Location: Genoa
Top Things to do in Genoa
Top 10 Things to do in Genoa, Liguria
Wandering the narrow caruggi alleyways of Genoa is a bit like solving a medieval labyrinth. In the heart of the Italian port city lies Piazza de Ferrari, a main square with a beautiful fountain and a perimeter lined with historic buildings, including the Palace of the Doges the Teatro Carlo Felice, which was destroyed during WWII and subsequently rebuilt. The seaside neighborhood of Boccadasse is vision of pink and yellow buildings that brighten up this lovely fishing village.
Restaurants in Genoa
1. Via Giuseppe Garibaldi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,188 reviews
Reviewed By DonaldHahn - State College, United States
Narrow Alley Lined With Wonderful Aristocratic Urban Palazzos in the great maritime trading rival to Venice. We took a slow walking tour down the street, admiring its amazing architecture, mostly from the Reniissance and the Baroque Age. MUST SEE!
2. Cattedrale di San Lorenzo - Duomo di Genova
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,839 reviews
Reviewed By jedferrari - Richmond, United States
While it is hard to get a good view of the building as it is in the middle of very small streets, the inside is quite impressive, and you clearly see the different times of construction / decoration. You can go on the top, and on the way get a cool view of the inside from a high point, then you get a great view of the old town.
3. Museo di Palazzo Reale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,104 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, United States
Dating back to the early 1600’s when it was built for the Balbi family (subsequently owned and expanded by a succession of families), this massive home contains countless original items such as paintings, tapestries, furniture, sculptures, etc. The numerous rooms are decorated and arranged as if the homeowners will be returning shortly. The inner courtyard and garden provide a luxurious and tranquil environment. The top floor terrace offers sweeping city and port views. Each room has very informative literature (in several languages). A visit here was a step back to the golden era of Genoa’s seafaring history.
4. Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 829 reviews
The Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno, planned in the 1850s in an inhabited area, lies now in an area not far from the centre of Genoa. Staglieno's architectural pattern, albeit in the forms of a mature Classicism, draws on a genre that was rather common in Europe and Italy around the mid nineteenth century. However, the peculiarity and the charm of Staglieno lie in the fact that its architecture is combined with a natural layout, a type that is much more common in northern European cemeteries like, for example, the Pere Lachaise in Paris. It currently covers an area of 300.000 sqm.
Reviewed By giovannic973
The largest historical cemetery in Europe, full of amazing statues and beautiful ornaments. A visit is almost mandatory, better if not in summer.
5. Galata Museo del Mare
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,174 reviews
Reviewed By A5550FKheleng - Weybridge, United Kingdom
Four floors of Genoa history. Plenty of exhibits for all ages, nearly all have an English translation. An interesting reconstruction of a 17th century galley, beautiful globes and atlases, plus a fantastic story of emigration and immigration, with photos, videos etc. See life for various passengers on board ship, there is also a submarine to visit. Do not miss the 360 degrees views of the port and the old city centre of Genoa from the two terraces on the 4th floor.
6. Palazzi dei Rolli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,057 reviews
On 13 July 2006, the site"Genoa: le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli" entered UNESCO’s World Heritage List of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Forming an organic urban unit, the site is made up of late-Renaissance and Baroque streets and squares lined by over a hundred palaces belonging to the city’s noble families. The grandest residences, each with its own architectural style and individual character, were an official lists (Rolli), and lots were drawn to decide which palace would have the privilege of playing host to visiting state dignitaries. Often erected on sloping ground, the Palazzi dei Rolli were designed according to the sequence atrium-courtyard-grand staircase-gardens and boast richly decorated interiors. They embody a distinctive social and economic identity and mark the beginning of the era of modern urban architecture in Europe.
Reviewed By Susywonder
It's one of the best example in Europe of aristocrat palaces only in one street. Not to miss, especially during the rolli days
7. Spianata Castelletto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,635 reviews
Reviewed By U8248AVstephanieb - Charlotte, United States
I walk up here every morning after breakfast when we are in Genova to enjoy the view. It's a nice walk (but steep!) and you can walk some more when you get up to Spianata Castelletto or you can sit on the benches and enjoy the view. Take the lift if the steps up are not your thing. This is a must see if you are in Genova.
8. Boccadasse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,837 reviews
Reviewed By peterh169 - Somerset, United Kingdom
Very small beach in this lovely little seaside village, a truly wonderful, unspoilt place to be for those who love the real Italy
9. Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,197 reviews
Reviewed By valerier661 - South Haven, United States
We arrived by cruise ship, walked 10-15 min to the train and then took the train from Genoa to Nervi. It cost about 2 euro and the ride was only about 15 min. The entrance to the Anita Garibaldi promenade is steps to the left of the Nervi train station. We spent the entire afternoon there. Waves were crashing into the cliffs and it was fun to time the waves that might splash onto the winding walkway. The views are breathtaking with museums and a couple of restaurants/bars along the way. I must have taken 100 pictures. This is nature at its finest. I would highly recommend this as a side trip from Genoa.
10. Aquarium of Genoa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19,174 reviews
The Acquario di Genova was built on the occasion of the Expo ’92, a celebration of the fifth centenary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus, with the intention of restructuring and enhancing an area full of history and traditions, located in the heart of Genoa’s historic centre, the Porto Antico (the old port). It’s the biggest aquarium in Europe.
Reviewed By lisacL2361PI - Milan, Italy
This a lovely place to visit during a trip to Genova, I spent my first evening in Genova here and was amazed watching the sea life and animals and seeing all the different species in the Aquarium. The exhibitions are organised very well with a lot to see and plenty of information available to learn everything there is to know about sea life from different countries. There are also snakes, lizards & birds to see and areas with games designed just for kids like an interactive “Make your own fish” area. My favourite part was the dolphins which you could easily sit and watch swim for hours!
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