Local Tips

Things to Do in Genoa

• Explore the Historic Center (Centro Storico)
  Stroll through one of Europe’s largest medieval city centers, filled with narrow alleyways (caruggi), colorful buildings, and unique architecture. Don’t miss landmarks like Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with grand palazzi (palaces).

• Visit Palazzo Ducale
  The Palazzo Ducale is Genoa’s former palace, now an important cultural hub with rotating art exhibitions, events, and a lovely courtyard to relax in.

• Admire Genoa Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo)
  Known for its striped façade and imposing architecture, this medieval cathedral is an iconic sight. Step inside to see beautiful frescoes and the treasure museum.

• Climb to the Spianata Castelletto
  For panoramic views of Genoa, take the public lift to Spianata Castelletto, a terrace with stunning city and harbor views. This is a popular spot at sunset!

• Explore the Galata Maritime Museum
  Italy’s largest maritime museum is a fascinating place to learn about Genoa’s nautical history. It includes ship replicas, navigation instruments, and a submarine.

• Visit the Aquarium of Genoa (Acquario di Genova)
  One of Europe’s largest aquariums, it’s especially fun for families, featuring marine life from all over the world and hands-on exhibits.

• Wander the Mercato Orientale
  Located on Via XX Settembre, this vibrant indoor market offers fresh produce, Italian specialties, and a glimpse into Genoa’s culinary culture. A fantastic spot to sample local flavors!

• Check out the House of Christopher Columbus
  A small museum showcasing the explorer’s house, believed to be his childhood home. It’s a brief stop but interesting for history buffs.

• Relax at Boccadasse
  While a bit beyond the city center, Boccadasse is worth the visit. It’s a charming fishing village with colorful houses, pebbled beaches, and cozy waterfront restaurants.

• See the Art at Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Doria Tursi
  These three palaces on Via Garibaldi host impressive art collections, featuring works from Italian masters and European painters like Van Dyck.

Foods to Eat in Genoa

• Focaccia Genovese
  Start your day with this local staple. Genoa’s focaccia is simple but delicious, often topped with olive oil and a touch of salt. Some bakeries serve it with a hint of rosemary.

• Farinata
  A traditional Genovese chickpea pancake, farinata is thin and savory, usually seasoned with pepper and olive oil. Try it at local bakeries or focaccerias.

• Pesto alla Genovese
  Genoa is the birthplace of pesto! Enjoy this vibrant basil-based sauce over pasta, especially trenette or trofie, two types of pasta traditionally served with pesto.

• Pansoti with Walnut Sauce (Pansoti al Sugo di Noci)
  Pansoti are delicate, cheese-filled pasta, usually served with a rich walnut sauce (sugo di noci). This dish has a unique flavor that’s distinctly Ligurian.

• Acciughe Ripiene (Stuffed Anchovies)
  Anchovies are plentiful in Liguria, and stuffed anchovies are a local favorite. They’re filled with breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and sometimes cheese, then baked or fried.

• Torta Pasqualina
  A savory pie made with layers of flaky pastry, filled with Swiss chard, ricotta, and sometimes eggs, this pie is a classic for Genoese holidays but is available year-round.

• Cima alla Genovese
  This traditional Genoese dish is a veal breast stuffed with a mixture of eggs, peas, and other vegetables, then simmered. It’s typically served thinly sliced and cold.

• Cappon Magro
  A seafood and vegetable salad, often served as a layered and elaborate dish. It’s a luxurious meal typically enjoyed on special occasions.

• Gelato al Basilico
  Basil gelato may sound unusual, but it’s a refreshing and unique flavor to try in Genoa, especially if you’re a pesto fan!

• Pandolce Genovese
  This dense sweet bread, similar to panettone, is filled with raisins, pine nuts, and candied fruit. Although traditionally a holiday treat, it’s available in many bakeries throughout the year.

Best Beaches Near Genoa

• Boccadasse
  Although technically still in Genoa, Boccadasse is a charming, small pebble beach framed by colorful fishermen's houses. It’s a wonderful spot to relax by the sea and grab gelato. Head here for sunset for a magical view over the Ligurian coast.

• Nervi
  About 20 minutes from the city center, Nervi has a rocky coast with crystal-clear waters. The Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, a picturesque promenade along the cliffs, offers swimming spots and fantastic views, perfect for a leisurely day by the sea.

• Camogli
  A 30-minute train ride from Genoa, this beautiful fishing village is known for its pebble beach and stunning coastal views. The beach is lined with restaurants and cafes, and the calm waters are ideal for swimming.

• Recco
  Famous for focaccia di Recco (a thin focaccia with melted cheese), Recco has a sandy beach that’s less crowded and great for families. It’s about a 25-minute drive or a short train ride from Genoa.

• Santa Margherita Ligure
  A bit further down the coast, Santa Margherita Ligure is a lovely seaside town with both sandy and pebble beaches. It's also a great jumping-off point if you want to take a quick ferry ride to Portofino. The waters are clear, and the beachside promenade offers a nice selection of cafes and bars.

• Sestri Levante
  Known for its two beautiful bays, Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) and Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables), Sestri Levante is about an hour by train. The calm waters and sandy beaches make it a popular choice, especially for families.

• San Fruttuoso
  Accessible only by boat or on foot via hiking trails from Portofino, San Fruttuoso is a tiny bay with a stunning abbey and turquoise waters. It’s secluded and scenic, with great snorkeling spots around the bay.

Best Day Trips from Genoa

• Cinque Terre
  About an hour and a half by train, the Cinque Terre is a UNESCO-listed collection of five picturesque coastal villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Hiking, seafood, and stunning coastal views make this a popular day trip.

• Portofino
  A chic and glamorous fishing village, Portofino is about 40 minutes by car or a short ferry ride from Santa Margherita Ligure. Known for its colorful houses and luxury yachts, it's an excellent spot for lunch with a view and some shopping.

• Rapallo
  Just a 25-minute train ride from Genoa, Rapallo has a relaxed vibe, a lovely waterfront, and a 16th-century castle. The cable car to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro offers beautiful panoramic views over the Ligurian coast.

• Alessandria
  A bit inland, about an hour’s drive from Genoa, Alessandria is a historical town known for its unique fortress, Cittadella di Alessandria, and charming old town. It’s a peaceful alternative to the coastal towns and is great for history enthusiasts.

• Acqui Terme
  For a spa experience, head to Acqui Terme, about an hour and a half from Genoa. This ancient Roman thermal town has a beautiful old center, thermal baths, and wellness treatments at various spas.

• Pavia
  About an hour and 20 minutes away, Pavia is known for its rich medieval history, the iconic Certosa di Pavia (a grand monastery), and a historic old town filled with beautiful churches and lively squares.

• Turin (Torino)
  Around 1.5 hours by train, Turin is a bustling city with rich history, renowned museums, and elegant architecture. Don't miss the Egyptian Museum, Mole Antonelliana, and historic cafes serving the famous bicerin (a local chocolate-coffee drink).

• Milan
  Only an hour and a half by train, Milan is perfect for a day of sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Explore landmarks like the Milan Cathedral (Duomo), the Sforza Castle, and the high-end shopping district of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

• Savona
  Just a 45-minute train ride from Genoa, Savona is a coastal town with historic charm. The Priamar Fortress and the Sistine Chapel of Savona are highlights, and the town has several scenic beaches.

• Finale Ligure
  About an hour from Genoa, Finale Ligure has beautiful beaches and is also a top spot for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and rock climbing. The old town, Finalborgo, is charming with its medieval architecture.