Genoa

Travel Guide

The Bigo Lift
Biosfera which includes a bay or harbor
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
La casa di Cristoforo Colombo
Royal Palace
Experience authentic Italy as you explore the grand palaces and medieval streets of this ancient port town.

Part of Italy’s Riviera, on the country’s northwest coast, Genoa offers visitors a glimpse of authentic Italian life. The city’s narrow streets are crammed with family-run restaurants in which you can sample fresh seafood and the region’s famous speciality: pesto. Follow the story of Genoa’s history as a rich and important trade center, and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, as you wander through old buildings and world heritage-listed districts.

The region of Liguria has almost no flat terrain and that includes Genoa, its capital. The easiest way to explore the city is from the top down. The main shopping areas and public squares are found higher up on the hills. Make your way down through the city’s medieval old town, with its narrow, pedestrian-only alleys known as caruggi. You’ll reach one of the main thoroughfares, Via Garibaldi, which has three of Genoa’s important art museums housed in magnificent palaces: Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Tursi.

Visit the Porto Antico (Old Harbor), the city’s former important shipping quarter. This area has been renovated and is now home to cafés, cinemas and museums. Stop by the Galata Sea Museum, where you can learn about the voyages of Christopher Columbus and other famed explorers. The Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest aquariums in Europe, is also located at the Old Harbor. The newer dockside area is crowded with fishing boats alongside ferries and luxury yachts that often cruise in from nearby Portofino.

Luckily, you don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy the sights of this hilly city. Use the two cable car services to travel uphill as you enjoy sweeping views of the city and port. The public elevator from the Piazza del Portello will take you up to the charming Castelletto area, where the terminal is a beautiful art nouveau tower. Driving is not recommended in Genoa as parking is difficult to find. Public buses are also a good alternative if you need a break from exploring on foot.

Where to stay in Genoa

Via Garibaldi

Genoa Historical Centre

4.5/5(96 area reviews)

Genoa Historical Centre is popular for its waterfront views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Piazza San Matteo or Cattedrale di San Lorenzo.

Genoa Historical Centre
Genoa

Centro Est

4/5(12 area reviews)

Centro Est is a destination visitors seek out for is great bars, popular aquarium, and captivating waterfront views. You might also want to check out attractions like Christopher Columbus Monument or Palazzo Bianco while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Centro Est
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Levante

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Levante include the seaside views and gardens. Make a stop by Port of Nervi or Parchi di Nervi while you're exploring the area.

Levante
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Nervi

5/5(8 area reviews)

Discover a former fishing village turned seaside resort, boasting four museums, including the Genoa Gallery of Modern Arts and Wolfsoniana. Stroll along the 2 km Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi walkway, explore the Parchi di Nervi, and shop at fashionable outlets.

Nervi
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Centro Ovest

4/5(2 area reviews)

Unique features of Centro Ovest include the waterfront views and historic sites. Make a stop by Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal or Stazione Genova while you're exploring the area.

Centro Ovest

Val Polcevera

Restaurants and museums are just a few things travelers like about Val Polcevera. A stop by Museo di Storia e Cultura Contadina is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Val Polcevera
Bristol Palace Hotel
Bristol Palace Hotel
5 out of 5
Via XX Settembre 35, Genoa, GE
The price is ¥29,643 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
¥29,643
¥34,225 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Wonderful property. Easy walking distance to town. Center. Many restaurants and stores. Staff was excellent. Room was high with many amenities. Highly recommend it. Our doorman Davide was so helpful gave great information also."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025

Bristol Palace Hotel
Hotel Continental Genova
Hotel Continental Genova
4 out of 5
Via Arsenale di Terra 1, Genoa, GE
The price is ¥16,778 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
¥16,778
¥19,753 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"It is SO beautiful!!!! Loved every part of it!"

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2025

Hotel Continental Genova
Tower Genova Airport Hotel & Conference Center
Tower Genova Airport Hotel & Conference Center
4 out of 5
Via Pionieri ed Aviatori d'Italia 44, Genoa, GE
The price is ¥14,595 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
¥14,595
¥17,352 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (937 reviews)
"Staff very friendly and professional, room clean and comfortable. I will come back in the future. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2025

Tower Genova Airport Hotel & Conference Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
apartment in the historic center of Genoa
apartment in the historic center of Genoa
Genova
Stay at this vacation home in Genoa. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and Piazza de Ferrari are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"A really unique apartment that gave an authentic feel. Close to everything. And Roborto was extremely welcoming and nice. Great place"

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2024

apartment in the historic center of Genoa
Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Via S. Luca 4, Genoa, GE
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and Old Port are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (21 reviews)
"The apartment was very clean, great communication with staff, loved the cold ac!"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024

Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Family Apartments San Lorenzo
Family Apartments San Lorenzo
Largo Sanguineti 11, Genoa, GE
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, bathrobes, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and Old Port are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (18 reviews)
"The apartment was exactly as pictured. In a great location very close to the train station with many dining options only steps away. Very clean with comfortable beds. This spacious apartment is a gem, I would recommend staying here."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2024

Family Apartments San Lorenzo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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