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Before you go
Your trip to Gênova.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Gênova – Liguria Destination Gênova and Portofino Capital
How to get there
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Aeroporto di Genova Cristoforo Colombo (GOA) 7 km
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Genova Piazza Principe 2 km
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Genova Brignole 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Check before buying. Aeroporto Cristoforo Colombo is a few kilometers from the center. By train, Gênova is about 1h30–2h from Milan; the main stations are Genova Piazza Principe, west of the center, and Genova Brignole, to the east.
How many days
Two days allow you to see the palaces on Via Garibaldi, the cathedral, the historic center, the Porto Antico with the aquarium, and Boccadasse. With a third day you can go to Portofino, Santa Margherita or Camogli by train.
When to go
From April to June and September to October the temperature is usually pleasant for walking the hills. Summer, from June to August, is hot and humid. Winter, from December to February, is mild by European standards, but there is more rain in autumn and winter.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The historic center is explored on foot, and there is a metro, buses, funiculars and public elevators to overcome the climbs. The center has a ZTL (limited traffic zone) closed to outside cars; if you arrive by car, leave it in a parking lot outside that area.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Gênova
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Morning
Via Garibaldi and the Palazzi dei Rolli
Start with Via Garibaldi, the former Strada Nuova, and visit the Musei di Strada Nuova: Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria Tursi, where Paganini's violin is kept.
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Afternoon
Cathedral, Piazza De Ferrari and caruggi
Walk down the alleys to the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, with its white-and-black striped facade. Continue to the Piazza De Ferrari and the bronze fountain, next to the Palazzo Ducale. Lunch on a focaccia or a dish with pesto.
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Late afternoon
Porto Antico
Walk through the caruggi to the Porto Antico and stroll along the quay, between Piazza Caricamento, the Bigo and the moored boats.
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Evening
Dinner in the historic center
Dine in the historic center or near the port from around 7:30–8:00 PM. Seafood dishes and pasta with pesto are the basis of the local cuisine.
2 days in Gênova
Day 1
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Morning
Palaces of Via Garibaldi
Spend the morning at the Musei di Strada Nuova and go up to the terrace of the Palazzo Rosso to see Genoa’s roofs.
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Afternoon
Cathedral and Palazzo Ducale
Visit the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and its treasury museum, then head to Piazza De Ferrari and see the current exhibition at the Palazzo Ducale.
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Late afternoon
Caruggi to the port
Descend unhurriedly through the alleys of the historic center, among old shops and small squares, to the Porto Antico quay.
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Evening
Evening in the centre
Dine around Piazza delle Erbe or the Porto Antico, areas with several restaurants and bars.
Day 2
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Morning
Acquario di Genova
Arrive early at the Acquario di Genova in the Porto Antico. Buy your ticket in advance, especially on weekends and during European school holidays.
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Afternoon
Lanterna or Porto Antico
If it’s an open day, walk the path out to the Lanterna, the harbor’s lighthouse. If not, continue through the Porto Antico and the sea-related museums.
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Late afternoon
Boccadasse
Take the bus to Boccadasse, the fishing village on the east side of the city, and watch the end of the day over the pebble cove and colorful houses.
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Evening
Corso Italia
Walk along Corso Italia, the seafront promenade that starts in Boccadasse, and have dinner there or return to the center.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is Genoa worth visiting or is it just a stopover on the way to Portofino?
Worth a visit. The city has the palaces of Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a large medieval historic center, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Porto Antico. Two days are well spent.
How do you climb the hills of Genoa?
The city has funiculars, a rack railway and public elevators that link the center to the upper neighborhoods, as well as metro and buses. Wear comfortable shoes: the historic center has many uphill sections and staircases.
How do you get from Genoa to Portofino?
Take the regional train to Santa Margherita Ligure–Portofino station and continue by bus or, in season, by boat to Portofino. There are also boats that depart from Genoa’s port at certain times of year: check before you go.
What to eat in Genoa?
Pesto alla genovese, made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese and olive oil, and focaccia, sold in bakeries from early morning. Farinata, a thin chickpea pancake, is also typical. Lunch is usually served between 12:30 and 14:30, and dinner from 19:30 or 20:00.
Is there a tourist tax in Genoa?
Yes. A tourist tax is charged on accommodation.