Genoa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The Bigo Lift
Genoa
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 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 Cattedrale di San Lorenzo or Palazzo Ducale.

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 Spianata Castelletto or Christopher Columbus Monument 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 Port of Nervi while you're exploring the area.

Nervi
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San Vincenzo

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in San Vincenzo, Piazza de Ferrari and Mercato Orientale Genova are top sights worth seeing.

San Vincenzo
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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 La Lanterna while you're exploring the area.

Centro Ovest
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Levante

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
Bristol Palace Hotel

Bristol Palace Hotel

5 out of 5
Via XX Settembre 35, Genoa, GE
The price is ₹18,763 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
₹18,763
₹21,663 total
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,017 reviews)
"Stunning renovation of a heritage property. Staff take pride in making sure everything is clean and in good condition. Staff are all courteous and always ready to help. Breakfast was as expected in a good hotel, but if you have other preferences you must order from the menu. A great hotel all ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Bristol Palace Hotel
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 ₹10,135 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
₹10,135
₹11,968 total
23 Oct - 24 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Staff"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Tower Genova Airport Hotel & Conference Center
Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

4 out of 5
Piazza Brignole, 4, Genoa, GE
The price is ₹13,625 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
₹13,625
₹15,807 total
20 Nov - 21 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star property in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (449 reviews)
"Lovely, clean room with large windows. Nice bathroom. Nice staff. Free water bottles every day. Close to lots of restaurants, cafes and shopping."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Hotel Astoria
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.
Family Apartments San Lorenzo

Family Apartments San Lorenzo

Largo Sanguineti 11, Genoa, GE
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, bathrobes and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and Old Port are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (25 reviews)
"Excellent location and responsive and organized hosts! Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Family Apartments San Lorenzo
Deluxe Apartments by Wonderful Italy

Deluxe Apartments by Wonderful Italy

Viale Brigata Bisagno 2, Genoa, GE
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and balconies. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and Old ...
8/10 Very Good! (3 reviews)
"部屋は豪華です。4人泊まれるのに、一人でだったのでゆったりです。最上階でベランダが広いので、気持ちいいです。ただ、鍵の受け渡しが、あまりスムーズではありません。30分も遅れてきたので、受け渡しの場所があっているのかどうか、心配でした。"

Reviewed on 6 Sept 2025

Deluxe Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy

Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy

Via S. Luca 4, Genoa, GE
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and Old Port are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (32 reviews)
It's good but be aware
"We have rented via Wonderful Italy several times and the communication, value for money and state of the properties has always been excellent. This was no exception, although the specific location, while convenient, is a bit "colourful" at night. For me it wasn't physically threatening but it could ..."

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2025

Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
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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