Genoa

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Top 10 things to do in Genoa

Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan might share Italy's more famous landmarks, but Genoa's display of lesser-known treasures is simply breathtaking! Here's what to see in one of the Mediterranean's largest and most resplendent cities.

  • Via Garibaldi

    1. Via Garibaldi

    Though barely an alleyway, the Via Garibaldi is flanked by several grand palaces! The Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Tursi can all be toured on a single ticket.

  • Palazzo Bianco

    2. Palazzo Bianco

    Of the palaces on Via Garibaldi, this is the real must-see. Its Gallery of the White Palace offers a comprehensive run-down of European painting from the 12th to the 17th century.

  • Cathedral of San Lorenzo

    3. Cathedral of San Lorenzo

    Genoa Cathedral dates back to the 12th century, although it exhibits Gothic and Renaissance flashes too. Visit its Museum of the Treasury to see medieval jewellery and silverware.

  • Aquarium of Genoa

    4. Aquarium of Genoa

    The world-class "Acquario di Genova" is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Spend an afternoon gazing at dolphins, sharks, sturgeon, stingrays and other beguiling sea creatures.

  • Palazzi dei Rolli

    5. Palazzi dei Rolli

    Having once provided ostentatious lodgings for royals on state visits, an incredible 46 of these 163 palaces are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

  • Piazza De Ferrari

    6. Piazza De Ferrari

    Surrounded by Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, this piazza – and its magnificent fountain – provides the perfect jumping-off point for Genoa sightseeing tours!

  • Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

    7. Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

    Step inside this Mannerist church to see the contrasting Baroque interior. Its striking frescoes include the cupola masterpiece by Giovanni Andrea Ansaldo.

  • Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno

    8. Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno

    This hillside cemetery is famous for its huge sculptural monuments. The extravagant graves were a bourgeoisie fashion of the 19th-century and are simply fascinating to look at.

  • Natural History Museum of Giacomo Doria

    9. Natural History Museum of Giacomo Doria

    Genoa's Natural History Museum contains over four million specimens from across the world. Check out the huge woolly mammoth skeleton!

  • Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art

    10. Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art

    You'll want to explore the stunning Villetta di Negro on a sunny day, but we'd urge you to make time for the park's museum, which hosts an extraordinary collection of Asian art.

Planning Your Visit

  • Does Genoa have beaches?

    Yes! For the city's best free beaches, head to Quarto, Quinto, Nervi, or even take a boat to San Fruttuoso in Camogli Bay to sunbathe on the sands in front of a 10th-century monastery!

  • How many days?

    Tourists often mistake Genoa for a small place. Although you could have your sightseeing covered within two or three days, there's plenty to do across the city, and with the enchanting Cinque Terre just 2 hours away by train, you wouldn't regret booking closer to a week.

Good to know

  • Language
    Italian
  • Currency
    Euro (€)
  • Time Zone
    UTC (+01:00)
  • Country Code
    +39
  • Best time to visit
    Genoa is in its prime late spring through early fall. High tourist season is in July and August, but in the case of this coastal town, the influx feels quite jubilant!

Top Attractions in Genoa

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What people are saying about Genoa

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 2,536 reviews

Was not aware we were being attached to a tour coming from Milan. The guide arrived 1/2 hour after scheduled meeting time as they were delayed coming from Milan, leaving the 8 of us rather concerned as meeting point is outside a museum and no tour rep or office there. Had 2 guides one for Genoa walk & another for rest of tour. Both were lovely Enjoyed the tour, in particular the ferry ride from Portofino to Genoa was fantastic Our group of 8 had to catch the ferry back to Genoa, which was great, but we felt in limbo as we were given a ferry ticket and time to be at the terminal. No sign up on ferry or jetty to state if it was our boat, so we hoped we were queuing up in right line. Would have been nice to have the tour guide to meet us at jetty to say “ this is your ferry “ Despite my comments above we all had a really great day!!

From Genoa: Full-Day Tour of Genoa and Portofino Reviewed by Anonymous, 16/09/2019

Helpful?

Eleonora is a wonderfully welcoming person who loves her city. We were located close to the area we would be seeing so she guided us walking to see the city center including a bit of the old town both from the inside of it and from the top. We got there through the panoramic elevator. We were staying for a few days so she told us how to get around the city and how to reach other interesting spots. She was so gracious and offered to help us if we had questions later. The buildings are incredible there's so much to see. Eleonora pointed out the "newer" buildings which had only been built in the 1700s. So much history to absorb can not be done in the brief time we were there.

Genoa: Private Tour with a Local Reviewed by Marjorie, 05/11/2019

Helpful?

Beware the 'open day ticket' it not what it seems.

Yes you can enter at any time you like during opening hours and skip the queues, BUT when you are in you cannot leave and re enter. This ticket; and all tickets; allow one entry only with NO re-admission allowed even on the same day. This is made clear on the premises, BUT this is not made clear on this web site. I will be seeking a refund on the basis of incorrect point of sales information.

Genoa Aquarium Skip-the-Line Ticket Reviewed by David, 18/09/2019

Helpful?

We really Skip-the-Line for the entrance ticket

The aquarium is really a good place to visit especially those who have children but don't go during weekends co'z there are a lot of people inside and can't take a nice family picture

Genoa Aquarium Skip-the-Line Ticket Reviewed by Tricxy, 16/08/2019

Helpful?

The trip was a great introduction to Genoa - the starting point was a convenient location and the staff were really helpful The commentary was pretty minimal however.

Genoa Hop-On and Hop-Off 48-Hour Bus Pass Reviewed by Sharon, 01/11/2019

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