It was the mistress of the seas and trade, it was the birthplace of figures such as Columbus and Mazzini, and it has a historic centre full of wonderful buildings. Yes, we are talking about Genoa, a city in the north of Italy that deserves to be discovered. Thanks to its proximity to Cinque Terre , more and more travellers are encouraged to come and discover it. These 25 things to see and do in Genoa are for them .
20 things to do and see in Genoa
We are sure that you will like Genoa, especially if you like cities with a decadent air and a lot of personality. The sea is one of the protagonists, but by no means the only one…
Are you ready to discover the main places to see in Genoa?
1. Old Port
One of the most interesting areas of the city is the Porto Antico (Old Port). It looks most beautiful at dusk, although it's also a good idea to go there at midday and have something to eat while looking at the port.
Ships set sail from here during the time of the Maritime Republics . In fact, there is a replica of a galleon (the Galleon Neptune), although it is actually an example of a Spanish galleon, built for the film "Pirates" by Roman Polanski .
After a few years in which the area was very, very decadent, today it is a pleasant place to walk.
2. Bigo
Here, in the Old Port, you will also find one of the city's most controversial attractions: Bigo , by Renzo Piano .
It is a metal structure that resembles a giant octopus, with a panoramic elevator (€5) attached to one of its tentacles. It was built on the occasion of the “ Colombiadi ” to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the “discovery” of America by Columbus.
Well, it has already been proven that before the Genoese, more people arrived in the “New World” and that the “New World” had already been there for quite some time, so there was nothing to discover. But this is another topic XD.
Is it worth going up Bigo? Mmm, we would personally say no, as the queues are usually long and as we will see in the next point there is a free alternative…
3. Eataly
Ok, they are not exactly the same views but there is a free alternative to get a cool panoramic view of the port: in the building right in front there is another elevator that goes up to Eataly , a gourmet Italian food store.
The views aren't that spectacular, but hey, they're free! Plus, the cafeteria also has a good view of the port and a cappuccino only costs €1.50.
4. Genoa Lantern
At the other end of the port stands the Lanterna di Genova , the city's symbolic lighthouse. Some people reach it by foot, but we were satisfied with seeing it from afar 😉
Did you know that it is the tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean? Inside there is a museum where you can learn more about its history.
5. Eating a focaccia, a top thing to do in Genoa
You can't leave Genoa without trying a focaccia . They say that the best ones are made here: Focacceria Mario (since 1936), Focaccia e Dintorni and Focacceria Genovese . We bought a focaccia with pesto at Focacceria Genovese to eat at the port and it was a great success!
6. Try a pesto pasta, the typical dish of Genoa
And of course, another thing to do in Genoa is to try a delicious pasta with pesto , one of the most famous and well-known sauces in Italian cuisine. It is prepared with basil, parmigiano and pecorino cheeses, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil.
⭐ A good place to try it is Trattoria da Maria (lunch menu with 2 dishes and a drink for €10). Here are more ideas for restaurants where you can eat well and cheaply in Genoa .
7. New Road
The most monumental part of the city is known as Strade Nuove, where we can imagine the splendour of 16th century Genoa, thanks above all to the wonderful residences that line Via Garibaldi (Palazzi Rolli) , such as Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Doria Tursi, Palazzo Rosso or Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellino.
The noble owners made them available when illustrious guests such as cardinals, princes or ambassadors came to the city. The main streets are via Lomellini, via Garibaldi and via Balbi. Tours are available to learn more about the history of this period, more information and reservations .
8. Royal Palace, one of the most interesting places to see in Genoa
Have you heard that Genoa has a Royal Palace ? Yes, it was the Genoese residence of the Savoy family (Savoia in Italian), who acquired it in 1824. If you are a fan of these palatial visits, don't miss the Hall of Mirrors , a real display of luxury.
The entrance fee is 11€ and includes Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Spinola. More information and opening hours .
9. Museums to see in Genoa
Two museums stand out above the rest in Genoa:
- Galata Museo del Mare , located in the last preserved building where the Genoese galleys were built, is the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean, with reproductions of ancient vessels, objects of all kinds and interactive galleries. A plus: on the top floor there is a viewing platform with beautiful views of the city.
- Galleria Nazionale in the picturesque Palazzo Spinola, with a collection of paintings by Genoese and international painters such as Rubens and Van Dyck.
10. Cathedral of San Lorenzo
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is the largest and most important religious building to see in Genoa. It is built in the Genoese Gothic style and was started in the 9th century (and has been remodeled and expanded over time).
It is very beautiful both inside and out, so don't miss out on a visit. For us, it was one of the biggest surprises of the city! Admission is free.
11. Caruggi
The centre of Genoa is a labyrinth of narrow streets ( caruggi ) where we invite you to get lost.
It used to be a dangerous area , especially at night, but nowadays it has improved a lot, although it is always good to have common sense and not end up in a dead end at 3 am.
Wander past churches such as the Abbazia di San Matteo or the Parrocchia di Santa Maria delle Vigne , through small squares such as Piazza Campetto and small shrines on the corners (the so-called " edicole ").
12. Merchandise Loggia
One of the most interesting stops to make in Genoa is the Loggia della Mercanzia (or Loggia di Banchi), one of the most representative buildings in the historic centre of the city, which hosted transactions between merchants and bankers in the Middle Ages.
It has now been converted into a film museum (€5 here ) and a place where cultural exhibitions are held.
13. Kamun Lab
Having a craft beer at Kamun Lab is one of those things that doesn't appear in the guidebooks and yet will be one of the highlights of the trip. Who says 1 says... 6! Well, in our case it was 3 per person: Rober chooses the Laetitia, a white beer with hints of coriander and cardamom, and Lety chooses the Janua, an amber ale with hints of hazelnut and caramel.
The price of a pint is around 6-7€, and the best thing is that until 9pm they serve you a board with a small snack with every drink (it opens at 6pm). If you're hungry, there are charcuterie and cheese boards or sandwiches.
Where : Via di S. Bernardo, 53
14. Doge's Palace
Our dear brother-in-law Giacomo was doing Erasmus in Genoa and recommended us to go to the Palazzo Ducale . Not so much for a cultural visit (you know: Erasmus) but for an aperitif in its bar, the Mentelocale .
For 12€ you get a cocktail and a buffet lunch, not bad at all! It runs from 18.20 to 21.30 every day.
15. Boccadasse, a beautiful neighborhood to see in Genoa
To the east of the centre of Genoa is the Boccadasse neighbourhood, which in our opinion is one of the best things to see in Genoa.
Until a few years ago it was an independent fishing village, but now it is connected to Genoa and to get there you just have to follow the coastline along Corso Italia, or better yet, take a bus. For us it was one of the great surprises of this trip: it is a picturesque and charming spot.
It is the typical little town of the Ligurian Coast , with its small port where a handful of wooden boats rest and colorful houses surrounding it. Don't miss it. And even more so if you don't go to Cinque Terre .
16. Villa del Principe Gardens
For nature lovers, or for those who need a moment of peace and a pleasant walk, here are our two alternatives: getting lost in the gardens of Villa del Principe and walking along the Anita Garibaldi promenade in Nervi, beyond Boccadasse.
17. Meet Fabrizio de André
One of the greatest Italian singer-songwriters was born in Genoa, we are talking about Fabrizio de André . Listen to his music while you walk through the streets of his hometown and remember this trip when you put them on when you return home.
La Guerra di Piero, Il Pescatore, Bocca Di Rosa … the truth is that he has left us some legendary songs, at least for Italians.
18. Christopher Columbus House
But when it comes to famous people, the most famous Genoese in the world is none other than Christopher Columbus . In Genoa, the façade of the house where he lived between 1455 and 1470 during his childhood still stands .
You can book a guided tour here .
It is located in Piazza Dante, where there are also other places of interest, as you will see below…
19. Cloister of Sant'Andrea
The Cloister of Sant'Andrea . It is a reconstruction of the cloister of the convent of Sant'Andrea, which was converted into a prison in the 19th century. It has a square plan, with 4 double rows of columns and a well inside.
20. Porta Soprana
And just a few steps away is Porta Soprana , one of the ancient access gates to the city of Genoa, placed in the defensive walls called " le mura del Barbarossa".
21. Castelletto Spianata
The best place to watch the sunset, especially if you want to take panoramic photos, is at Spianata Castelletto (also known as Belvedere Montaldo).
The easiest way to get there is to take a free Liberty-style lift (it's just below the lighthouse in Piazza Portello). Of course, you can also walk up. The reward is having Genoa at your feet - what a view!
22. Piazza de Ferrari, a must-see in Genoa
The nerve centre of Genoa is Piazza de Ferrari . There you will find impressive buildings such as the aforementioned Palazzo Ducale, or the Opera. Other very beautiful squares are Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza San Donato.
23. Via XX Settembre
Via XX Settembre , Genoa's most important shopping street, begins in Piazza de Ferrari , flanked by monumental palaces. Walking under its impressive arcades is a real pleasure (especially since it is downhill).
24. Victory Arch
We walked along it to Piazza della Vittoria, where the Arco della Vittoria stands , a huge arch dedicated to the 680,000 Italians who fell in the First World War.
Before you do, we recommend stopping at the Mercato Orientale , a typical local market that is very photogenic and offers fresh produce of all kinds.
25. Visit Cinque Terre, one of the best things to do in Genoa
If you have more time, there is one almost obligatory date: the one that takes you to Cinque Terre , five small towns located an hour from Genoa.
In this post we tell you what to see and do in Cinque Terre . And if you are very lucky and have more days, spend a morning (or afternoon) touring Portofino , a town that is one of the jewels of Liguria.
Extra: what NOT to do in Genoa
Almost everyone who visits Genoa goes to the Aquarium. We didn't, as we are not fans of this type of activity. We didn't go to the Biosphere either for the same reason: we prefer to see the animals in their habitat and in freedom. Instead, we recommend visiting the Galata Museum of the Sea which, as we already mentioned, is entirely dedicated to the history of navigation.
Map of places to see in Genoa
Here is an interactive map with the places you have to visit during your stay in Genoa:
These are our recommendations of the 25 things to see and do in Genoa , perfect for getting to know this very interesting city in northern Italy. Have you been there? For you, what are the must-sees in Genoa?
