🏰 Genoa: top 10 attractions of the sea capital of Italy 🚢

The largest seaport in Italy, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and Niccolo Paganini and a city full of medieval palaces… Welcome to Genoa! Now it is an administrative center with a population of about 500 thousand people, located in northwestern Italy near the Ligurian Sea. And almost a thousand years ago there was a powerful Genoese Republic with overseas colonies. 

Numerous architectural monuments, interesting traditions and, of course, hundreds of fascinating stories remain from those times. If you want to see this enchanting corner of Italy with your own eyes, check out the last-minute tours 2024 and start packing your bags.

Transport

The port of Genoa receives several million people from all over the world every year. A significant part of them are passengers on cruise ships who travel around the Mediterranean. Most tourists seeking to get to Genoa itself choose Christopher Columbus International Airport, located just 6 km from the city center. It receives flights from all major cities not only in Europe, but also in the world. We talk about why you should definitely visit Italy here.

If you are already in Italy and are looking for a quick way to get to Genoa, then choose trains. This type of transport has many advantages. The railway connects this city, among others, with Rome, Milan and Turin. You can get there from the capital in just 6 hours. Genoa itself has a developed network of buses and metro, one line of which pierces the entire city like an arrow, connecting the historical center, train stations and residential areas. But it’s better to move around the city on foot, otherwise you risk missing all the most interesting things. If you still decide to rent a car, then first read our material with tips.

And finally, let's talk about an unexpected means of transportation – the Zecca-Righi funicular. In one trip on this amazing form of transport you will move from the center to the top of the hill, admiring Genoa from an unusual angle along the way. Keep in mind that the funicular is quite slow, but at the end station you will find a picturesque park and breathtaking views. 

Housing

There are plenty of accommodation options in Genoa. If you are in the city for a few days, choose one of the hotels in the historical part. So, the road to the most interesting places will take only a few minutes. A room in the luxurious Hotel Bristol Palace (antique furniture, unique staircase and impeccable service!) will cost from $200 per night. There are cheaper options. 

Nutrition

Do not forget that Genoa is part of Italy, however, the local cuisine has its own characteristics. The culinary traditions of Roman legionnaires, Jesuit monks and Genoese sailors are mixed here. By the way, everything you need to know before traveling to Italy was discussed in a separate article.

Start your journey by finding the perfect focaccia. This dough flatbread is prepared literally on every corner and everywhere in different ways. Cheese, olives, tomatoes or meat – almost any ingredient can become a filling. Come to Pan Per Focaccia Genova or any other establishment with the word focaccia in the name and try it! 

The next item on the program is farinata. This thin flatbread made from chickpea flour saved local sailors from hunger more than once. Stop by Farinata Santa Zita and enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish along with other appetizers. And where would we be without seafood – we’re in the port! The freshest fish, shrimp and squid in Genoa are deep-fried, added to pasta and simply served fried. The best options are offered by restaurants near the sea, for example, I Cuochi.

Don't forget about dessert! Panna cotta, tiramisu and, of course, gelato. If you want to know all the intricacies of Genoese sweets, go to Viganotti. This confectionery has been open since 1866 and amazes everyone with its variety of tastes. 

Attractions

Genoa is a port city. This fact had the greatest influence on his appearance. Narrow streets here coexist with tall palaces, and any road will sooner or later lead you to the port. Leave the maps at home and just go for a walk, looking into all the arches and open courtyards to enjoy every ancient corner. 

The heart of Genoa is Piazza Ferrari. This is the main square of the city, onto which the most important architectural monuments overlook with their facades. Looking around, you will see the magnificent walls of the Doge's Palace, the Church of the Gesù, the Palace of the Exchange, the main city theater Carlo Felice and the Museum of the Ligurian Academy of Fine Arts. And in the center there is a picturesque fountain. 

Particularly noteworthy is the Doge's Palace, also called Palazzo Ducale, the construction of which began in 1298. The medieval part is perfectly preserved. Now this place is the cultural center of Genoa. Exhibitions, concerts and other interesting events are constantly held here. 

If you walk from here along Via XX Settembre, you will find yourself in another picturesque square – Piazza della Vittoria. It is impossible to pass by it, because in the very center stands an impressive triumphal arch, created in the 30s of the 20th century and dedicated to those killed during the First World War. The interesting shape, statues and bas-reliefs attract the attention of all passersby.

No less famous is Via Garibaldi, where the palaces of the Genoese aristocracy stand. Its length is only 250 meters, but the history of some buildings goes back about 5 centuries. It is easy to admire the magnificent facades with stucco and painting, grandiose atriums, luxurious gardens with fountains, and once you get inside you will be enchanted by the luxurious furnishings, antique furniture and rich art galleries.

This street is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy as part of the Palazzi dei Rolli quarter in the center of Genoa. There are a total of 42 such luxurious palaces in Genoa! It’s almost impossible to get around everything, but you definitely need to take a look at the main ones on Via Garibaldi.

Of course, it is impossible not to mention the Royal Palace of Genoa – the most luxurious of all. The grandiose building was erected in the 17th century for a noble family, and then handed over to the Savoy kings. Now a museum has been opened inside, which houses rare objects of art: paintings, sculptures, antique furniture.

Not only the palaces, but also the numerous temples of Genoa will amaze you with their splendor. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is one of the most famous. The black and white imposing facade and stone lions on the outside, and amazing treasures inside. Many symbolic items for Christianity are kept here. 

You will find another unusual striped and two-colored church in Piazza San Matteo. It was erected by the influential Doria family at the beginning of the 12th century. But the prize for the most luxurious decoration goes to the Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation – a real pearl of the Baroque style. Gilding, columns, stucco and incredible frescoes – all this will turn the head of even an atheist.

One of the main attractions of the Old City is the house of Columbus. Only the foundation remains of the original, everything above is a late reconstruction, but you will definitely be able to soak in the spirit of the place where the famous navigator grew up. Nearby are the Walls of Barbarossa, erected in the 12th century to protect the city, and the Porta Soprano, two city gate towers from the same period. Another place that glorifies the resident of Genoa is the tower of the Embriaci family, built in the 11th century. These were erected by famous townspeople near their homes. This is the only one preserved in its original size.  

We move towards the port. The grounds of Castello D'Albertis offer picturesque views of the water. Inside the neo-Gothic building, built at the end of the 19th century, the Museum of World Cultures is now open. There you will find a collection of the most unusual items that the first owner of the castle, a sea captain, brought from his travels.

The old port of Genoa is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Now an excellent recreation area has been created here. Both children and adults are attracted to the aquarium, where you can see a variety of aquatic ecosystems. It is the largest building of its type in Italy and the second largest in Europe. It will also be interesting to visit the Maritime Museum. Inside you can study in detail the entire history of navigation – from wooden galleys to modern submarines. And moored nearby is a huge ship, built for the filming of the movie “Pirates” in 1985.

Nearby is the Lanterna lighthouse, built in the 16th century, another important symbol of Genoa. Its height is 117 meters. To see the city from above with your own eyes, you need to climb 172 steps. 

Genoa is an absolutely amazing city. The history of many buildings here dates back centuries and every corner is full of secrets. It will take more than one week to study each palace and temple in detail. If you only have a couple of days of free time, then just relax and wander around the city for your own pleasure. All the most interesting and significant places will appear on your way. Amazing Genoa awaits you, but remember that you will need a Schengen visa!