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A stone’s throw from the French Riviera, the Italian city of Genoa gives a nice taste of the Dolce Vita so dear to the country. It is also a place steeped in history, due to its strategic position in Mediterranean trade. Often neglected for the Tuscan cities of Florence or Siena, Genoa is nevertheless a popular place for passing visitors. The Ligurian capital, with its palaces and gigantic aquarium, has something to charm everyone, we promise. Here are our eight essential things to do in Genoa for a weekend trip.
🗻 What about a trip to the lake? If you are in northern Italy, take a trip to Lake Como. In this video, we will give you some anecdotes about the place.
🗒️ What you need to know before your trip to Genoa
Before we start our list of must-do things in Genoa, here are some tips for your next getaway.
Is Genoa (really) worth it?
We wouldn’t have written an article otherwise… Jokes aside, yes, it’s worth stopping in Genoa, especially when you go to the famous Cinque Terre. Between the aquarium of incredible dimensions in via Garibaldi, the port, and the house of Christopher Columbus, there is no shortage of attractions. Hotels are also more affordable than going down the coast (read below). We advise you dedicate at least one day to it.
When should you go to Genoa?
It just depends on whether you plan to swim or not. If so, the months of July and August, when the Mediterranean is the hottest, are ideal. But there will also be more tourists, especially in the Cinque Terre. If putting on the swimsuit is not your priority, opt for the months of April to June, or even the beginning of autumn.
Which hotel should you choose in Genoa?
There are a substantial number of hotels on offer in Genoa, particularly because of the tourist attraction of the Cinque Terre, further south. But not all establishments are created equal. Some have a nice swimming pool while others are really small, wedged between buildings in the city centre. To be sure you don’t pick wrong, read our selection of hotels in Genoa by the sea, and the most beautiful hotels with swimming pool in Cinque Terre.
🔝 The 8 essential things to do in Genoa
Let’s get to the heart of the matter, the heart of your stay. Without further ado, here is our selection of unmissable things to do in Genoa.
Stroll down the via Garibaldi
If you need to breathe in the atmosphere of the city of Genoa, Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be a good introduction. Afterwards, you are sure to like opulence. But how can you remain unmoved by the juxtaposition of palaces and sumptuous residences that have grown on the edges of the road since the 16th century? Stop at Palazzo Tursi, at number 9, whose masterful decor encloses the Strada Nuova Museum (from the old name of the street). Moreover, via Garibaldi offers a real cultural journey punctuated by three museums housed in three palaces: the Palazzo Rosso, the Palazzo Bianco, and the Palazzo Doria Tursi.
Rise above the Porto Antico
It is impossible to claim to have visited the city of Genoa without having passed through its port. Why? First, because it was the first in Italy. Then, because it has a special place in the history of commercial communications in the Mediterranean. This port also has two parts. There is the modern area to the west, overlooked by contemporary buildings and opened by the Genoa lighthouse. To the east you will find the Old Port, or Porto Antico. This square, open to the sea, was designed by the architect Renzo Piano (the same who renovated Valletta, Malta, which we talk about here).
The artist is also behind the Bigo, a structure of panoramic nacelles that allow you to admire the port from all angles.
Marvel at the largest aquarium in Europe
Among the essential things to see in Genoa, especially if you go to the port, is the city’s aquarium. This is located in Porto Antico and is the largest aquarium in Italy (and in Europe). Imagine: in 27,000 meters square live nearly 15,000 animals of 600 species and 200 plant species. Almost all marine fauna is represented there, including sharks. Nearby, you can’t miss the Biosphere, a ball of glass and steel that encloses an entire natural ecosystem.
Explore the home of Christopher Columbus
If you did your history homework at school, you already know that Christopher Columbus, the famous explorer who discovered America, was born in Genoa. Even today, it is possible to visit his birthplace. Well, that’s not so clear. What is interesting is that the navigator’s father, a wool carder, lived in this area of Piazza Dante. To visit this very small house (just two rooms!), you will have to pay a few euros. It’s up to you, the experiences are shared. You can also opt for an outside tour. Especially since not far from the house of Christophe Columbus, there are other historical sites such as the Church of San Andrea and the Soprana gate.
Shopping on via XX Settembre
Similar to via Garibaldi, this street is one of the must-see places in Genoa. Circulating under the arcades to the sound of the musicians is a pleasure of the simplest type. Above all, found on via XX Settembre (Street of September 20) in addition to beautiful facades there are the major shopping brands in the city. This includes brands with international influence: Italian fashion has taken up residence there.
Go on a trip to Boccadasse
A small, quiet fishing port with its feet in the water – the perfect opportunity to get away from the effervescence of the city centre. This is what we offer you with Boccadasse, a very picturesque district of Genoa, although a bit out of the way. Built in the Middle Ages, it is located to the east of the city, following the Corso Italia. With its pastel-coloured houses, it will actually give you a taste of the Cinque Terre, located further south. Take a trip to the church of Sant-Antonio di Boccadasse for a stunning view of the town, or to the abbey of San Giuliano, built in the 13th century.
Travel (in time) to the Palazzo Ducale
Here is another unmissable place in Genoa: the Palazzo Ducale (the ducal palace). This was the residence of the Doge from 1339 to 1797. Part of the medieval building, the Fieschi palace, is still visible on the site of the Grimaldina (the Tower of the People), under which the prison of the time still exist. Today, the Palazzo Ducale is a cultural centre appreciated by Genoese and tourists alike, and many exhibitions are held there throughout the year.
Learn (quickly) at the University of Genoa
In Italy, you can visit the university as you would a museum, and these can be real architectural gems, shaped by history, especially in the north of the country (just take a look at the University of Bologna…) That of Genoa is not very modern either: it was founded in 1481. Nearly 40,000 young people study there, but if you go, you can admire the Palazzo dell ‘Università, a former Jesuit college that has become the heart of knowledge in the city.
We hope that our must-see places in Genoa have inspired you. But there are many others. So, feel free to share your ideas and experiences in the comments!
