Genoa

Travel Guide
Biosfera
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 centre, 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 Harbour), 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 Harbour. 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(72 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

Centro Est is a destination visitors seek out for its great bars, popular aquarium and captivating waterfront views. You might also want to check out attractions like Genoa City Hall or Palazzo Doria Tursi while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Centro Est
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Nervi

5/5(4 area reviews)

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

Nervi
Genoa

Medio Levante

You'll enjoy the monuments and waterfront in Medio Levante. You might want to make time for a stop at Passeggiata di Corso Italia or Fiera di Genova.

Medio Levante
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Levante

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

Levante
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Centro Ovest

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

Centro Ovest
Starhotels President
Starhotels President
4 out of 5
Corte Dei Lambruschini 4, Genoa, GE
The price is RM535 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM535
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (930 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2024

Starhotels President
Bristol Palace Hotel
Bristol Palace Hotel
5 out of 5
Via XX Settembre 35, Genoa, GE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM903 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM903
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Wonderful
"Beautiful place, wonderful food, great location."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Bristol Palace Hotel
Hotel Continental Genova
Hotel Continental Genova
4 out of 5
Via Arsenale di Terra 1, Genoa, GE
The price is RM558 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
RM558
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (994 reviews)
"Super nice hotel right next to the train station."

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2024

Hotel Continental Genova
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.
Happy Family Apartments Cairoli Studio
Happy Family Apartments Cairoli Studio
Via Cairoli, Genoa, Città Metropolitana di Genova
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, a computer station, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and Palazzo Bianco ...
7.6/10 Good! (4 reviews)
Expérience moyenne, confort à revoir.
"Séjour correct mais plusieurs points a revoir. + La localisation, l'espace canapé séparé avec petite dépendance atypique pour la TV, quartier top, immeuble sécurisé. - la propreté, l'équipement sommaire, table de nuit en carton, lit qui se déplie/pas une vraie chambre, meuble à ustensiles de cuisine ..."

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2024

Happy Family Apartments Cairoli Studio
Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Via S. Luca 4, Genoa, Città Metropolitana di Genova
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, a kitchen, and a full-sized refrigerator/freezer. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
"It is a taste of real Italy, lively street action, loud Italians to the wee hours, and the smell of bread baking 12 hrs a day. A great time, close to everything or a bus stop that will get you there."

Reviewed on 4 Apr 2023

Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Happy Family Apartments Vigne
Happy Family Apartments Vigne
Vico Dietro Il Coro delle Vigne, Genoa, Città Metropolitana di Genova
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, a computer station, and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal ...
Happy Family Apartments Vigne
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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