Italy

Things to do in Genoa

Genoa has one of Europe's largest medieval old towns, a maze of narrow alleys called caruggi running down to the Porto Antico. Along Via Garibaldi and Via Balbi, the Palazzi dei Rolli, the nobles' palaces listed by UNESCO in 2006, hold art collections in the Strada Nuova museums. It is also the home of pesto and focaccia, and the gateway to Portofino and the Riviera.

  • Genoese street food tour with focaccia and farinata
  • Palazzi dei Rolli and Strada Nuova museums
  • Aquarium of Genoa at the Porto Antico
  • Pesto-making class with mortar and pestle

Experiences in Genoa

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.

Top-rated experiences in Genoa

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Highlights

  • Genoese street food tour with focaccia and farinata
  • Palazzi dei Rolli and Strada Nuova museums
  • Aquarium of Genoa at the Porto Antico
  • Pesto-making class with mortar and pestle
  • Boat trip to Portofino and San Fruttuoso
  • Walk to the fishing village of Boccadasse

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are best for the city and the Riviera boats. August is hot and many family-run shops close for holidays, and the Rolli Days open normally closed palaces on a few weekends a year.

Getting around

Walk the caruggi, and use the metro, funiculars and public lifts to reach the hillside viewpoints such as Castelletto and Righi. The Volabus links the airport with the two main stations, and regional trains run along the coast to Camogli and Santa Margherita.

Local tips

  • Eat focaccia for breakfast the local way, dipped in cappuccino, at a bakery in the old town.
  • Take the Castelletto lift for a free view over the rooftops and port at sunset.
  • Check the Rolli Days calendar if you want to see private palace interiors.

Day trips from Genoa

  • Portofino
  • Camogli and San Fruttuoso
  • Cinque Terre
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Genoa?

The most booked experiences in Genoa are Genoese street food tour with focaccia and farinata, Palazzi dei Rolli and Strada Nuova museums, Aquarium of Genoa at the Porto Antico and Pesto-making class with mortar and pestle.

When is the best time to visit Genoa?

April to June and September to October are best for the city and the Riviera boats. August is hot and many family-run shops close for holidays, and the Rolli Days open normally closed palaces on a few weekends a year.

How do I get around Genoa?

Walk the caruggi, and use the metro, funiculars and public lifts to reach the hillside viewpoints such as Castelletto and Righi. The Volabus links the airport with the two main stations, and regional trains run along the coast to Camogli and Santa Margherita.

Do I need to book tours in Genoa in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Genoa?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Milan119 km awayTurin124 km awayPisa139 km awayNice155 km away