Genoa

Top 10 things to do in Genoa

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!

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  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!

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!

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  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.

Frequently asked questions about Genoa

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.