Where to Stay in Genoa? Amazing Hotels and The Best Genoa Areas
In this article, we are going to cover where to stay in Genoa, Liguria. We will compare the best hotels and best areas to stay in Genoa for different kinds of travelers and different budgets.
Genoa is the 6th biggest city in Italy. Itβs famous for its big old town, the historical palaces, local gastronomy and huge port that attracts many tourists daily.
Itβs very important to be prepared and to know what are the best places to stay in Genoa to make the most of your time here.
The key is to choose the best area, so you can easily reach all the main attractions of Genoa that you would like to see during your trip. It is a city of contrast, so I want to make sure that you make the right decision and choose a place that suits your preferences.
I know that we all have different needs and different budgets while traveling, so I have an ultimate guide for the best accommodation in Genoa.
Below we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different areas of Genoa and multiple hotel options, so you can find your perfect fit.
So letβs take a look at where to stay in Genoa and discover this Ligurian capital together.
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Best areas to stay in Genoa
This guide is going to go through the 8 best places to stay in Genoa and show you what they have to offer. Since I live in Genoa, I know this city inside out and I am here to help you choose the best options for you. Every location has 2 different hotel & apartment suggestions – luxury and mid-range.
Unfortunately, there are very few budget options and sometimes a decent hostel can cost you the same as mid-range accommodation. This is the main reason why we won’t include cheap options in this guide, but make sure you check mid-range options.
Sometimes they have great discounts! Especially if you are visiting in the low season or during the week. Choose your favorite and make sure you have a great base to enjoy the best of Genoa.
Overview of best areas where to stay in Genoa
Via XX Settembre – good public transport connection, very safe area, walking distance to main attractions and direct access to the shopping street. Recommended hotel: Hotel Bristol Palace.
The area of Brignole train station – good public transport connection, shopping options, good access to the promenade of Genoa, the sea, and other places around Liguria. Recommended hotel: Best Western Hotel Moderno Verdi.
The area of Principe train station – good public transport connection, restaurants, bars, nearby Royal Palace Museum, Palazzo del Principe Andrea Doria, and Marine Station. Recommended hotel: Grand Hotel Savoia.
Via Garibaldi – the most famous historical street of Genoa with direct access to the majority of Rolli Palaces, walking distance to other important attractions. Recommended hotel: Nil Sine Deo.
Porto Antico – very touristic area, full of bars and restaurants, great to walk around, nearby Aquarium of Genoa, port, and the entrance of old town. Recommended hotel: NH Collection Genova Marina.
Carignano – posh district with luxury hotels, access to the medieval part of Genoa, and viewpoints. Recommended hotel: MeliΓ‘ Genova.
Albaro – another posh district nearby the promenade and of the best coastal views in Genoa, endless fine dining options, and private beaches. Recommended hotel: Salsedine Relais.
Nervi – relaxed and intimate area of Genoa on the cost, direct access to the sea β private and public, train station. Recommended hotel: Eden Vista Mare.
Where to stay in Genoa? Best areas and hotel recommendations
Via XX Settembre
Via XX Settembre is the main street of Genoa and it connects the main Square De Ferrari to Brignole Station. This location is perfect to explore the city, whether you are walking or using public transport.
This makes it one of the best areas to stay in Genoa, especially for first-time visitors and for those who want to see a lot in a limited amount of time.
PRO: good public transport connection, very safe area, walking distance to main attractions and direct access to the shopping street.
CONS: pricey hotel options, crowds, and lively streets.
LUXURY: Hotel Bristol Palace
One of my top picks on where to stay in Genoa. Truly excellent service, prime location, and historical & aristocratic design. If you are looking for some royal treatment, this should be the best accommodation for your time in the Ligurian capital.
MID-RANGE: Old Genoa Suites
It is hard to find good and affordable accommodation in this area, but this is one of the best apartments in Genoa. Visitors loved it! I know that a lot of people prefer a hotel over a flat, but you won’t be disappointed if you give up a mid-range hotel for this apartment.
The area of Brignole train station
Brignole is one of the two main train stations in the city. It dates back to 1868. The facade is an example of romantic “renaissance” themes of the French school of architecture.
This means you have direct access to the train station and many regional buses, so it is perfect if you want to take day trips and visit some of the most beautiful places in Liguria.
PRO: good public transport connection, shopping options, good access to the promenade of Genoa, the sea, and other places around Liguria.
CONS: most of the main attractions and museums are further away, busy area.
LUXURY: Best Western Hotel Moderno Verdi
It is a 4-star hotel concentrating mainly on Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Itβs great for travelers and business meetings. The staff certainly knows how to make your stay special and help you with anything that you might need.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Astoria
Astoria is a modern hotel, renovated and equipped with every amenity. The famous Genovese songwriter Fabrizio De AndrΓ© stayed here multiple times and the hotel claims that he loved the place, so Iβm sure you would as well.
The area of Principe train station
Principe has the other train station in the city. Another great option if you are planning to make day trips from Genoa. Many hotels in Genoa are located here.
You also have a bus terminal for national and international ways. Close to some of the main attractions of Genoa like the Royal and Principe palace.
PRO: good public transport connection, restaurants, bars, nearby Royal Palace Museum, Palazzo del Principe Andrea Doria, and Marine Station.
CONS: chaotic area and place where a lot of tourists arrive daily.
LUXURY: Grand Hotel Savoia
It is one of the two 5-star hotels in Genoa. The other one is located further away from the city center, so if you want a central location and you are planning to move around Liguria, this should be your number one pick.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Continental Genova
The hotel, with its elegant and simple lines, creates a perfect union between the historicity of a late-19th century building and the modernity of the furnishings. If you ask me, it is not far from a luxury hotel and the price-to-value ratio is great!
Via Garibaldi
The area of Via Garibaldi is one of the best places to stay in Genoa. The street is well known for its ancient palaces and royal buildings.
Most of the palaces were built in 1558β1583 during Genoaβs golden age and once you will walk there you will see why! If you have a passion for ancient with a modern touch, you will love this area!
PRO: the most famous historical street of Genoa with direct access to the majority of Rolli Palaces, walking distance to other important attractions.
CONS: you have to be careful with tiny alleys around because they are not safe.
LUXURY: Nil Sine Deo
To be honest, it is hard to find luxury accommodation in this area, so Nil Sine Deo has truly monopolized it. This 1-bedroom property comes equipped with a kitchenette, a sofa, and soundproof windows – great if you are planning to make some meals at home and escape the crowds in a quiet place.
MID-RANGE: Helvetia Suite
Helvetia Suite consists of 2 split-level bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a little kitchen, and a seating area. Despite the kitchen, it is a hotel room and you still have access to a continental or a buffet breakfast. It is the best of both worlds.
Porto Antico
The area of Porto Antico was designed by Renzo Piano to celebrate the 500 years of America Discovery. This new vibrant district hosts the second biggest Aquarium in Europe a panoramic lift and plenty of restaurants and bars and a lot of other things to do in Genoa.
The area can be good also to take some of the best day trips from Genoa, as boats leave from here daily.
PRO: very touristic area, full of bars and restaurants, great to walk around, nearby Aquarium of Genoa, port, and the entrance of old town.
CONS: busy nightlife (but I know that it can be a bonus for some people!).
2024 update! New luxury hotel in Genoa: Hotel Palazzo Durazzo Suites
A sparkling new luxury hotel in Genoa opened its doors in one of the most lively areas of the city. This 5-star luxury hotel offers outstanding rooms (some even with a sauna) where the classic style blends wonderfully with modern design and comfort. If you are in for a treat when you visit Genoa, donβt miss it!
LUXURY: NH Collection Genova Marina
A great modern hotel with wonderful views, stylish rooms, and spectacular sea views. You can see that this hotel has evolved into the modern-day world and wants to satisfy the needs of its customers. You won’t be disappointed!
MID-RANGE: Hotel De Ville
Built inside Palazzo Serra Gerace and recently renovated, Hotel De Ville attracts many visitors every year. This is your chance to stay in a famous Italian Palace, enjoy the best of the modern days, and still get that royal treatment.
Carignano
Carignano is one of the most elegant and best neighborhoods to live in Genoa, Italy. Here you can find the beautiful Basilica of Carignano, one of the best renaissance buildings in Liguria, and the most luxurious 5 stars hotel in Genoa.
PRO: posh district with luxury hotels, access to the medieval part of Genoa, and viewpoints.
CONS: bad public transport connection and not walkable distance to the city center. You will have to use a taxi most of the time.
LUXURY: MeliΓ‘ Genova
As mentioned earlier, Genoa has only two 5-star hotels and this is the second option. Truly spectacular places located in a posh area of Genoa. This is the area where wealthy people choose to build their villas. This is your chance to discover the luxury side of Genoa.
MID-RANGE: Home Grifondoro Affittacamere
As I mentioned earlier, this is a posh area and it’s hard to find a mid-range or budget options here, but Home Grifondoro Affittacamere does the job and knows how to treat its customer, so you can have an unforgettable time during your trip.
Albaro
Corso Italia is the sea promenade of the city. It is considered by the locals one of the best neighborhoods to live in Genoa, Italy. You will see here a lot of fancy villas and private beaches. Here you will find also the most photographed place in Genoa – Boccadasse.
PRO: another posh district nearby the promenade and of the best coastal views in Genoa, endless fine dining options, and private beaches.
CONS: transportation is not the best from here, parking can be hard to find and expensive. You will have to use a taxi most of the time.
LUXURY/MID-RANGE: Salsedine Relais
Wonderful apartment located in one of the most charming places and offers direct access to Boccadasse. Once you have a balcony like this, you can learn the magic of Italian aperitivo with a spritz or a local cocktail in your hand. You won’t need a hotel service when you can have an apartment like this one.
Nervi
Nervi is a typical Ligurian fisherman’s town and it is the very last district of Genoa, Italy. Itβs famous for its park and the promenade Anita Garibaldi.
Itβs probably the best area to stay in Genoa if you just want to relax and indulge in those sea views. Nervi is for locals, so not many hotels or apartments are available here.
PRO: relaxed and intimate area of Genoa on the cost, direct access to the sea β private and public, train station.
CONS: long distance to the city center.
LUXURY: Eden Vista Mare
I love to see modern apartments that can compete with some of those 5-star hotels and this is one of those places. As I mentioned, Nervi is for locals. Italians know how to live that sweet life, this is your chance to discover it as well.
MID-RANGE: Savoia Apartments
Great and affordable hotel with a public pool – a true paradise for those hot summer days in the Italian Riviera. Most of the beaches in Italy are private or quite pricey, so if you want to spend some time in the water, this should be your number one choice!
Further reading for best areas to stay in Genoa
Or read about other popular regions of Italy
Dolomites | Liguria | Lombardy | Piedmont | Puglia | Sicily | Tuscany | Veneto
Other useful tips for visiting Italy
π Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda
π How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator have it all
π Considering renting a car in Italy? Use Rentalcars
βοΈ Looking for the best flight deals? Check WayAway
π Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo
In conclusion…
This concludes my guide on where to stay in Genoa, so now the choice is yours. Will it be a 5 stars hotel, a historical palace, or maybe an intimate apartment with a sea view?
I can say that each place on this guide is stunning in its own way, whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or you want to get ready to explore the city.
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
i loved that you listed your honest pros and cons thoughts for every place you suggested! it’s so refreshing from reading hotel reviews that only ever tell you the good. sometimes, we want to know the down side not so we can decide against it, but so that we can manage our expectations better β€οΈ
Totally! And what is a downside for me, could be a great benefit for someone else! Glad you liked the article, thank you!
Loved this localβs guide on the best places to stay in Genoa. Looking forward to visiting.
Thank you so much!
Love Genoa! Great list of accommodation options, will definitely be saving for when we get to go back π
Yay, thank you so much! And glad to hear that you liked it π
Melia
Genova looks beautiful and is definitely the place we would want to stay when visiting! Great breakdown the local hotels!
Thank you so much! And that’s a great choice βΊοΈ
I’m a big pesto fan so of course, I’ll love Genoa! You have so many great places to stay in Genoa, it’s hard to pick!
Haha, this is the best place for pesto lovers, so Genoa is waiting for you!
Thank you for taking the time to create a really helpful post! I appreciate knowing more details about the neighborhoods and having options at different price points.
Glad you appreciate it, Erica! Thanks for your kind feedback βΊοΈ
What great recommendations! Love that you list the pros and cons of each area too!
Thank you so much π
This is so helpful–It’s really nice to have a synopsis of neighborhoods when making a decision about where to stay in Genoa. Thanks!
My pleasure! And glad you like it π
What a fantastic list of hotel options for every budget! It makes it hard to choose when planning a trip to Genoa π
Haha, hopefully, it still helps to choose the right one!
What a wonderful list of Genoa hotels! I am totally a luxury girl! It would be Eden Vista Mare all the way!
Great choice! I’m sure you would have a wonderful stay at Eden Vista Mare π
Thanks for the great tips. We are potentially including Genoa in our next adventure, and this gives great options for where to stay. Thanks for doing all the leg work!
So glad to read that and I hope you can manage to visit Genoa! One of these hotels or accommodations will certainly serve your needs π
I love this list of where to stay in Genoa! These are really the best hotels! If i had to pick one it would be Savoia! Their suite with jacuzzi and view is incredibile!
Totally, that one is a real treat! And glad you liked it π