Italy’s Maritime Gateway, a Tapestry of Seafaring Legacy, Art, and Cuisine

A. About Genoa

Nickname:  La Superba (The Proud One)

While there are so many great Italian cities, Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and Italy's leading port, is often not getting the recognition it truly deserves.

But you should not underestimate this fantastic Italian city with its unique attractions.

Genoa played a crucial role in the Crusades, providing ships, supplies, and financial support to the crusading armies. The city's wealth and influence were epitomized by its grand architecture and the establishment of major banking institutions.

Best Things to do in Genoa

➕ The Good

Genoa occupies a stunning seaside location with an impressive mountain backdrop.

Furthermore, the capital of the Italian region of Liguria features one of Europe’s largest historic centers, which is mostly car-free.

In addition, Genoa is a safe and surprisingly clean city with a more than appealing climate.

➖ Negative Aspects

Genoa has no weak point worth mentioning.

B. Best Things to Do in Genoa in 2023 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than twenty sights in Genoa. The following sights contribute to a score of 6.20/10 in this most important category:

# VIA GARIBALDI including Musei di Strada Nuova 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Lined by not less than 42 (!) sumptuous ancient palaces and listed as a World Heritage Site, this wonderful narrow street in the historical center is the highlight of Genoa.

Make sure to enter Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Tursi (as part of the Musei di Strada Nuova) as well as the impressive Palazzo Podesta, Palazzo Spinola and Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi.

Street lined with Palaces and Museums 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 2006

 

# Aquarium 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Aquarium of Genoa was designed for Genoa Expo '92 by the Genoese Pritzker prize-winner and internationally known Renzo Piano in collaboration with Peter Chermayeff.

It was expanded in 1998 with the addition of a 100-meter ship connected to the original building by a walkway. The aquarium consists of seventy tanks with fifteen thousand animals from five hundred distinct species like dolphins, various sharks, penguins, manatees, jellyfish, seals, and tropical fish amongst others.

Aquarium Biggest Tank: 3 million liters | Total Water Volume: 3 million liters | Viewing Panel: 20 m wide / 7 m high | Tunnel: - | Species: 500+ | Established: 1992/1998 | Rank in Our List of the Best Aquariums in the World: 32

# The Port 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The old harbor ("Porto Antico" in Italian) is Genoa’s attractive waterfront, which was redeveloped by the famous Genoese architect Renzo Piano.

Harbor

 

# Old City 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The fascinating and car-free Old City of Genoa is the largest medieval town in Europe.

City District  

 

# Royal Palace of Genoa (Palazzo Reale) 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Constructed in 1650 for the Balbi family, this elegant palace is famous for its magnificent Hall of Mirrors. Furthermore, it features a sumptuously decorated interior with beautiful frescoes and paintings by Tintoretto, Luca Giordano, Anthony van Dyck, Ferdinand Voet, and Guercino.

Palace

Best Things to do in Genoa

 

# Basilica della Santissima Annunziata 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This breathtaking baroque church is famous for its luxuriant interior decoration combining gold, stuccowork, and frescoes.

Church

 

# Galleria nazionale di Palazzo Spinola 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This noble 16th-century Palace displays works by the major Genoese, Flemish, and European artists.

Museum and Palace Gallery Space: ca. 5,000 m2 | Artworks on Display: ca. 5,000 | Established: 1887 | Visitors (2014): 410 173

# Cathedral of St Lorenzo 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Consecrated in 1118, Genoas spectacular Cathedral features a splendid striped Gothic façade and an exquisite interior.

Cathedral

# Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Starting from the small port of Nervi, this scenic stretch of paved walkway along the coastline of Genoa provides breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea. 

Coastal Walk Length: 2 km

by Tiia Monto / CC BY-SA 3.0

#10 | Spianata Castelletto 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Located in the hills just above the city center, Spianata Castelletto,  which can be reached by the elegant historic art nouveau elevator from Piazza del Portello, provides spectacular views across the city both during the day and at night.

Viewpoint

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Genoa

#11 | Boccadasse 5  2.5 out of 5 stars

Boccadasse is a picturesque fishing village located within the city of Genoa, Italy.

It is renowned for its charming, colorful houses that line the narrow streets and its small pebble beach.

City District

by Superchilum / CC BY-SA 4.0

#12 | Chiesa del Gesù (Chiesa dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Internally, the Chiesa del Gesù boasts stunning frescoes adorning its ceilings and walls, created by prominent artists of the time, including Giovanni Battista Carlone and Giovanni Battista Paggi.

Square

    • Funicular Zecca-Righi 5
    • Galata Museo del Mare (Genoa Maritime Museum) 4
    • Piazza de Ferrari 4
    • Museo d'Arte orientale Edoardo Chiossone 4
    • Porta Soprana 4
    • Lanterna (Lighthouse) 4
    • Funicular Sant'Anna 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Genoa

CINQUE TERRE 7 3.5 out of 5 stars

Cinque Terre, a UNESCO-listed region in Liguria is famous for its five scenic villages, coastal trails, and rich cultural and culinary traditions.

Coastal Villages 🌍 World Heritage Site: Since 1997 | Distance from Genoa: 106 km

by Bruno Rijsman / CC BY-SA 2.0

Portofino 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Portofino is a charming Italian village famous for its scenic harbor, luxury yachts, historical sites, and beautiful natural park.

Coastal Villages Distance from Genoa: 39 km

by Michal Osmenda / CC BY-SA 2.0

🌍 PORTOVENERE (121 km from Genoa) 6

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Genoa (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Genoa for at least three entire days:

🌍 VIA GARIBALDI including Musei di Strada Nuova 6

Aquarium 6

 The Port 6

Old City 6

Royal Palace of Genoa (Palazzo Reale) 5

Basilica della Santissima Annunziata 5

Galleria nazionale di Palazzo Spinola 5

Cathedral of St Lorenzo 5

Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi 5

Spianata Castelletto 5

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