🏛️ Where to go in Genoa: 20 excursions with prices

Genoa is not like Rome or Venice. Most tourists see the Old Port and leave without ever stepping into the old center. But the whole city hides in narrow streets, in palaces above the sea, and in small squares. With a guide, you will see in a couple of hours what you would not find on your own, and hear stories that are not on any plaques.

We have put together twenty tours in Genoa for you. There are walking tours of the center, day trips to Portofino and Cinque Terre, and boat routes along the Riviera. Groups are small.

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How to choose a tour in Genoa

First, decide how much time you are willing to give the city. A couple of hours in the center is enough for an introduction, while Portofino or Cinque Terre will take a whole day.

💡 In short:

Walking tours of the center last two to three hours, day trips take the whole day.
For Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Santa Margherita, it is easier to go with a guide; on your own you will spend more time on travel.

1. Walls that can tell stories

Panorama of the old city of Genoa from above

This is an overview walk through the old center. You start from the Old Port, and the guide takes the city apart layer by layer: port, banks, cathedral, palaces. The streets here are narrow, and their tangle resembles a spiderweb. Without a guide, you can easily walk right past the main sights, because there are almost no plaques in the center.

A separate theme of the walk is the Palazzo San Giorgio. Since the 15th century it has been called the world's first bank. Genoese moneylenders knew how to count and negotiate so well that kings used their services.

Next is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. It was consecrated in 1118 (according to the Archdiocese of Genoa). Inside are kept the ashes of John the Baptist, a carnelian dish, the chalice of the Last Supper, a lock of the Virgin Mary's hair, and a thorn from the crown of thorns. You can light a candle here.

The guide will tell you how Columbus and Paganini are connected to Genoa. The navigator's house has survived, and townspeople called the violinist's music devilish. The Red and White palaces hold paintings by Rubens and Van Dyck. The walk ends at the Doge's Palace, at Piazza de Ferrari, and at a viewpoint.

Cost: 130 € per group (as of 09/2026, see the tour on GetYourGuide).
Who it's for: first-time visitors to Genoa who want the big picture in one go.
The catch: most of the program is about churches and relics.

2. Genoa today and its history

Painted facade of Palazzo San Giorgio in Genoa

A tour about how the city appeared and how it grew. You will learn who founded Genoa, which great people lived here, and why in the Middle Ages it rivaled Venice. You start at the old bank in the Palazzo San Giorgio.

You will see the Doge's Palace and the fountains at Piazza de Ferrari. The guide will show you the Jesuit church of Saints Ambrose and Andrew, one of the finest examples of Baroque.

At the end, the 12th-century Porta Soprana, the symbol of the city, and a walk along Via Garibaldi. The street was designed by one of Michelangelo's students.

Cost: 144 € per group (as of 09/2026, book the overview walk).
Who it's for: those who care about history, not just views.
The catch: the route is packed, with many dates and names.

3. Genoa in the palm of your hand: viewpoints

Rooftops of old Genoa and the port from a belvedere

Want to see the city from above? This walk takes you to viewpoints. You will go up by elevators, funiculars, and staircases, of which Genoa has a great many.

Genoa stands almost vertically: the city literally descends to the sea in tiers. From above you can see how art, craft, and moneylending coexisted here for centuries. The guide will tell you about the character of the Genoese and about the love stories from which the main landmarks grew.

Cost: depends on group size, confirm the exact price when booking.
Who it's for: those who love panoramas and are not afraid of steps.
The catch: there are many climbs, part of the route is on staircases.

4. Genoa: love at first sight

This is a private tour tailored to your interests. The guide will ask what appeals to you and put together a route: where you must go, how to get there, how much tickets cost. They will also suggest the best cafes and shops that visitors usually do not know about.

You will see both popular spots and places guides rarely mention. For example, the house of the city executioner. Plus the world's first bank and stories of old churches.

There is also a dark chapter: the bloody past of Piazza delle Erbe and the fortifications that defended the city. You will photograph arches and bridges, see train stations with unusual architecture, and go up to viewpoints.

The finale is in Boccadasse, a neighborhood that often appears on postcards. The houses here are colorful, and at a local cafe you should try the signature ice cream.

Cost: 125 € per group (as of 09/2026, book a private tour).
Who it's for: those who want a route tailored to them and practical tips.
The catch: part of the program covers dark pages of history, not always appropriate with children.

5. Buongiorno, Genoa: flavors of the city

Genoese pesto in a marble mortar with pestle

An informative and very tasty walk. You start in the Old Port, among the gently rocking ships: Genoa has lived by the sea since time immemorial. The guide leads you to the house where Columbus is believed to have spent his childhood.

Next you try fried seafood, the local fast food. The program includes the Palace of San Giorgio, Piazza De Ferrari, and Via Garibaldi. Hidden among these streets are other sights the guide will tell you about.

You can't miss the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its relics. You'll also hear how the flag of Great Britain is connected to the history of Genoa. And you'll step inside a place where they make focaccia, the city's signature flatbread.

Cost: 124 € per group (as of 09/2026, see the walk).
Who it's for: those who want to combine history and food.
The catch: the route is built around food, so if you're full, it'll be boring.

6. Orthodox artifacts in the Catholic churches of Genoa

Interior of San Lorenzo Cathedral with striped arches

Italy is a Catholic country, but Genoa has many shrines that matter to Orthodox Christians too. This walk takes you straight to them. In the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence you'll venerate the relics of John the Baptist. The chapel dedicated to him holds images of Saints Nicholas and Lawrence and revered icons of the Mother of God.

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Castello houses relics connected with Saint Nicodemus. It also has many Orthodox icons donated by Russian nobles whose families moved here.

And in the Armenian church of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle you'll find the Image of the Savior Not Made by Hands, the very cloth bearing the imprint of his face.

Cost: 130 € per group (as of 09/2026, book the tour).
Who it's for: believers and anyone interested in religious history.
The catch: the topic is narrow, so secular tourists may find part of the program dull.

7. The historic center of proud Genoa

Rooftops of Genoa's historic center with a tower

Genoa was called a majestic and proud maritime power, and its center confirms that. The guide leads you to the Palace of San Giorgio: you'll admire its frescoes. Next is the cathedral, which took three centuries to build.

The guide will share legends of intrigue, love, and crime from the old city. You'll see squares and churches, the Porta Soprana, the Red, White, and Tursi palaces, and picturesque bridges.

You can ask any questions you like: you'll get an answer about the city's history for each one. The walk works well for both adults and children.

Cost: 135 € per group (as of 09/2026, see the program).
Who it's for: families and those who prefer questions and answers over a monologue.
The catch: if you want to look around in silence, there'll be a bit too much talking.

8. Trip to Portofino

Portofino harbor with yachts and colorful houses

If you love nature, privacy, and luxury, Portofino is worth a visit. It's a small but very prestigious resort near Genoa. You'll travel along a road first laid out by the ancient Romans. They also founded Portofino itself, though back then it was called the Port of Dolphins.

There are so many landscapes here that you'll want to keep your camera ready. You'll hear the history of the resort and go up to a viewpoint over the Gulf of Tigullio. The guide will show you celebrity villas and explain why this place is so popular.

If you feel like it, you can stop by the boutiques and restaurants along the waterfront.

Cost: 365 € per group (as of 09/2026, view the Portofino trip).
Who it's for: those who want to see the Riviera without the crowds.
The catch: Portofino is an expensive resort, and cafe prices are above average.

9. Cinque Terre National Park and Portovenere

Don't skip this tour: it shows places that are hard to see on your own. The national park consists of five picturesque villages connected by mountain trails. The views are stunning, so bring a camera and comfortable shoes. You'll set off from Portovenere: it's easy to get here from Genoa by boat (according to Cinque Terre National Park).

Portovenere deserves attention too: an ancient fortress, legends, and local cuisine in small cafes. Then you'll visit the Cinque Terre villages one by one. Cars are banned here, and it feels like you've stepped back a couple of centuries. Fishermen's houses, little towers, quiet beaches, and the unhurried pace of local life.

The guide will tell you the history of these places and take you to a cafe with seafood and local wine. In good weather, you can swim in the sea.

Cost: 390 € per group (as of 09/2026, prices and dates).
Who it's for: those who are ready to walk a lot and want nature.
The catch: you need comfortable shoes, the trails go uphill.

10. Discover the beauty and charm of the Italian Riviera

Panorama of Santa Margherita Ligure from the hills above the sea

A romantic full-day route. First, you'll explore Santa Margherita. Once a fishing village, it has turned into a fashionable spot where celebrities vacation. You'll see an old villa surrounded by gardens and walk along the waterfront, where you can stop at a cafe.

Next is Portofino with its colorful houses, a great photo opportunity. The guide will tell you which films were shot here and which movie stars built villas in the area.

Then you'll visit a Benedictine abbey, walk around the monastery grounds, and swim in the clear water. You'll see the statue of Christ on the seabed in the bay. The finale is a boat ride to Camogli: a castle, colorful boats, a waterfront above the sea, and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The guide will point out where to buy souvenirs and try local sweets.

Cost: 375 € per group (as of 09/2026, view the route).
Who it's for: couples and those who want sea and scenery in one day.
The catch: it's a long day, and you'll spend part of it on the road.

11. The Street of Kings and its palaces

Fountain in the garden of Palazzo Bianco, Genoa

Once upon a time, Genoese clans controlled their own streets and neighborhoods. Each tried to outdo its neighbors with the luxury of its palaces and churches. The two main streets, Garibaldi and Balbi, still look like living history today. In the Middle Ages, plots here were sold at auction, and the nobility built their homes.

With a guide, you'll visit the Red and White Palaces and see rich painting collections. The palaces of the Doria, Grimaldi, and other families await you. You'll see the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, whose decoration is considered a true work of art.

The Royal Palace, built in the Baroque and Rococo styles, was home to members of the House of Savoy. It houses the Hall of Mirrors, which impressed King Louis XIV of France. Van Dyck's painting "The Crucifixion of Christ" is also kept here.

Cost: 130 € per group (as of 09/2026, book the tour).
Who it's for: those who love painting and palace interiors.
The catch: many museums in a row, your eyes get tired by the end of the day.

12. Christopher Columbus and Niccolò Paganini

Statue of Paganini outside the Carlo Felice Theater

This tour takes you to places associated with two famous Genoese. The houses where they spent their childhood stand close to each other. Near the Upper Gate of the city wall is Black Cat Alley, where Paganini grew up. Columbus's house stands on the other side of the gate.

The churches where both boys' births were recorded still survive. Columbus is mentioned in the records of the Church of San Stefano, and Paganini in the records of the old Church of San Donato. By the way, the latter has some fine paintings hanging inside.

Next, you'll approach the prison where Paganini was held and the harbor associated with Columbus's name. Paganini's violin, made by the master Guarneri, is carefully preserved in Palazzo Tursi. The city opera and ballet theater regularly hosts a violin competition, and the winner receives the Paganini Prize. At the end, a viewpoint awaits you with views of the center and the old lighthouse.

Cost: 130 € per group (as of 09/2026, book the tour).
Who it's for: those who enjoy biographies and city details.
The catch: the theme is built around two names, so the rest of the city barely makes it into the picture.

13. The heart of historic Genoa

Panorama of rooftops and domes of old Genoa

A leisurely walk through the most interesting spots. You start at the Old Port and hear about Columbus's youth. Nearby is the huge Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe (according to the official website), and a pirate galleon that was used in movies.

The guide will tell you who was the most famous client of the world's first bank. You'll see the Church of Jesus, where a Rubens painting hangs.

Then you'll peek into narrow streets where tourists don't go and sit in cafes that locals choose. You'll walk through Piazza de Ferrari and see aristocratic palaces, examples of Baroque style. Then it's up to a viewpoint for a panorama of the city from above. From here you can see the lighthouse whose keeper was Columbus's uncle.

Cost: 105 € per group (as of 09/2026, view the tour).
Who it's for: those who want to see both the tourist side and the residential side of the city.
The catch: the route is long, and it can be tough in the heat.

14. Cooking class at Signora Enrica's

Shrimp and langoustines in a pot in the kitchen

Want to not just try Italian cuisine but cook it yourself? Then this is for you. You'll come to a typical Italian home and meet the hostess. Signora Enrica will treat you to wine and flatbread, then show you how to knead dough for lasagna, pasta, and fettuccine.

The secrets of these dishes have been passed down in the family from generation to generation. You'll learn how to prepare anchovies and fry fish Genoese style. Then you'll taste everything you made, and the guide will tell you what usually ends up on locals' tables and which dishes are cooked for family celebrations. You can write down the recipes. At the end, cake and coffee await you.

Cost: 200 € for 1-2 people or 100 € per person if there are more of you (as of 09/2026, book the class).
Who it's for: those who love cooking and want a hands-on experience rather than a museum.
The catch: part of the time you'll be at the stove, so no walking around during that time.

15. Walk through Nervi and Boccadasse

Colorful houses of Boccadasse above the pebble beach

This tour shows neighborhoods where tourists usually don't go. The journey starts in Boccadasse, where sailors' families once lived. The colorful streets and multicolored houses have survived to this day. In the Italian courtyards, laundry dries on lines and songs can be heard.

You'll climb to a viewpoint and take in the bay. If the weather allows, you'll go down to the beach and swim. After the sea, it's especially pleasant to snack on fried seafood or grab an ice cream.

Then you'll stroll through Nervi. There's a large park and good museums here, and the Rose Garden grows dozens of rose varieties. At the end, you'll walk along the Anita Garibaldi promenade, sit on the rocks with a view of the sea, and see places that inspired the marine painter Aivazovsky. The guide will share plenty of facts about the city and its residents.

Cost: 100 € for 1-2 people or 65 € per person if there are more of you (as of 09/2026, view the walk).
Who it's for: those who want to see the non-touristy Genoa and the sea.
The catch: lots of walking and climbing, part of the route is in the sun.

16. Big car and walking tour

A combined tour for those who want to see a lot without getting tired. It's booked for travelers of any age, including children and older people. First you'll walk through the old streets. The guide will tell you the history of palaces and churches and show you shops selling flatbread, sweets, and seafood.

At the cafe Giuseppe Verdi often visited, you'll have coffee. Then you'll get in the car and go where you can't reach on foot. You'll see the "sacred field" of Campo Santo and the Staglieno cemetery, which is considered a real museum. You'll visit Nervi, where the nobility preferred to settle.

In good weather, you can get out of the car, stretch your legs, and take a walk in the park.

Price: 380 € per group (as of 09/2026, book the tour).
Who it's for: families with children and those who find it hard to walk a lot.
The catch: part of the program is in the car, not outside.

17. Orthodox relics and holy places

Portals of the striped facade of San Lorenzo Cathedral in Genoa

A tour for those interested in the history of religions. Pilgrims from different countries come to Genoa, and both Catholics and Orthodox Christians live here. You'll see the city's most beautiful churches and learn how to read icon painting.

The main focus of this walk is religious art. Treasures of religious art will pass before you, and you'll begin to understand the meaning of images of saints. You can buy souvenirs as a keepsake.

Price: 144 € per group (as of 09/2026, view the tour).
Who it's for: pilgrims and lovers of church art.
The catch: part of the route overlaps with other religious tours.

18. Great and contradictory Genoa

Panorama of Genoa: hills, port, and seaside neighborhoods

Two hours that fly by quickly. Genoa is full of contradictions, and you'll feel it. The walk won't tire even children: the guide will take a break for ice cream and coffee.

You'll walk through the old streets where ordinary Genoese lived and admire the palaces of the nobility. You'll see richly decorated cathedrals and stand in squares that are already several centuries old. The guide will tell you how city life unfolds today and what makes the locals' character distinctive.

You'll hear the story of the city's founding and peek into the Old Port area. The guide will explain which people Genoa is connected with and why it became a residence of kings. At the end, you'll climb to a viewpoint and see the city from a bird's-eye view.

Price: 105 € per group (as of 09/2026, book the walk).
Who it's for: those with little time who still want an overall impression.
The catch: in two hours you'll see the city only superficially.

19. Evening Genoa: architecture and aperitifs

Panorama of the port of Genoa with yachts and the city

Evening Genoa is nothing like daytime Genoa. The light of street lamps changes the city, and the atmosphere becomes calmer: the workday is over, and Italians gather in cafes and bars. Your journey starts from Porto Antico square.

You'll hear the city's history, look at the bank that refused Columbus money, and see unusual attractions. Then on to Piazza de Ferrari and the theater where Verdi staged operas. Along the way you'll admire the palaces of the aristocracy.

In the second part of the tour, you'll step into a bar and get to know aperitivo: a glass of wine and various snacks. The guide will tell you about the habits and traditions of the Genoese.

Price: 79 € per group (as of 09/2026, book the evening walk).
Who it's for: adults who want to end the day with wine and views.
The catch: the evening format won't suit everyone with children.

20. Portofino Park: trails and a sunset picnic

Forest trail and a graffiti-covered booth

Want Mediterranean scenery, a glass of wine, and a sunset over the sea? You'll set off shortly before sunset. Together with the guide, you'll walk along a trail in Portofino Park. The views from here are stunning.

You'll peek into old villages that can't be reached by car: only on foot or by boat. The guide will tell you about the local nature, suggest where to do a photo shoot, where to go with children, and how to find a secluded beach.

In one of the coastal villages, you'll have a picnic to the sound of the surf. In good weather, you can swim and look at marine life; the guide will provide the gear. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes.

Price: 70 € for 1-2 people or 35 € per person if there are more of you (as of 09/2026, book the walk).
Who it's for: those who love active trail walks and a sunset by the sea.
The catch: the trails aren't open in all weather.

Tours and tickets in Genoa

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does a tour of Genoa cost?

The price depends on the route and group size. A short walk through the center is cheaper, while a full day in Cinque Terre or Portofino costs more. The price of each tour is listed in the description above, and you'll see current prices and available dates when booking.

What language do the guides speak?

The language of each tour is listed in its description when booking. Choose a program where the guide speaks a language that works for you. Groups are small, so you can ask questions freely.

What to see in Genoa in one day?

Take a sightseeing walk through the center, and after lunch add viewpoints or a boat tour. That way you'll see the old town and the panorama. Getting between points on foot is easy, the center is compact.

Can you get to Portofino and Cinque Terre without a car?

Yes. A ferry runs from Genoa to Portovenere (according to the national park website), and between the park's villages it's easy to get around by train and along the trails. There's also regular public transport to Portofino, but with a guide you'll save time.

How much time do you need for Genoa?

For a first visit, one day is enough: the center in the morning, viewpoints in the afternoon, dinner at a cafe in the evening. If you want to see the Riviera and Portofino, plan for two or three days. That's enough to take your time without rushing.

In short: what's worth booking

If you're in Genoa for the first time, book a sightseeing walk through the center: in a couple of hours you'll get a feel for the city. If you want sea and nature, choose a trip to Portofino or Cinque Terre. For families with kids, a car-and-walking tour is convenient, and in the evening it's nice to end the day with an aperitivo walk.

Want a general introduction: a tour of the historic center.
Want sea and views: a trip to Portofino or the Riviera.
Want food: a food tour or a cooking class with Signora Enrica.

You can see all Genoa tours and available dates on GetYourGuide.

Excursions in Genoa: 20 routes in the center and the Riviera