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🇮🇹 Italy · Places to discover

What to see in Genoa ?

24 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.

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Genoa resists mass tourism with an almost provocative indifference. Its caruggi-medieval alleyways that burrow between abandoned Renaissance palaces-form a labyrinth where the city lives for itself, not its visitors. The Palazzo dei Rolli, a network of aristocratic mansions inscribed on the UNESCO list, reminds you that this city was one of Europe's financial powers for three centuries.

Two to three days are enough to grasp the essentials, ideally in April–May or September, before the heat makes the caruggi suffocating. The train from Milan or Turin takes under two hours and remains the simplest option. Avoid confining your stay to the revamped old port designed by Renzo Piano: the Acquarium and its surroundings are manageable, but it's the upper city-where residents actually live-that truly deserves your time.

Landmarks & heritage (9)

Palazzo Spinola di PellicceriaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria

Landmark

An overlooked national gallery set within an authentically furnished 17th-century patrician palace. Unlike other museums, the artworks remain in their original context, creating a uniquely atmospheric experience.
Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation of VastatoWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation of Vastato

Landmark

An often-overlooked 16th-century baroque basilica with an interior laden with gold and frescoes that is utterly breathtaking. Locals simply call it 'l'Annunziata'.
Lanterna di GenovaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Lanterna di Genova

Landmark

Genoa's historic lighthouse, the city's symbol since the 12th century and among Europe's oldest and tallest at 77 metres. You can visit and climb to the top for panoramic views across the harbour.
Palazzo RossoWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Palazzo Rosso

Landmark

A baroque masterpiece of the 17th century housing a remarkable collection featuring Van Dyck, Dürer and Veronese. The state apartments with their painted ceilings offer a journey into Genoese splendour.
Strada Nuova - Via GaribaldiWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Strada Nuova - Via Garibaldi

Landmark

One of Europe's best-preserved Renaissance streets, UNESCO-listed, lined with patrician palaces including Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco. The frescoes and art collections are breathtaking.
Castello D'AlbertisWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Castello D'Albertis

Landmark

A neo-Gothic castle perched on the Montegalletto hillside, built by Captain D'Albertis who furnished it with objects from across the globe during his voyages. The views over the port and city are breathtaking.
Palazzo DucaleWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Palazzo Ducale

Landmark

The former seat of the Genoese Republic's power, now the city's principal cultural hub. Its temporary exhibitions rank among northern Italy's finest.
Staglieno Monumental CemeteryWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Staglieno Monumental Cemetery

Landmark

One of Europe's most spectacular cemeteries, a veritable open-air sculpture museum featuring neoclassical and symbolist works from the 19th century. Oscar Wilde called it the most beautiful in the world.
Cathedral of San LorenzoWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Cathedral of San Lorenzo

Landmark

The 12th-century Gothic-Romanesque cathedral at the historic centre's heart, distinguished by its bicoloured façade in black and white marble. The treasury contains the Sacro Catino, a green glass cup long believed to be the Holy Grail.

Nature & parks (4)

Parco delle MuraWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Parco delle Mura

Nature

A network of trails following the 17th-century fortifications on Genoa's heights, with forts, bastions and 360-degree panoramas across the sea and the Apennines. Seldom crowded, it's ideal for urban walking.
Nervi ParkWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Nervi Park

Nature

Nine-hectare botanical park on the seafront in the Nervi neighbourhood, featuring rare roses, century-old palms and direct vistas of the Ligurian cliffs. Come June, it becomes a rose lover's paradise.
Spianata dell'AcquasolaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Spianata dell'Acquasola

Nature

A public garden positioned on a natural terrace with unobstructed views across the old town's rooftops and the sea. A local gathering spot far removed from the tourist trail.
Anita Garibaldi Promenade at NerviWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Anita Garibaldi Promenade at Nervi

Nature

Two-kilometre seafront walk carved into the rock above the sea at Nervi, with spectacular views of cliffs and coves. Among the finest coastal promenades in Liguria, refreshingly free from crowds.

Viewpoints (3)

Martini Terrace - CastellettoWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Martini Terrace - Castelletto

Viewpoint

Viewpoint accessible by lift from Largo Zecca, offering breathtaking plunging views over rooftops and the port. Free admission, popular with students at sunset.
Righi - Panoramic ViewpointWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Righi - Panoramic Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Summit accessible by funicular from Largo della Zecca, commanding exceptional views across the Gulf of Genoa and the caruggi alleyways. Locals climb here on Sundays to breathe in the air and survey the sea from above.
Porto Antico - BigoWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Porto Antico - Bigo

Viewpoint

Historic port reimagined by Renzo Piano with the Bigo, a crane-shaped panoramic lift delivering 360-degree views across the city and sea. The waterfront buzzes in the evening with terraces and events.

Activities (5)

Funicolare Zecca-RighiWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Funicolare Zecca-Righi

Activity

A historic funicular railway connecting the city centre to the heights of Righi since 1895, passing through working-class districts few tourists see. The journey itself offers a window into daily Genoese life.
Mercato Orientale di GenovaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Mercato Orientale di Genova

Activity

Genoa's grand covered market housed in an 18th-century cloister, brimming with stalls of fresh pesto, focaccia, tripe and Ligurian herbs. The ideal place to grasp Genoese cuisine in an hour.
Museo di Arte Orientale Edoardo ChiossoneWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Museo di Arte Orientale Edoardo Chiossone

Activity

An exceptional collection of Japanese and Asian art bequeathed by a Genoese engraver employed in Japan during the 19th century. Among Europe's most important museums of Oriental art, it remains surprisingly little-visited.
Galata Museum of the SeaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Galata Museum of the Sea

Activity

The Mediterranean's largest maritime museum, housed in a 17th-century warehouse at the Old Harbour. You can board the Nazario Sauro, a Cold War-era submarine.
Aquarium of GenoaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Aquarium of Genoa

Activity

One of Europe's largest aquariums featuring shark tanks, manta rays and dolphins. Designed by Renzo Piano for Expo 1992, it remains an essential attraction for locals bringing children.

Beaches (1)

Spiaggia di NerviWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Spiaggia di Nervi

Beach

A small shingle beach nestled at the foot of Nervi's cliffs, with remarkably clean water. The surrounding neighbourhood, graced with Art Nouveau villas, creates an elegant and peaceful setting far from the city centre.

More to discover (2)

BoccadasseWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Boccadasse

Place

A tiny fishing village tucked within the city, with colourful boats beached on the sand and pastel-hued houses. The gelato from the local gelateria and the sunset views are well worth the journey.
Caruggi - Medieval Old TownWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Caruggi - Medieval Old Town

Place

Europe's densest labyrinth of medieval alleyways, UNESCO-listed. Wandering these vicoli past focaccia stalls, boutiques and crumbling yet magnificent palaces is the quintessential Genoese experience.
What to see in Genoa - Italy? 24 places · Hozy