Italy · Region
Genoa
Genoa is a dense, vertical port city where pastel palazzi and one of Europe's largest medieval old towns tumble down to a working harbor still shaped by its history as a maritime republic. Narrow caruggi alleys open onto grand Renaissance streets and a bustling waterfront, giving the birthplace of Christopher Columbus a gritty, lived-in character quite different from Italy's more polished tourist hubs.
Day Trips from Genoa (Cinque Terre · Milan · Turin)
Top attractions
attraction Galata Museo del Mare: Genoa Travel Guide (4.5★)
Galata Museo del Mare, in Genoa's old port district, is Italy's largest maritime museum: five floors of reconstructed galleys, a moored real submarine, and Genoa's emigration history. 4.5★ (11,063 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Porta Soprana: Genoa Travel Guide (4.6★)
Porta Soprana is the twin-towered medieval gate standing at the edge of Genoa's old town, a five-minute walk uphill from Piazza De Ferrari. 4.6★ (1,280 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini: Genoa Travel Guide (4.6★)
Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini in Genoa's Pegli district is a 19th-century romantic park laid out as a theatrical walk through fake ruins, a lake and a small botanical garden, with the villa museum at its heart. 4.6★ (3,271 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Royal Palace Museum: Genoa Travel Guide (4.5★)
Palazzo Reale sits on Via Balbi in Genoa's old university district, just a few minutes from Genova Piazza Principe station. 4.5★ (4,069 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Hidden gems
hidden gem Piazza Caricamento: Genoa Travel Guide (4.2★)
Piazza Caricamento is the open square on Genoa's old harbour front, where the Porto Antico meets the medieval centro storico, a short walk from San Giorgio metro station. 4.2★ (331 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem Porto Antico: Genoa Travel Guide (4.5★)
Porto Antico is Genoa's revitalized old harbor, home to Europe's second-largest aquarium, the Bigo panoramic lift, and a palm-lined waterfront promenade. 4.5★ (14,732 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Top-rated things to do in Genoa
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Where to stay in Genoa
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Plan your trip to Genoa
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Frequently asked questions about Genoa
How do I get to Genoa?
Most travellers fly into Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), then take the Volabus shuttle service (~25-30 minutes) into the centre, stopping at the Principe and Brignole railway stations; a rail connection via the nearby Sestri Ponente Aeroporto station is also possible for onward train travel. Genoa's two main stations, Principe and Brignole, also make it an easy rail stop for those arriving from other Italian or French cities along the coast.
How many days should I spend in Genoa?
Plan on ~2-3 days to explore the old town, port, and a few key sights, with extra time useful for day trips along the Ligurian coast.
What is Genoa known for?
Genoa is a dense, vertical port city where pastel palazzi and one of Europe's largest medieval old towns tumble down to a working harbor still shaped by its history as a maritime republic. Narrow caruggi alleys open onto grand Renaissance streets and a bustling waterfront, giving the birthplace of Christopher Columbus a gritty, lived-in character quite different from Italy's more polished tourist hubs.