Galata Maritime Museum hotels in Porto Antico, Italy

Stay near Galata Maritime Museum

One of Genoa's most popular attractions, the Galata Maritime Museum chronicles the history of seafaring in a city that was once a maritime superpower. Located in Genoa's revamped old port area, the Galata Museum del Mare is the Mediterranean's largest sea museum, opened in 2004 as part of the Genoa European Capital of Culture celebrations.

Make the most of your visit by staying near the Galata Maritime Museum and the Porto Antico, where there are plenty of entertainment and dining venues to discover. From chic boutique accommodation and luxury hotels to family-friendly apartments and historic places to stay, there's a huge range of options just steps away from Galata Maritime Museum.

Visiting Galata Maritime Museum

Based in the oldest-surviving building of the former Republic of Genoa's dockyard, the family-friendly Galata Maritime Museum has exhibition space spread across four floors.

When you visit Galata Maritime Museum, you’ll see more than 6,000 original artefacts, nautical instruments, nautical charts, weapons, paintings, atlases and more. Chock-full of interactive exhibits, highlights include a life-size reconstruction of a 17th-century galley ship, brought to life by spectacular sound and light effects.

Galata Maritime Museum even has a real submarine, moored in the port. Get your hard hat on to explore the S518 Nazurio Sauro and experience the reality of life on board the underwater vessel.

Venture to the ground floor to see the exhibition dedicated to the Genoa-born navigator Christopher Columbus, who famously discovered America. In this section, you'll find his portrait and his Book of Privileges, in which the explorer details all of the favours he believed were owed to him.

The second floor is crammed full of old maps and globes, while the third floor explores Italian emigration in the 20th century. And for a grand finale, climb up to the rooftop terrace, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Genoa's port and old town.

Book a hotel near the Galata Maritime Museum to be within walking distance of the old port and the Medieval old town, abuzz with locals, pavement cafes, restaurants and shops.