11 Best Things to Do and See in Genoa
Exploring Genoa on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Genoa, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Genoa. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Genoa Aquarium
The Genoa Aquarium, located in the city’s old port, is one of Genoa’s top tourist attractions. It features a vast collection of marine species from different habitats, displayed in tanks and immersive spaces that let visitors get a close look at tropical fish, sharks, rays, jellyfish, penguins, and marine mammals. The visit highlights the diversity of the oceans and the fragility of aquatic ecosystems, while offering an experience suited to families and nature lovers alike.
2. Old Port
The Old Port of Genoa is a large redeveloped waterfront area, right in the heart of the city’s port district. Visitors will find a lively promenade, pleasant quayside paths for strolling, views over the harbor basin, and several popular places to visit, including museums, cultural venues, and leisure facilities. The site blends a maritime atmosphere, contemporary architecture, and traces of the city’s port past, making it an ideal starting point for discovering Genoa in a different way, with a mix of relaxation, culture, and Mediterranean views.
3. Cathedral of Genoa
Genoa Cathedral, also known as San Lorenzo, is one of the city’s most remarkable religious monuments. Located in the heart of the historic center, it stands out for its marble façade with alternating light and dark bands, its two asymmetrical towers, and its grand carved portal. Inside, visitors find a solemn atmosphere, decorated chapels, beautiful works of art, and a rich architectural setting blending several styles. It is a must-see place to admire the heritage and history of Genoa.
4. Galata – Museum of the Sea
The Galata – Sea Museum, in Genoa, is a major museum dedicated to the maritime history of the city and the Mediterranean. Visitors can discover collections of ship models, navigation instruments, maps, and objects related to sailors’ lives and trade exchanges. The itinerary also includes immersive spaces that help visitors better understand life on board and Genoa’s importance as a port. It is an enriching and accessible visit, ideal for immersing yourself in the world of the sea.
5. Christopher Columbus House
In Genoa, the House of Christopher Columbus is a small historic attraction linked to the famous explorer. Located near the old town center, it offers visitors a chance to discover an emblematic place associated with his childhood and the city’s maritime history. The building, simple and compact, attracts visitors more for its symbolic significance than for its size, and fits naturally into a walk through Genoa’s narrow streets. It is a place to better understand the local heritage and Genoa’s importance in the story of the great explorations.
6. Ducal Palace
The Ducal Palace of Genoa is an iconic landmark in the historic center, set near Piazza Giacomo Matteotti. Once tied to the city’s institutional life, it is now dedicated to culture and exhibitions. Visiting it reveals architecture shaped by history, interior spaces suited to varied events, and a strong presence in Genoa’s urban fabric. It offers a clear look at how a palace of power became a public space for art and the city’s memory.
7. Belvedere Castelletto
Belvedere Castelletto is one of the most popular viewpoints in Genoa, offering remarkable panoramic views over the city’s rooftops, the port and, on clear days, the Ligurian Sea. Located on the heights of the Castelletto district, it provides a look at the city’s dense urban fabric, with its narrow streets, hills and landmarks. It is an ideal place to take a break, take photos and admire Genoa from a quieter, more open perspective, away from the bustle of the historic center.
8. Victory Square
Victory Square, in Genoa, is a large urban space that attracts both visitors and locals for its lively atmosphere and elegant architectural setting. Located in a central area of the city, it serves as a meeting point and thoroughfare, surrounded by remarkable buildings, broad avenues and open views typical of Genoa. It is a pleasant place to stroll, observe local life and easily reach other neighborhoods, while enjoying a more contemporary side of the Italian city.
9. Parchi Storici di Nervi
The Parchi Storici di Nervi offer a unique stroll through one of Genoa’s greenest areas. Discover a historic seaside garden complex with tree-lined paths, mature trees and beautiful coastal views. This city park stands out for its blend of landscape heritage and maritime scenery, close to the city yet fully oriented toward the sea. That mix of greenery and ocean horizon gives the site its most memorable character.
10. Genoa Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Genoa is one of the city's great historic buildings, located on Via Balbi in the heart of an area rich in heritage. A visit reveals elegant state rooms, refined decor, art collections, and spaces that reflect the splendor of Genoa's former aristocratic residences. The site also stands out for its gardens and terraces, which offer beautiful views over the city. It is an ideal visit for understanding the history and prestige of Genoa.
11. Corvetto Square
Corvetto Square is one of the most elegant squares in Genoa, in the heart of a central and lively district. It stands out for its large open space, historic-style buildings, and refined urban atmosphere, typical of the city. Lined with shopping streets and notable buildings, it is a popular landmark for strolling, admiring Genoese architecture, and easily reaching other sights in the city center. It is a lively thoroughfare, but also a pleasant stop to discover a more elegant side of Genoa.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
