The best things to do in Genoa include exploring the historic Porto Antico, visiting the stunning Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and discovering the city's rich maritime history at the Galata Museo del Mare.
Top Attractions
| Attraction | Location | Type | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Antico | Old Town | Historic Port | Historic harbor with stunning views and lively atmosphere |
| Cathedral of San Lorenzo | Piazza San Lorenzo | Cathedral | Beautiful Gothic-Romanesque architecture and historic significance |
| Galata Museo del Mare | Calata del Porto | Maritime Museum | Interactive exhibits showcasing Genoa's maritime history |
| Palazzo Reale | Via Balbi | Royal Palace | Stunning baroque architecture and beautiful gardens |
| Aquarium of Genoa | Porto Antico | Aquarium | One of the largest aquariums in Europe with diverse marine life |
| Via Garibaldi | Old Town | Historic Street | Beautifully preserved 16th-century street with stunning architecture |
| Castello d'Albertis | Corso Dogali | Castle | 19th-century castle with beautiful gardens and stunning views |
| Museo di Palazzo Rosso | Via Garibaldi | Art Museum | Impressive collection of art and artifacts from the 16th to 20th centuries |
| Lanterna di Genova | Via alla Lanterna | Lighthouse | Historic lighthouse with stunning views of the city and harbor |
| Piazza De Ferrari | City Center | Square | Beautifully designed square with stunning fountain and architecture |
Unique Experiences
- Take a guided tour of the historic center to discover hidden gems and learn about the city's rich history
- Visit the Fiera di Genova to experience the city's vibrant market scene and try local delicacies
- Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town to discover unique shops and restaurants
- Attend a performance at the Teatro Carlo Felice to experience the city's rich cultural scene
- Take a boat tour of the harbor to see the city from a different perspective
- Visit the Mercato Orientale to experience the sights and smells of the city's bustling market
Outdoor & Nature
- Parco Naturale Regionale dell'Antola for hiking and stunning views of the surrounding countryside
- Ligurian Coast for beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters
- Riviera di Levante for stunning coastal scenery and picturesque towns
- Parco di Villa Durazzo for beautiful gardens and stunning views of the city
- Monte di Portofino for hiking and stunning views of the surrounding area
- Bocche di Bonassola for beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters
Cultural Experiences
- Museo di Palazzo Rosso for an impressive collection of art and artifacts
- Galata Museo del Mare for interactive exhibits showcasing Genoa's maritime history
- Cathedral of San Lorenzo for stunning architecture and historic significance
- Teatro Carlo Felice for performances of opera, ballet, and classical music
- Museo d'Arte Orientale for a unique collection of Asian art and artifacts
- Basilica di San Siro for stunning architecture and historic significance
Hidden Gems
- Via San Bernardo for a charming street with unique shops and restaurants
- Piazza Campetto for a picturesque square with stunning architecture
- Museo delle Culture for a unique collection of art and artifacts from around the world
- Orto Botanico for a beautiful botanical garden with stunning views of the city
- Chiesa di San Donato for a charming church with stunning architecture and historic significance
Day Trips
- Portofino (35 km, 45 minutes) for a picturesque coastal town with stunning scenery and luxury shopping
- Cinque Terre (100 km, 2 hours) for a string of five coastal towns with stunning scenery and hiking trails
- Santa Margherita Ligure (30 km, 40 minutes) for a charming coastal town with stunning scenery and beautiful beaches
- Rapallo (25 km, 30 minutes) for a charming coastal town with stunning scenery and a beautiful castle
- Chiavari (40 km, 50 minutes) for a charming coastal town with stunning scenery and a beautiful beach
Planning Tips
Suggested itineraries: 3-day (highlights of the historic center and harbor), 7-day (comprehensive exploration of the city and surrounding area), 14-day (deep exploration of the city and surrounding region). Key tips for booking and prioritizing: book accommodations in the historic center for easy access to major attractions, prioritize visits to popular attractions like the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Galata Museo del Mare, and consider purchasing a Genova Card for discounts and free admission to many attractions.