Location: Genoa
Top Things to do in Genoa
What to do and see in Genoa, Italy: The Best Places and Tips
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. Acquario di Genova
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 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 Kwassie - Stellenbosch, South Africa
We found the whole experience rather average for the price of the ticket. 3 of the Exhibitions we specifically went to see were closed, although that wasn’t mentioned where you bought the tickets.
Overall I think we are just so spoiled by the quality and diversity of wildlife that we have in SA that it is not worth spending money on it in Europe.
2. Basilica di Santa Maria di Castello
Overall Ratings
5 based on 359 reviews
Reviewed By Mike K - Phoenix, Arizona
This papally designated basilica is near the port and the walls of the ancient city. It is easy to imagine both the wealthy sponsors and the at risk sailors praying to Mary for protection of their maritime adventures. Gorgeous murals. Must see
3. Palazzi dei Rolli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 863 reviews
The Palazzi dei Rolli is a group of palaces in Genoa, northern Italy. On July 13, 2006, forty-two of eighty subscribers to 'Palazzi dei Rolli' or rolls' palaces were entered by the special committee UNESCO meeting in Vilnius (Lithuania) between the members. About 10 million euro was spent on their restoration in the 1990s with the use of public and private capital. On January 20, 2007, a plaque was placed by UNESCO at the beginning of Via Garibaldi on the grounds that it inserts the description of Palazzi dei Rolli within the world heritage listing: The largest homes, various in shape and distribution, that were chosen at random in the lists (rolli) to host visits of state. The buildings, often built on sloping land, formed of a stepped atrium - courtyard - staircase - garden and rich interior decorations, express a singular social and economic identity and commencement of modern age urban architecture in Europe.
Reviewed By Anfrist - Bucharest
There are a lot of UNESCO heritage palazzos in Genova, but Tursini and Bianco and Rosso were turned into museums with single ticket for access. They are wonderful, both considering their appearance and the art displayed inside. The fact that first 2 museums allows access outside from time to time is a big plus.
4. Dialogo nel Buio
Overall Ratings
5 based on 642 reviews
In Dialogue in the Dark exhibition, visitors are led by blind guides through a specially constructed and completely darkened space. Conveying the characteristics of a familiar environment, a daily routine turns into a new experience. A reversal of roles is created as sighted people are torn from the familiar, losing the sense they rely on most - their sight. Blind people guide them, providing security while transmitting a world without pictures. The visually impaired guides open a visitors' eyes in the dark, showing that a world without sight is not poorer, just different.
Reviewed By Sue_Yin - Singapore, Singapore
The only reason I would rate this a 4 is because it has really nothing related with the Genoa. But it is worth a visit if you have the time.
I don't speak Italian and on the day of the visit there was no English guide. My husband who has moderate capabilities in Italian was my translator.
At the start it was extremely disorienting and since I didn't understand all the assurance of the guide, I had to mentally calm myself down. Once I relaxed a bit it was quite enjoyable and it exposed us to a small slice of life that a blind person goes through.
Our guide was awesome and really controlled the experience.
We had very young kids in the group aged 5/6 I think and though they cried at the start, the guide really knew what to say to comfort them. In the end, they enjoyed it and was shouting away answers.
Tips - Take a short walk around the aquarium for a beautiful view of the city from the pier.
5. Chiesa del Gesu e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Reviewed By Celia M
Definitely worth a visit although it does not look like much from the outside. Different from the St Lawrence Cathedral which is spectacular outside but inside not much to see.
6. Spianata Castelletto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Douglas T - Lincoln, CA
Finding the lift is a challenge (it's between the two tunnels). As mentioned in another review, you don't need tickets for the elevator - no signs explaining this. Once at top, the view is wonderful. We were fortunate to have a beautiful day. The Hop-on Hop-off stops (7 or 8) are about 1 km away. Walking down toward the central station involves many, many steps. Your options are to take the elevator back down and walk through the tunnel (noisy and smoggy).
7. Teatro della Gioventu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 reviews
Il TKC Teatro della Gioventu vuole divenire uno spazio vivo, fatto dai giovani ma aperto a tutti, un luogo capace di ascoltare la citta e concretizzare nuove sinergie con le realta gia esistenti. Prosa. Aperitivi Musicali. Tea Reading. Cene. Letture. Dj Set. Film. Mise En Espace. Contaminazioni Collettive. Pranzi. Concerti. Free WIFI Zone. Incontri con attori, musicisti, registi. Il TKC Teatro della Gioventu si vuole fare promotore di una nuova concezione di spazio teatrale aperto 7 giorni su 7, dalla mattina alla notte e anche d'estate.
Reviewed By Diana I
I was planning just to see the building of the theater, but I went in and I asked if there is any show that evening. The girl answered me in English that there is a play. I told her that I understand more or less the Italian, and she explained me that the play is pretty easy to be understood. It was in fact easy to be understood and very funny. It was the best thing I've done in Genoa. The play was George e Mildred, inspired by an English Sitcom from the 80, it was beautifully directed and played. The staff from the theater was great, the building is very nice. Great experience!
8. Chiesa Di San Donato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By Antonio M - Rome, Italy
The church itself deserves a visit. You cannot miss the Trittico by Joos van Cleve and the Madonna del Latte by Barnaba da Modena
9. Boccadasse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Maya S - Bratislava, Slovakia
Not lot of tourists were out when we walked down to Boccadesse,mostly locals doing their own things.It made it much more special,we got to expirience how life is trough the whole year is for locals.
10. Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
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