Genova: The Complete Guide

Genoa, known as Genova in Italian, is a significant port city located in the north-western part of Italy. Serving as the regional capital of Liguria, it occupies a central position within this extensive coastal region at the upper portion of Italy’s geographical “boot.” With a history steeped in maritime importance spanning centuries, Genoa’s legacy as a potent republic endures. Presently, it remains a bustling commercial port, retaining certain facets of the characteristic bustling atmosphere associated with major maritime hubs.
However, Genoa has also embraced a cultural renaissance, notably earning the title of European Capital of Culture in 2004. The city has harmoniously blended its rich historical heritage with an eye toward the future, showcased through contemporary architectural marvels and the redevelopment of its harbor precinct. A visit to Genoa offers a tapestry of experiences – from marveling at contemporary, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture to admiring ornate palaces and exploring numerous museums and galleries. The city features trendy art cafes, invigorating boat excursions, and a prominent aquarium, thus offering an extensive range of activities suitable for a vacation or a brief getaway.
For those seeking a weekend escape, Genoa proves an ideal destination, teeming with attractions and easily accessible via budget-friendly flights to Genoa Airport. The airport is conveniently connected to the city center by a 20-minute bus journey. Additionally, Genoa serves as a strategic starting point or layover on a tour of the enchanting Italian Riviera. Travelers enjoying the charms of the area’s delightful seaside resorts might consider adding Genoa to their itinerary, either on the way to or from the airport. An efficient railway network links Genoa to most coastal destinations within the region, encompassing villages like those comprising the Cinque Terre.
Positioned dramatically within its landscape, Genoa’s commanding presence in the Mediterranean can be attributed in part to its captivating setting. The city’s sweeping waterfront finds shelter nestled amid protective hills that encircle it. The name of the Doria family echoes throughout Genoa, recalling their dominion over the city, naval authority, and commissioning of many grand palaces. Another illustrious local name is that of Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo), the famed explorer, whose purported birthplace is a highlight in the city’s historic town center.
Visiting Genova for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Genova on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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21 Best places to See in Genova
This complete guide to Genova not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Genova and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Porta Soprana City Gate

Location: Porta Soprana, di Soprana, Via San Pietro della Porta, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Porta Soprana City Gate
Christopher Columbus House

Location: Christopher Columbus' House, Via di Porta Soprana, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Christopher Columbus House
Piazza De Ferrari

Location: Piazza De Ferrari, Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Piazza De Ferrari
Museo d'Arte Orientale (Oriental Art Museum) Genoa

Location: Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art, Piazzale Giuseppe Mazzini, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Museo d'Arte Orientale (Oriental Art Museum) Genoa
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Genoa

Location: Doge's Palace, Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Hours: Visits to the tower and prison 10:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 18:00. Mon closed. | Price: Tower and prison €5 | Website | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Genoa
Jesuit church of Santi Ambrogio e Andreaw

Location: Chiesa del Gesù e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea, Via di Porta Soprana, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Jesuit church of Santi Ambrogio e Andreaw
Piazza Matteotti in Genoa

Location: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Piazza Matteotti in Genoa
Cathedral of San Lorenzo

Location: Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Piazza San Lorenzo, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Soianata Castelletto

Location: Spianata Castelletto, Spianata di Castelletto, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Soianata Castelletto
Via Garibaldi Palaces

Location: Palazzo Doria Tursi, Via Garibaldi, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Hours: From 1st Novemeber From Tuesday to Friday 9 am - 6.30 pm Saturday and Sunday 9.30 am - 6.30 pm Closed: MondayFrom 18 April from Tuesday to Friday 9 am - 7 pm Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 7,30 pm Closed on non-holiday Mondays Last admission one hour before closing | Price: The Genova Museum Card is a single ticket, valid for 24 hours , which allows you to access only once the 28 city museums, 19 civic museums and 9 non-civic museums, for the price of 15 euro inclusive of AMT public transport | Website | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Via Garibaldi Palaces
National Gallery in Palazzo Spinola

Location: Palazzo Spinola National Gallery, Piazza di Pellicceria, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Hours: Monday Closed Tuesday 13.30 – 19.00 Wednesday 9.00 – 19.00 Thursday 9.00 – 19.00 Friday 9.00 – 19.00 Saturday 9.00 – 19.00 Sundays and holidays Closed * | Price: € 11 | Website | Distance: 1.4km
Visiting National Gallery in Palazzo Spinola
Santa Maria di Castello

Location: Santa Maria di Castello, Salita di Santa Maria di Castello, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Distance: 1.4km
Visiting Santa Maria di Castello
Palazzo San Giorgio

Location: Palazzo San Giorgio, Palazzo San Giorgio, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Hours: Open every day except Sundays, from 9: 00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Only open from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm on Mondays. | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Palazzo San Giorgio
Porto Antico di Genova

Location: Porto Antico di Genova, Italy | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Porto Antico di Genova
Acquario di Genova (Aquarium)

Location: Acquario di Genova, Ponte Spinola, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, with last entry at 4:00 pm - Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9:00am to 8:00pm, with last entry at 6:00pm | Price: Adults from €22 | Website | Skip the Line Tickets Available! | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Acquario di Genova (Aquarium)
Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

Location: Santissima Annunziata del Vastato, Piazza della Nunziata, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Distance: 1.7km
Visiting Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
Palazzo Reale , Genoa

Location: Palazzo Reale, Via Balbi, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Website | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting Palazzo Reale , Genoa
Galata Museo del Mare (Maritime Museum)

Location: Galata Museo del Mare, Calata Ansaldo De Mari, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Website | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Galata Museo del Mare (Maritime Museum)
D'Albertis Castle

Location: D'Albertis Castle, Corso Dogali, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting D'Albertis Castle
Museum of the Lighthouse (La Lanterna)

Location: Lighthouse of Genoa, Rampa della Lanterna, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Website | Distance: 3.3km
Visiting Museum of the Lighthouse (La Lanterna)
Forte Diamante

Location: Forte Diamante, Sant'Olcese, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy | Distance: 6.2km
Visiting Forte Diamante
Best Time to Visit Genova
Genoa, located in the Liguria region of Italy, is a vibrant port city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Genoa:
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a lovely time to visit Genoa as the weather starts to warm up, and the city comes alive with blooming flowers and greenery. This season is ideal for exploring Genoa’s historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wandering through its narrow medieval streets. Spring also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking along the seaside promenade, visiting the city’s parks and gardens, and taking boat trips along the Ligurian coast.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is peak tourist season in Genoa, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is the best time to enjoy Genoa’s beautiful beaches, including the sandy shores of Boccadasse and the rocky coves of Nervi. Summer also brings a variety of cultural events and festivals to Genoa, including the Genoa International Boat Show and the Genoa Aquarium Festival. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Genoa, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for exploring Genoa’s museums and galleries, such as the Palazzo Ducale and the Galata Maritime Museum, without the long lines. Fall also offers opportunities for food and wine tasting, as well as olive oil tours, in the surrounding countryside.
- Winter (December to February): Winter in Genoa is relatively mild, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. While the weather may be cooler, winter still offers opportunities for exploring the city’s historic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Doge’s Palace. Winter is also a great time to indulge in Genoa’s culinary delights, including its famous pesto sauce, fresh seafood, and delicious street food.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Genoa depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Whether you’re interested in history and culture, beach relaxation, or culinary experiences, Genoa has something to offer for every traveler throughout the year.
Average Temperatures in Genova
- January 11°C 53°F 8
- February 13°C 56°F 10
- March 17°C 62°F 11
- April 20°C 68°F 10
- May 24°C 74°F 10
- June 29°C 84°F 7
- July 32°C 90°F 6
- August 31°C 87°F 7
- September 27°C 80°F 8
- October 22°C 71°F 13
- November 16°C 60°F 21
- December 13°C 55°F 10
How to get to Genova
Flying to Genoa
Genoa has its own airport, offering convenient access for travellers from the UK with flights operated by BA and Ryanair. The airport is situated just a few miles from the town, and there’s an hourly bus service connecting the airport to Piazza Acquaverde, right outside Genoa’s primary train station, Stazione Piazza Principe. This bus service, known as Volabus, offers a €4 ticket (which can be purchased from the driver) that remains valid for 24 hours of travel on Genoa’s public transport network. Additionally, you can find this special ticket available for purchase at select newsstands in town, allowing you to enjoy 24 hours of travel before your return journey. Sometimes, this ticket is sold with a useful brochure outlining tourist itineraries that utilize public transport.
Travelling within Genoa
Genoa’s public transport services are managed by AMT, and transport is included in the airline bus ticket and some combined museum tickets. You can also acquire cost-effective tickets valid for various durations from newsstands, tobacco shops, and ticket machines.
Genoa offers an exciting array of public transport options, and experiencing the town’s diverse modes of transportation can be an enjoyable adventure, especially if you’re traveling with children. In addition to buses, trains, and the underground Metro, you can take advantage of funiculars and lifts, including a unique lift that travels both horizontally and vertically through tunnels. The standard AMT ticket covers a half-hour boat journey from the Porto Antico to Pegli on the western coast of Genoa, where you can explore the gardens of Villa Durazzo Pallavicini, the regional archaeological museum, and a naval museum.