15 Best Things to Do in Genoa: Local Tips & Hidden Gems

1. Explore Genoa’s historic center

If you’re visiting Genoa for the first time, start with the historic center. Locals will often tell you it’s the largest in Europe. While other cities dispute that claim, Genoa’s Centro Storico is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most densely populated medieval old towns in Europe.

Piazza De Ferrari is the main square in Genoa and home to the city’s famous fountain, Palazzo Ducale, and Teatro Carlo Felice. Even after living nearby for years, it’s still one of my favorite spots in the city.

From the square, take some time to walk along Via XX Settembre. It’s Genoa’s main shopping street, lined with beautiful buildings, porticoes, cafés, and shops.

As you explore the old town, don’t miss Piazza Banchi, once one of the financial centers of the Republic of Genoa, where merchants and money changers conducted business.

But the real magic of Genoa is found in the caruggi. These narrow alleyways have inspired generations of artists, including Genoa’s most famous singer-songwriter, Fabrizio De André.

Make sure you visit Via Garibaldi. It’s one of the most impressive streets in Genoa, lined with grand palaces built during the height of the Republic of Genoa. If you’re interested in the city’s history and architecture, this is one of the highlights of the historic center.

If you have time to wander beyond the main tourist routes, head up to the Carmine neighborhood. It’s one of the quieter parts of Genoa, known for its colorful streets, local atmosphere, small squares, and independent cafés and restaurants.

Extra tip! The caruggi are generally safe to explore during the day, but some areas can feel quite different after dark. If you’re unfamiliar with the city, it’s best to stick to the busier streets in the evening and avoid wandering too far off the main routes alone.

2. Discover the secrets of the Rolli Palaces

One of the things I love most about Genoa is the Rolli Palaces, a collection of grand residences built during the Republic of Genoa’s golden age.

The Rolli system was a list of palaces used to host visiting dignitaries and important guests. Today, there are 42 official Rolli Palaces, many of which are part of Genoa’s UNESCO World Heritage site. 

You’ll find many of the most famous palaces along Via Garibaldi, often considered the most beautiful street in Genoa. If you only have time for a few, I recommend Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Tursi. 

Another palace worth visiting is Palazzo Reale on Via Balbi. This 17th-century residence is one of my personal favorites, thanks to its lavish interiors, original furnishings, and beautifully preserved rooms.

Villa del Principe (Palazzo di Andrea Doria) isn’t technically part of the Rolli Palaces, but it’s closely connected to the same aristocratic history and well worth a visit. A stunning Renaissance residence with gardens, and noticeably quieter than the central palaces.

3. Visit the most beautiful churches in Genoa

Like most cities in Italy, Genoa has an incredible religious heritage waiting to be discovered. It would be impossible to list all the beautiful churches in the city, so here are a few that I think are worth visiting. 

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is the most important church in Genoa. Dating back to the 11th century, it stands out thanks to its black-and-white striped façade, a feature you’ll notice throughout the city.

Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato is probably my favourite church in Genoa. The Baroque interior is covered in gold details, frescoes, and decorations that are hard to believe until you see them in person.

Chiesa del Gesù e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea offers a similar experience. The stuccos, paintings, and gilded details are incredible, and the church is also home to works by Rubens.

Another church worth visiting is Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta in Carignano, a monumental 16th-century church designed by Galeazzo Alessi. If you’re willing to climb to the dome, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views over Genoa.

For something a little simpler, visit Chiesa di Santa Maria di Castello. Its Romanesque architecture and collection of artworks make it one of the most historically important churches in the city.

Finally, don’t miss the Abbey of Santo Stefano. Overlooking Via XX Settembre, this historic church combines Genoa’s characteristic black-and-white striped architecture with one of the most scenic locations in the city.

4. Visit the House of Christopher Columbus near Porta Soprana

Near Porta Soprana, the medieval gate that once marked the entrance to Genoa, you’ll find the House of Christopher Columbus. 

While the building you see today is a reconstruction following damage caused by the French army, it still offers an interesting insight into the early life of the city’s most famous explorer.

The visit itself is fairly short and is best combined with other attractions in the area, but it’s worth stopping by if you’d like to learn more about Columbus and his connection to Genoa.

Before you leave, take a look at the nearby ruins of the Cloister of Sant’Andrea. These arches are all that remain of the former Monastery of Sant’Andrea and are among the oldest surviving structures in this part of the city.

5. Enjoy the most beautiful viewpoints in Genoa

Genoa is a very vertical city, so great views come with the territory. You’ll find plenty of viewpoints simply by walking around, but a few are worth seeking out.

For the classic view over Genoa, head to Spianata Castelletto. From here, you can look out over the sea of slate rooftops, church domes, and the Old Port. Villetta Di Negro offers a completely different perspective and is often much quieter.

Belvedere Gerolamo da Passano and nearby Belvedere del Righi are two of the best places to appreciate the scale of the city and its port, while Belvedere di Carignano overlooks Piazza della Vittoria and the more modern part of Genoa.

From here, you’ll get a great view of the Arco della Vittoria, the city’s monumental war memorial built after World War I. Make sure you stop by if you have the time.

If you’re willing to pay for the view, I recommend climbing the Lanterna, the tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean, or heading up to the domes of Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta in Carignano and Porta Soprana.

6. Watch the sunset at Porto Antico

Porto Antico is one of the best places to spend an evening in Genoa. Locals often call it “Expo” because this was the site of the 1992 World Expo, held 500 years after Columbus’s voyage to the Americas.

Before the redevelopment, this part of the waterfront was largely neglected. Today, thanks to a project led by Genoese architect Renzo Piano, it’s one of the city’s main gathering places, filled with restaurants, bars, museums, and attractions.

Before heading to the waterfront, take a moment to admire Palazzo San Giorgio. Built in the 13th century, it’s one of Genoa’s most important historic buildings and is famously associated with Marco Polo, who is said to have dictated parts of his travels while imprisoned there.

Insider tip: Next to the Bigo panoramic lift, you’ll find another elevator leading up to Eataly. Most visitors walk straight past it, but the short ride offers a great view over Porto Antico. Once upstairs, you can browse local food products or stop for a drink with a view.

7. Ride the funiculars and public elevators

One of the things that makes Genoa unique is its public transport system. Since the city stretches up steep hillsides, funiculars and public elevators have been part of everyday life here for more than a century.

Many of these systems were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to connect the city center with the higher neighbourhoods. The Sant’Anna Funicular, Zecca-Righi Funicular, and Principe-Granarolo Rack Railway are among the most historic and still operate today.

Riding a funicular is one of the easiest ways to experience Genoa from a different perspective and reach viewpoints that would otherwise require a steep climb. 

If you only have time for one, I recommend the Zecca-Righi Funicular, which offers some of the best views over the city.

The public elevators are equally interesting. The Castelletto Levante and Castelletto Ponente lifts connect different parts of the city center with the Castelletto neighbourhood, while the Castello d’Albertis-Montegalletto lift is worth trying for the experience alone.

8. Visit Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini and other parks

Genoa isn’t a city known for its parks, mainly because there simply isn’t much space for them. But when you do find a green space, it’s often something special.

If you only visit one park, make it Villa Durazzo Pallavicini in Pegli. Often considered one of Europe’s finest historic gardens, it was designed as a theatrical journey with a storyline unfolding through different sections of the park. 

Closer to the city center, Villetta Di Negro is a great place to take a break from sightseeing. The park features city views, a waterfall, a grotto, and the Museo d’Arte Orientale Chiossone.

Another park worth visiting is Parchi di Nervi. Spread along the eastern coast of Genoa, it combines botanical gardens, palm-lined paths, rose gardens, and sea views, making it one of the most pleasant places in the city for a walk.

9. Try traditional Genoese food

Genoa was named one of the world’s top food destinations by TasteAtlas, and honestly, I agree. If you’re visiting Genoa, come hungry.

Start with pesto, the city’s most famous export. Made with basil from Pra’, pine nuts, local olive oil, and cheese, it’s best enjoyed with trofie, trenette, or linguine. For some of the best pesto in Genoa, head to Cavour 21 or Il Genovese.

Next is focaccia genovese. Simple, oily, salty, and best eaten warm. You should also try farinata, a thin chickpea flatbread cooked in a wood-fired oven. Antica Sciamadda and Sà Pesta are great options in the historic center.

For something more substantial, order ravioli al tocco, stuffed pasta served with Genoese slow-cooked meat sauce. Vico Palla is a classic choice, while Bruxaboschi is worth the trip if you have more time.

Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss fritto misto di mare, while the more adventurous can try the traditional fritto misto di terra. And if you’re exploring Liguria beyond Genoa, make sure to try the famous cheese-filled focaccia di Recco.

Beyond the classics, keep an eye out for some of Genoa’s favorite street foods. Friscieu are small savory fritters, while panissa is a fried chickpea snack that’s particularly popular in Liguria. If you enjoy seafood, a paper cone of freshly fried anchovies is a must.

To finish, order a local amaro such as Camatti, Fabbrizii, or Soarè, or try a glass of Corochinato Asinello, a Ligurian aperitif with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste.

If you want to see local food culture in action, stop by Mercato Orientale, Genoa’s historic food market. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood and produce to local cheeses, focaccia, and street food.

Another place I always recommend is Les Rouges Cucina & Cocktails. Set inside a historic palace in the old town, it’s one of the most beautiful aperitivo spots in Genoa and a place I find myself returning to again and again.

10. Attend a football game at Stadio Luigi Ferraris

Football is a big deal in Genoa. The city is home to two rival clubs: Genoa FC, Italy’s oldest football club, founded in 1893, and Sampdoria, famous for its iconic blue jersey.

If there’s a match during your visit, I highly recommend going. Just be aware that in Genoa, you’re generally expected to pick a side. The rivalry between the two clubs is serious, and the Derby della Lanterna is one of the biggest fixtures in Italian football.

Having attended matches as a neutral, I can say the atmosphere is fantastic regardless of which team you support. The stadium offers excellent views of the pitch, and it’s generally a safe and enjoyable experience.

11. Explore Genoa’s forts and castles

Genoa’s palaces are world-famous, but fewer people know that the city is also home to two castles and a network of forts scattered across the hills above the city.

The most interesting is Castello d’Albertis, a Neo-Gothic castle that many visitors overlook. Built as the home of Captain Enrico Alberto d’Albertis, it now houses a fascinating collection of artifacts gathered during his travels around the world.

If you enjoy hiking, don’t miss Genoa’s forts. The city is surrounded by what is considered Europe’s largest system of urban walls, and many of the forts can be reached by funicular, bus, or car.

A good place to start is Parco Urbano delle Mura. From there, you can follow the trails between Forte Castellaccio, Forte Begato, Forte Puin, Forte Sperone, and Forte Diamante. 

The route takes around four hours and is relatively easy, but comfortable shoes and water are essential. On a clear day, the views from Forte Diamante are well worth the effort.

12. Visit the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno

Cimitero di Staglieno is one of Genoa’s most remarkable sights and one of the most important monumental cemeteries in Europe. 

Part cemetery, part open-air museum, it’s filled with extraordinary 19th- and 20th-century sculptures, many carved from Carrara marble and depicting scenes of grief, love, and everyday life with incredible realism.

The cemetery is the final resting place of notable figures, including Giuseppe Mazzini, Fabrizio De André, and Constance Lloyd, the wife of Oscar Wilde. 

I’ll admit that visiting a cemetery isn’t usually high on my travel itinerary, but Staglieno is an exception. If you’ve visited places like Père Lachaise in Paris or Recoleta in Buenos Aires, you’ll understand the comparison. If not, Staglieno is a great introduction.

13. Visit the Aquarium of Genoa

Despite having mixed feelings about promoting attractions that keep animals in captivity, the Aquarium of Genoa is undeniably one of the city’s main attractions and one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

If you’re visiting Genoa with kids, this is easily one of the best family-friendly activities in the city. There are interactive exhibits, educational displays, and plenty to keep children engaged for a few hours.

My biggest tip is to visit either right when it opens or a couple of hours before closing. You’ll need around two to three hours to see everything, and avoiding the busiest times makes the experience much more enjoyable.

14. Discover Boccadasse

Boccadasse is probably my favorite part of Genoa, and no matter how many times I visit, I always find myself coming back here.

This small seaside neighborhood feels very different from the rest of the city. With its colorful houses, fishing boats, and tiny beach, it’s easily one of the most photogenic spots in Genoa.

Despite its popularity, Boccadasse still feels like a real neighborhood. Locals come here for a walk, a swim, an aperitivo, or simply to sit by the water. 

You’ll find bakeries, gelato shops, seafood restaurants, and takeaway spots scattered around the small square and waterfront.

If you can, slow down and spend a couple of hours here. You might see fishermen repairing their boats, heading out to sea, or bringing in the day’s catch. That’s part of what makes Boccadasse so special.

Boccadasse is also connected to Corso Italia, Genoa’s seafront promenade. If the weather is nice, I recommend continuing your walk along Corso Italia after (or before!) exploring Boccadasse.

15. Stroll along the seaside in Nervi

If you ask locals where to go for a romantic walk in Genoa, there’s a good chance they’ll mention the Nervi Promenade. Located in Nervi, the easternmost neighborhood of the city, it’s one of the most pleasant places to spend a few hours by the sea.

The promenade stretches for about 2 km along the cliffs and is completely pedestrian. It starts near the small harbor of Nervi and continues all the way to Capolungo.

Beyond the views, you’ll also find a handful of bars, restaurants, and small beach clubs squeezed into the limited space between the cliffs and the water.

My tip? Pick up a slice of focaccia from one of the bakeries near the start of the promenade and take your time walking. Stop for a coffee, an aperitivo, or, if you’re visiting in summer, an ice cream.