Genoa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The Bigo Lift
Genoa
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
La casa di Cristoforo Colombo
Royal Palace

With its atmospheric historic centre and revamped harbour, the port town of Genoa is the perfect destination if you’re looking for an authentic slice of real Italy.

Renowned for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is in the Liguria holiday region of Italy's northwest coast, known as the Italian Riviera.

Get lost in the winding backstreets of Genoa's UNESCO-listed historic centre, one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Soak up the history while strolling through the cobbled alleyways and handsome piazzas dotted with pavement cafes, antique shops, taverns and restaurants.

Art lovers should take a stroll down grand boulevard, Via Garibaldi, where you'll find a trio of opulent palaces loaded with paintings by old masters, including Caravaggio and Van Dyck.

Popular with families on holiday is the Porto Antico, a vibrant old port alive with restaurants, shops, art galleries and museums. After being in a state of decay for years, the port was given a makeover in 1992 by Genoa-born architect Renzo Piano, who designed The Shard in London.

The port's star attraction is the Aquarium of Genoa, where you can see dolphins, sharks, penguins and more. Learn more about Genoa's seafaring history and Columbus at the Galata Maritime Museum, home to a real submarine and plenty of interactive exhibits.

During your holiday in Genoa, enjoy views of the city from the Bigo Lift, a panoramic elevator in the old port. The rotating cabin of this former crane offers 360-degree views from high above the ground. Alternatively, take a ride up to Spianata Castelletto in an Art Nouveau lift at Piazza del Portello for sweeping views of the old town's lavish villas and Baroque domes.

Whatever your holiday budget, you're guaranteed to eat well in Genoa. The city's most famous street food is focaccia deliciously topped with cheese, onions or olives, and you can pick it up in one of the old town's many bakeries. You’ll also have a considerable choice of fine-dining restaurants in the historic centre and near the harbour.

Genoa is also a great base for a holiday exploring the nearby village treasures of the Cinque Terre and the luxury resort of Portofino, a haven for film stars and jet-setters.

Where to stay in Genoa

Via Garibaldi

Genoa Historical Centre

4.5/5(72 area reviews)

Genoa Historical Centre is popular for its waterfront views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Cattedrale di San Lorenzo or Palazzo Ducale.

Genoa Historical Centre
Genoa

Centro Est

Centro Est is a destination visitors seek out for its great bars, popular aquarium and captivating waterfront views. You might also want to check out attractions like Spianata Castelletto or Christopher Columbus Monument while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Centro Est
Default Image

Nervi

5/5(4 area reviews)

Unique features of Nervi include the seaside views and gardens. Make a stop by Parchi di Nervi or Port of Nervi while you're exploring the area.

Nervi
Default Image

Levante

Unique features of Levante include the seaside views and gardens. Make a stop by Port of Nervi or Parchi di Nervi while you're exploring the area.

Levante
Default Image

Centro Ovest

Unique features of Centro Ovest include the waterfront views and historical sites. Make a stop by Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal or La Lanterna while you're exploring the area.

Centro Ovest

Ponente

Ponente is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Terme di Genova and Beigua Regional Nature Park.

Ponente
Starhotels President

Starhotels President

4 out of 5
Corte Dei Lambruschini 4, Genoa, GE
The price is £124 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£124
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (965 reviews)
"Nice clean rooms, very close to everything that we needed."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Starhotels President
Tower Genova Airport Hotel & Conference Center

Tower Genova Airport Hotel & Conference Center

4 out of 5
Via Pionieri ed Aviatori d'Italia 44, Genoa, GE
The price is £93 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£93
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The rooms were wonderful. The staff was quite nice and made us feel welcome. The hotel itself felt safe. It was a bit tricky to drive to get in, as we passed it and that leads into the airport. A nice man helped us back up the one way to be in front of the hotel. There is a gate you need to take ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Tower Genova Airport Hotel & Conference Center
Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

4 out of 5
Piazza Brignole, 4, Genoa, GE
The price is £129 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
£129
8 Aug - 9 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star property in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (368 reviews)
"A clean and upscale hotel with very helpful staff! Great location near the train station, and an easy walk into the city center. We enjoyed our stay here and would return."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Hotel Astoria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy

Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy

Via S. Luca 4, Genoa, GE
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and Old Port are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (27 reviews)
Clean, central apartments
"Apartment was really clean, quiet and perfect for a couple of days in Genoa. The area is a little sketchy, especially at night, I wouldn't recommend staying here if you are going to be out very late at night or if you have children with you."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Atelier Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Happy Family Apartments Luna

Happy Family Apartments Luna

Salita San Nicolosio 1, int. 2G, Genoa, GE
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, pillowtop beds and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and Old Port ...
"Happy Apartments Luna is comfortable, well-furnished and well-equipped and in a very convenient location in Genoa. It's not far from the main railway station (walking distance, or 3-4 short bus stops if you have luggage). It's close to bus stops for several useful routes, and there are 2 funiculars ..."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2024

Happy Family Apartments Luna
Family Apartments San Lorenzo

Family Apartments San Lorenzo

Largo Sanguineti 11, Genoa, GE
Stay at this apartment in Genoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, bathrobes and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Port of Genoa Cruise Ship Terminal and Old Port are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (23 reviews)
"Excellent location and responsive and organized hosts! Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Family Apartments San Lorenzo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Genoa