19 Best Things To Do in Genoa, Italy

19. Shop and Stroll along Via XX Settembre

View of Via XX Settembre in Genoa, with the Monumental Bridge in the background. Image by Renahx – Own work, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Image source.

This grand boulevard serves up everything that makes this city tick: archways that frame the sky, mosaic sidewalks that tell stories, and shops that actually matter to locals. The Monumental Bridge overhead and the bold Palazzo della Vittoria make it clear you're in Italy's most underrated city.

This is where smart travelers base themselves. The area stays safe thanks to regular police presence, and the best places to stay in Genoa can be found around here. When night falls, the street doesn't shut down like some tourist trap. You'll see locals linger on the sidewalks, cafes stay buzzing, and the whole scene pulses with that distinctly Italian energy.

18. Discover Genoa's Culinary Scene at Mercato Orientale

Forget fancy food halls. Mercato Orientale is where Genoa actually eats. This indoor market on Via XX Settembre has been feeding the city since the 1900s, and it shows no signs of slowing down. You'll find stalls packed with Ligurian cheeses, fresh basil from the surrounding hills, and seafood that was swimming yesterday.

The MOG food hall adds a modern twist where you can sample everything from handmade pasta to regional wines right at the counter. This is one of those Genoa attractions that connects you directly to the city's food culture without the tourist markup.

17. Take a Boat to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso

San Fruttuoso Abbey ranks among the top day trips from Genoa, sitting in a secret cove where 8th-century monks first built their refuge on the Italian Riviera. 

This hidden Ligurian abbey expanded in the 10th century when monks needed better protection from Saracen raiders. The powerful Doria family of Genoa later turned it into their private mausoleum, creating those striking black-and-white marble tombs you'll find inside.

This unique attraction requires no roads to reach the abbey, making it one of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences near Genoa. You'll either take a scenic ferry from Camogli or Portofino, or hike through Portofino Regional Park trails that wind down to this hidden bay.

One option combines all three stops into a single day trip, detailed in the Genoa: Full-Day Tour to Camogli, San Fruttuoso & Portofino.

Once there, you can explore the Romanesque cloisters where monks once prayed, then walk straight onto the pebble beach for swimming in the crystal-clear Ligurian Sea.

Somewhere 56 feet (17 meters) below sits the famous bronze Christ of the Abyss statue, placed there in 1954 as a memorial for divers and now a must-see underwater attraction near Genoa.

16. Visit the Musei di Strada Nuova and the Grand Palazzi

Palazzo Bianco loggia, Musei di Strada Nuova, Genoa. Image by Michel Ravassard – This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO. Image source.

Lining the elegant 16th-century Via Garibaldi are three of Genoa’s most important palaces: Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Doria Tursi. Together, they form the Musei di Strada Nuova, a unified museum experience that weaves through centuries of art, architecture, and aristocratic legacy.

Palazzo Rosso houses works by Van Dyck and Dürer, along with rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of the old town. Palazzo Bianco focuses on Italian and European masters like Caravaggio and Veronese. And Palazzo Doria Tursi, now Genoa’s city hall, contains Paganini’s famed violin "Il Cannone," rare coins, and opulent salons that echo the city’s banking-era dominance.

One ticket gets you into all three, making it one of the most efficient and enriching cultural stops in Genoa. Visit in October and you might catch a rare live performance of "Il Cannone" during the Paganiniana Festival. 

For a deeper look into the art, stories, and hidden details of this UNESCO-listed street, the Genoa Like a Local: Customized Private Tour lets you tailor your walk with a knowledgeable guide.

15. Explore Santa Maria di Castello Church

Santa Maria di Castello’s Romanesque interior, Genoa. Image by Giovanni Dall'Orto – Own work. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Image source.

Santa Maria di Castello ranks among the best things to do in Genoa, tucked just off the main tourist track on Castello Hill. Dating back to before 900 AD, this Romanesque church stands on Genoa's first fortified site. The church, cloisters, and nearby Embriaci Tower offer a tranquil medieval atmosphere without crowds.

Inside the church complex, beautiful frescoes and artwork by Genoese masters await discovery. Look for the Annunciation fresco from 1451 by Giusto d'Alemagna in the loggia, and the marble Assumption by Domenico Parodi on the high altar.

The convent museum contains manuscripts, icons, and archaeological artifacts, all free to visit. The peaceful atmosphere and artistic richness make this spot a memorable highlight during city breaks in Genoa.

Santa Maria di Castello is also featured in the well-regarded Discover the Secrets of Genoa with a Storyteller walking tour, where local guides connect its sacred art and architecture with the layered history of the old town. 

14. Walk Through Porta Soprana, Genoa's Medieval City Gate

Porta Soprana, Genoa’s medieval city gate. By Graziella Taibi – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Image source.

Porta Soprana is one of the most recognizable symbols of old Genoa. Built in 1155, its twin towers and stone arch once guarded the entrance to the city during a time of conflict with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Today, it stands as a strong reminder of Genoa’s medieval roots.

Walking through the gate feels like stepping back in time. Latin words are still carved above the arch, once used to greet friends and warn enemies. Just nearby, you’ll also find Columbus’ House and a quiet stone cloister, perfect for a short, reflective stop.

Some walking food tours, like the Itinerant Dinner in the Old Town, begin near Porta Soprana and combine local history with traditional Ligurian dishes. It’s a relaxed way to experience the city’s past while enjoying what Genoa does best: food and stories.

13. Discover Christopher Columbus' Home (Casa di Colombo)

Reconstructed Casa di Cristoforo Colombo, Genoa. Image by Enric – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Image source.

Casa di Colombo sits just outside Porta Soprana, marking where Columbus lived with his family between 1455 and 1470. This overlooked stop adds depth to your things to do in Genoa and connects you directly to Columbus's youth.

The building represents an 18th-century reconstruction over original medieval home ruins, blending authenticity with atmosphere. A visit lasts around 15 to 30 minutes, as you walk through Domenico Columbus's former wool workshop and modest upstairs living quarters.

To enrich your visit, consider the Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Tour. This well-rated, 2-hour stroll through the historic center takes you past Casa di Colombo and mixes in literary tales of Columbus with stops for Ligurian snacks and regional wine tastings. 

12. Experience History at Genoa Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo)

Striking black-and-white stripes mark Genoa's main cathedral, built between 1098 and 1312, creating a stunning gateway to medieval city life. The facade showcases Romanesque and Gothic craftsmanship, with twin lions guarding the entrance.

Inside, discover the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, holding his relics and frescoes by Luca Cambiaso and Lazzaro Tavarone. A WWII bomb from 1941 remains in the right aisle, providing powerful testimony to the cathedral's survival through the centuries.

The Treasure Museum below is set in old stone crypts and holds the famous green glass Sacro Catino, once thought to be the Holy Grail. You’ll also find ancient reliquaries and silver from the time of the Crusades. The cathedral itself is a mix of art, architecture, and centuries of history, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Genoa.

The Miracles of Genova Walking Tour includes a stop at the cathedral along with other historic landmarks in the old town. It’s structured around Genoa’s religious lore and symbolic architecture, providing a focused look at sites tied to the city’s faith and endurance.

11. Marvel at the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

Santissima Annunziata del Vastato, Genoa. Image by Betti1955 – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Image source.

Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato commands attention immediately on Piazza della Nunziata. The white neoclassical facade from the 1800s frames something extraordinary inside: gold-covered chapels, colorful ceiling paintings, and marble columns that create a jewelry box effect. 

Montesquieu, the 18th-century French philosopher and political thinker, called it Genoa's most beautiful church. Dickens, notorious for harsh critiques, praised its sparkling interior.

Built on open land outside medieval city walls (vastato means "cleared"), wealthy Genoese families competed to fill chapels with brilliant colors and artwork. You'll see paintings by Ansaldo and Piola, plus Procaccini's massive Last Supper. Despite war damage and repairs, the church radiates life and color.

For a guided experience that includes the Basilica and more, check out this Genoa walking tour with the Basilica stop.

10. Attend Cultural Events at Palazzo Ducale

Once home to Genoa’s Doges (the elected rulers of the former Genoese Republic), Palazzo Ducale is now the city’s main stage for art, music, and public life. Built in 1298, it hosts everything from major exhibitions to courtyard concerts. 

Recent highlights include Painting the Invisible by Giorgio Griffa (through July 13, 2025), the World Press Photo showcase (until June 24, 2025), and an upcoming Moby Dick exhibit in fall 2025. Add in jazz nights, indie film screenings, and talks with local artists, and you’ll see why this is more than just a pretty building.

If you’d rather taste culture while walking through it, the Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Tour brings you right to Palazzo Ducale, then pairs it with Ligurian bites and regional wines. It’s a flavorful way to connect Genoa’s past with what’s on your plate.

9. Enjoy Stunning Views at Spianata Castelletto

Spianata Castelletto, officially Belvedere Luigi Montaldo, offers breathtaking 360° views of Genoa's old town, harbor, and the Mediterranean beyond. Once a medieval fortress site until the 19th century, it now serves as the city's premier scenic overlook. 

The Art Nouveau Ascensore di Castelletto Levante (a public elevator) rises 187 feet (57 meters) from Piazza Portello to the terrace. Residents ride free with a valid ID while visitors pay around 1 EUR.

Once you arrive, benches, leafy shade, and scattered cafes await, perfect for lingering. Start early or stay until dusk to catch the soft morning glow or watch city lights illuminate below.

If you're after a comprehensive overview of the city and its history, the Genoa Guided Walking Tour with Panoramic Lift & Focaccia Tasting includes a stop here. It’s a well-rated, 2-hour experience where you walk through the caruggi (historic alleyways), sample focaccia, ride the lift, and unwind at the terrace.

8. Visit La Lanterna, Genoa's Iconic Lighthouse

La Lanterna lighthouse at sunset, Genoa. Image by Gianni Careddu – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Image source.

La Lanterna has guided Genoa’s ships for nearly 900 years, and it still dominates the skyline today. Originally built in 1128 and rebuilt in 1543, the lighthouse stands 77 meters tall and offers sweeping views over the city and harbor.

A small museum at its base walks you through Genoa’s maritime legacy, while 172 steps take you partway up the tower for a panoramic reward.

You can reach it via a pedestrian path from the port, or include it in a wider itinerary beyond Genoa. Some vacations, like the 11-day eastbound road trip starting in Genoa, feature La Lanterna as a point of interest for exploring Liguria’s coast and hill towns, tying history, scenery, and slow travel into one thoughtful route.

7. Dive into Maritime History at Galata Museo del Mare

Control room of the Nazario Sauro submarine, Genoa. Image by AlfromLig – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Image source.

Galata Museo del Mare serves as Genoa's maritime memory bank, bringing Italy's gateway to the sea to life. The museum spans four floors packed with immersive exhibits, authentic ship models, and interactive multimedia tracing Genoa's maritime legacy from ancient galleys to migration voyages.

The standout experience: the Nazario Sauro submarine, Italy's only submarine you can visit, complete with engine rooms, sonar, bunks, and simulated crew audio for an authentic on-mission atmosphere.

You'll also explore a full-scale 17th-century galley, the brigantine Anna from the Age of Sail, and a steamship deck revealing life for emigrants and fishermen.

If you want to continue exploring after the museum, there's a 2-hour private historical tour in Genoa that starts right at the museum and then heads into the historic center. It's a convenient way to see more of the city if you're already there.

6. Explore the Charming Village of Boccadasse

Boccadasse remains a postcard-perfect fishing village that feels lived-in and authentic. Pastel houses line a small pebble beach, fishing boats rest on shore, and sea breezes carry scents of salt and focaccia. It represents a quiet, deeply local place, perfect when you want Genoa's slower, more peaceful side.

You'll find Boccadasse at Corso Italia's eastern end, Genoa's scenic waterfront promenade. The walk spans 1.55 miles (2.5 km) from Genoa's Foce district, with sea views throughout. 

You can also take Bus 31 or 42 from Brignole Station or Via Dante, stopping near the village. If you prefer a guided option, the Private Genoa and Boccadasse Tour with Focaccia and Pesto Tasting covers both the historic center and the seaside village as part of the itinerary.

Once there, enjoy gelato from Antica Gelateria Amedeo, a local institution that has been serving traditional Italian ice cream for over 100 years. Then, visit the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, built by local fishermen in the 1700s.

From there, climb the nearby stairs to Belvedere Firpo for sweeping Ligurian coast views. Sunset is the best time to visit, when the sky glows and the village radiates warm, golden light.

5. Spend a Day at Porto Antico (Old Port)

Porto Antico represents Genoa's most successful transformations. Once a neglected industrial harbor, architect Renzo Piano reimagined it into a cultural and recreational waterfront honoring the city's maritime soul. Today, it's a popular gathering place filled with museums, modern landmarks, open plazas, and Ligurian horizon sea views.

Visits often begin at the Aquarium of Genoa, a major attraction located right on the harbor. Nearby, you’ll find the Biosphere, a floating glass dome filled with tropical plants and birds. Just next to it is the Bigo panoramic lift, a crane-inspired observation deck offering sweeping views of the port and rooftops.

Porto Antico is an ideal anchor point for a short city break or a relaxed weekend getaway, offering a mix of culture, family-friendly activities, and sea air just steps from the historic center.

4. Wander Along UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi

Elegant Via Garibaldi in Genoa, lined with Renaissance palaces. Salita alla Spianata di Castelletto (Genova) by Superchilum via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY‑SA 4.0.

If Genoa has a crown jewel, it's Via Garibaldi. Just 820 feet (250 meters) long, this elegant Renaissance street delivers more artistic and architectural impact per step than almost anywhere in Europe. 

Once called Strada Nuova, it was built in the 16th century to showcase the city's powerful aristocracy at the height of Genoa's banking empire. What emerged was early urban planning brilliance, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still one of the city's most breathtaking walks.

Highlights include Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Tursi. These are historic residences that today house some of Genoa’s most important art collections. Via Garibaldi is included in the Customized Private Tour of Genoa, with the flexibility to explore deeper into the city depending on your schedule and interests.

3. People-Watch at Piazza De Ferrari

Piazza De Ferrari serves as Genoa's main square and one of the best places to sit, pause, and watch the city in motion. At the center, a large bronze fountain flows constantly, always surrounded by people.

Locals meet here, kids play, tourists take photos, and street musicians often perform nearby. It's a lively, open space where you see everyday life mixing.

Weekday afternoons are ideal, busy but not overwhelming. The square is also included in the Do Eat Better Experience food tour in Genoa, making it an easy spot to take in the scene between tasting stops.

2. Discover Marine Life at the Aquarium of Genoa

Dolphins at the Aquarium of Genoa. Image by Kent Wang from Barcelona, Spain – Aquarium of Genoa. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image source.

The Aquarium of Genoa stands as Italy's largest and one of Europe's top aquariums. Located on the Porto Antico waterfront, it features over 70 tanks and enclosures filled with more than 12,000 animals from over 400 species, including dolphins, sharks, penguins, manatees, jellyfish, and tropical fish. 

Designed by Renzo Piano for the 1992 Expo and continually updated, the space guides you from local Mediterranean ecosystems to tropical lagoons and deep-sea environments.

You can visit on your own with a standard Aquarium of Genoa entry ticket, or choose the Aquarium of Genoa ticket with lunch if you want to include a meal at the on-site bistro.

1. Explore Genoa's Historic Centro Storico

Towers and rooftops of Genoa’s Centro Storico. Image by Twice25 & Rinina25 – Licensed under CC BY 2.5. Image source.

You can't skip the Centro Storico. This massive maze of narrow alleyways (caruggi) winds through old buildings, small squares, and local workshops. It's packed with history but also pulses with life. Gothic arches, painted buildings, and warm focaccia aromas make you feel like you've entered the real Genoa.

Start at Piazza San Matteo, with its striped church and old Doria tower. Walk to Piazza Banchi, where vendors sell fresh fish in the mornings, and people gather for coffee later in the day.

Visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, featuring its famous black-and-white facade. These places provide guidance, but the best part involves getting slightly lost and discovering quiet corners, hidden gardens, and painted ceilings nobody mentioned.

If you'd rather cover more ground without walking the entire route, the Rickshaw Tour in Genova offers a quick ride through the historic center, winding through many of the same alleys and landmarks.

What To Do in Genoa: Popular Experiences

Genoa offers a wide range of experiences, and the best way to explore the city is by combining a few different types of tours. For easy access to major sights, entry tickets to Genoa's attractions (like the Aquarium of Genoa) let you explore landmarks at your own pace. 

If you're hungry to understand the culture, food tours, and cooking classes in Genoa deliver immersive experiences, from street eats to hands-on pesto-making.

Tours by vehicle in Genoa, like Segway tours, rickshaw rides, and bike tours, offer a fun, low-effort way to navigate the city’s maze-like streets while still covering a lot of ground.

For a change of scenery, boat and sailing tours in Genoa head out from the harbor toward Portofino or Cinque Terre, giving you a front-row view of the Ligurian coast. 

You can also join walking tours or historical tours in Genoa for local insights into the city’s past. Each category reveals a different side of the city, and together, they make your visit unforgettable.

Plan Less, Experience More in Genoa

Genoa rewards those who wander, but it also rewards those who prepare.

This guide highlights just a slice of what the city offers. To go deeper, use the top attractions in Genoa as a starting point for must-see landmarks and local favorites.

The Genoa travel guide breaks down neighborhoods, museums, events, and transportation options. For seasonal tips, the guide on when to visit Italy helps you choose the right time for your trip.

When you're ready to start organizing the details, hotels in Genoa offer a wide range of stays, from harborfront views to tucked-away historic rooms. Tours and tickets in Genoa include entry to popular landmarks, guided walks, and cultural experiences you can book in advance. 

Genoa travel packages with itineraries can simplify the process of combining accommodations, transport, and activities into one plan.

Genoa doesn’t ask you to plan every detail, but it does reward those who arrive ready. Give yourself the structure to move confidently, the flexibility to follow your curiosity, and the space to take it all in. Start exploring now!