful bays, including the romantic Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante is a charming coastal town of colourful houses and sandy beaches, about an hour south of Genoa by train.

FAQs About Visiting Genoa

What are the best things to do in Genoa?

The best things to do in Genoa include visiting the Aquarium of Genoa and the Porto Antico, exploring the medieval old town and its caruggi, touring the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli on Via Garibaldi, climbing La Lanterna lighthouse, and tasting Ligurian food like pesto and focaccia. Don't miss the seaside village of Boccadasse.

How many days do you need in Genoa?

Two to three days is enough to see Genoa's main attractions, including the old town, the Aquarium, Via Garibaldi's palaces, and Boccadasse. Add extra days if you plan day trips to Portofino, Camogli, or the Cinque Terre.

What are the top attractions to visit in Genoa?

Top attractions in Genoa include the Aquarium of Genoa, the Palazzi dei Rolli and Via Garibaldi museums, San Lorenzo Cathedral, La Lanterna lighthouse, the Galata Maritime Museum, and the Spianata Castelletto viewpoint. The seaside neighbourhoods of Boccadasse and Nervi are also well worth a visit.

How do you get from Genoa Airport to the city centre?

The easiest option is the Volabus airport shuttle, which runs to Genova Principe and Genova Brignole stations and Piazza De Ferrari in around 25–30 minutes. Alternatively, take the free Airlink bus to Genova Sestri Ponente station and a regional train, or a taxi for roughly 15–20 minutes.

What is the best way to get around Genoa?

Genoa's compact historic centre is best explored on foot. For longer distances, AMT operates the metro, buses, and historic funiculars and public lifts that climb the city's hills. A single ticket covers all of them, and regional trains link the central and seaside neighbourhoods.

Can you take a day trip from Genoa to Portofino or the Cinque Terre?

Yes. Genoa is an ideal base for the Italian Riviera. Portofino is about an hour away via Santa Margherita Ligure by train and bus or ferry, while direct regional trains reach the Cinque Terre villages in around 1.5 to 2 hours. Camogli and Santa Margherita are even closer, around 30–40 minutes by train.

What is the best time to visit Genoa?

The best time to visit Genoa is spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is warm and pleasant for sightseeing. Summer is great for the beaches and Riviera boat trips but busier, while winter is quiet and mild.