Genova: The Complete Guide

Staying in the Old Port (Porto Antico) provides easy access to the city’s main attractions, including the Aquarium and Via Garibaldi’s palaces. For a quieter stay, Boccadasse offers a charming seaside village atmosphere just outside the city center.

A 2 to 3-day stay is enough to explore Genoa’s maritime history, historic streets, and local cuisine. A 4-day stay allows for visits to Cinque Terre, Portofino, or the Ligurian countryside.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Genova. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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.