Top Tourist Attractions And Fun Indulgences in Genoa, Italy

Genoa is a beautiful city on the Northwestern coast of Italy, located on the Ligurian Sea. Featuring the sixth largest Italian city, Genoa has a metropolitan population of 1.5 million and houses several economic centers in Italy. Since the beginning of the 19th century, gigantic ports and shipyards have decorated Genoa’s landscape. The natural harbor was used by both Etruscans and Romans several years back. Genoa has several Piazzas, ancient churches, and decorated palaces that bring all individual chapters in history, further enriching the rich heritage here. The city has a lot to offer that match the requirements and taste of every traveler. We bring you the famous attractions of Genoa that will lighten up all moods.

Why You Should Visit Genoa

As you can assume, there are plenty of great reasons to find this relatively underestimated region and that does not just depend on its close relationship with the more known Cinque Terre. One of the landmarks of the region, locally called Centro Storico is Genoa’s historic center, a UNESCO-listed Site epitomized by some awesome mediated structures. People prefer Genoa also due to its Aquarium, one of the most famous and remarkable aquariums in Europe. Food and wine are great motivations to explore the city.

Genoa is a culinary center, and its famous dishes exemplify this great feature- especially the fish-based cuisine, specifically the pesto sauce made out of the basil bushes that adorn the Ligurian mountains. For a boost of further inspiration take a look at some of the more traditional dishes from Genoa. Besides, food markets are lively, and the Liguria region’s local wine, Vermentino, is a fresh white which has made this place the map of the globe’s best labels. In the metropolis, street art is exquisite represented with vibrant murals and urban artworks enhancing its streetscapes.

If you are interested in photography or just like discovering the exciting world of this popular art expression, then Genoa will be your choice. And, if all the above that has been spoken of is not enough, along the coast you will find marvelous beaches and a fairly short distance from this – very beautiful coast settlements including Sanremo, Portofino, Lerici, and the Cinque Terre.

Location of Genoa and Directions on How to Get There.

Genoa lies on the Ligurian shores lining the Apennine mountains and the Mediterranean. It could be connected via train from various regions neighboring it such as Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, and Tuscany. One renowned town near Genoa is Savona, a lovely coastal town with the most wonderful beaches which includes towns like the gateway to Cinque Terre is La Civil region. Lastly, 35 km from Genoa there settles the charming coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure with its beautiful harbor and coast.

By traveling to Genoa from Rome, you can go by train this is the most preferred option due to its speed. A direct train from Rome to Geno will take approximately, 3 to 4 hours, and high-speed trains- Frecciarossa or Italo in 3 to 5 hours. Alternatively, to get to Genoa from Rome there is a bus service which is around 4 hours long but also depends on the traffic and stops during the travel. The bus company FlixBus in Italy operates buses between Genoa and Rome and therefore the company represents a clear example of direct connections Driving is another possible option, (from Rome or anywhere else in the country). For instance, you can hire a car in Rome and drive on Highway A1 north of Genoa. Rome to Genoa is about 445 kilometers and a drive would take about 4 – 5 hours.

Is Genoa Worth Visiting?

If Genoa is a city of which you knew almost nothing, of which you had heard almost nothing, and from which you had almost no expectations. Therefore, it will amaze you. In Genoa, some areas of the city will give you a little bit of a seedy feeling in the beginning, but by the end of your stay, the city will be more understandable.

Particularly for a visit of a couple of days along the Italian Riviera, Genoa is a great Italian city full of delicious food and stunning architecture. A week-only trip to Genoa would not be a recommendation. However, despite all the above-described advantages of this city, I would not call it a very good place for a visit just for a couple of days and a perfect cruise stop. All the main attractions are worth visiting—from Genoa’s square through its Renaissance palaces.

Unmissable Famous attractions of Genoa

Genoa Aquarium

This destination may be one of the unusual things to do in Genoa, but it is an excellent family destination that will capture the imagination and attention of all age groups. Placed in the neighborhood of Piazza Carciamento in the main harbor area, this is one of the best aquariums in Italy. It houses myriad species of marine life, including sharks, fishes, jellyfish, turtles, and dolphins. The North Atlantic Ocean’s environment and the Ligurian Sea’s creatures are two central themes in the Genoa Aquarium. The environment has been beautifully designed to meet marine life’s climatic and habitual needs.

Location: Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genoa GE, Italy

Genoa Harbour

Stretched lavishly over the 22km coastline of Genoa is home to several ports and docks for commercial, leisure, and recreational purposes. Many bars, museums, cafes, and restaurants make it an instant hit among the tourist population. Strolling along the harbors is among the best things to do as you witness an array of ships, a beautiful aquarium, and the iconic maritime museum in one go. Don’t miss out on exploring the fascinating Lanterna di Genoa towards the left of the bay, which is a 76m tall lighthouse that has a history dating back to the 12th century.

Location: Palazzo San Giogio Via della Mercanzia 2, 16123 Genoa GE, Italy

Genoa Maritime Museum

Genoa was a major naval player in the 16th to 19th-century era, and there is no doubt why one of Europe’s largest Maritime museums is housed here. Discover unique insights, historical artifacts, interactive displays, and reconstructions over its four floors. For example, one room in the museum displays atlases and globes across various periods, and another displays a reconstructed galley ship. On the museum’s second floor, you will witness various reproductions of shipwrecks and several naval instruments used in the bygone era. An iconic Italian military submarine is also placed in the adjacent dock, where tours are provided to explore this great underwater vessel.

Location: Calata Ansaldo De Mari, 1, 16126 Genova GE, Italy

Forte Begato

Incepted in 1818, this ancient hillside fort is placed in the northern Genoa region and is perched on a mountain top that helped it to act as a defensive structure for several years until it lost popularity and importance over the years. The central barracks in the complex used 300+ soldiers, and a diverse range of artillery platforms remains the highlight of this ancient fort. This destination was also used as a prison for the prisoners of war that is now closed for exploration. Even though entry is banned, the exterior of this majestic fort continues to woo the audience. You also witness mind-blowing natural vistas from the hilltop as Genoa city is spread right before your eyes.

Location: 16159 Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy

Museo d’Arte Orientale

Placed near the Piazza del Portello right in central Genoa, the Museum of Oriental art offers a wonderful opportunity to witness something unique and different compared to other contemporary art museums in other major cities. Housing the largest collection of Asian artwork, bronze theatrical objects, and oriental art in the entire European region, each exhibition in this museum talks about a bygone era and the masterpieces in that era, including Buddhist sculptures, well-preserved Japanese armor and weapons, and Ming sculptures.

Location: Piazzale Giuseppe Mazzini, 4, 16122 Genova GE, Italy

Piazza De Ferrari

It features among the famous attractions of Genoa that is placed in the central medieval town in the Molo district. The large ornate fountain is among the highlights of this 19th-century classical destination. This fountain has several series of water jets spraying water into the central basin, forming a symmetrical shape and water cascading, making it among the key sights to witness. Its neighborhood has several important buildings like the Genoa stock exchange, the Palace of the Doges, the Duke of Galleria, and the Carlo Felice Theatre. You can take a culinary break at the various small cafes surrounding the Piazza De Ferrari.

Location: Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari, 16121 Genoa GE, Italy

Piazza Matteotti

This beautiful destination is also within walking distance from the Piazza De Ferrari and features several historical buildings and sights that are amazing to witness. At one of the squares, you will find the iconic Doges Palace framed by a stone series of columns and oozes opulence from all corners. Other notable attractions include the medieval San Lorenzo Cathedral and the Church of Saint Ambrogio, a huge hit among the tourist population due to their gorgeous interiors. Local market stalls are hosted here, where you can haggle well to get a great deal.

Location: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy

Porta Soprana

Image Credit: www.visitgenoa.it

Genoa’s walls were once a major defensive structure, the gateway to Genoa, and the longest walls in Italy. Today, however, it stands among the famous attractions in Genoa in the form of the Porta Soprana gatehouses and towers. Placed within walking distance from the Piazza De Ferrari, you can club both iconic destinations together to deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of Genoa. The two towers are circular and flanked by an arched gateway topped with crenulations that provide the perfect opportunity for some wonderful selfies for your Instagram profile. Of course, it would feature among the most unusual things to do in Genoa, but its architecture has continued to impress the tourist audience for ages.

Location: di Soprana, Via S. Pietro della Porta, 16123 Genova GE,Italy

San Lorenzo Cathedral

This fascinating building, built in 1118, is visited by several tourists and visitors yearly. Also known as the Genoa Cathedral, the architecture is very similar to the Florence Cathedral, where stripped marble and stone front façade is decorated with four beautiful colors – black, white, pink, and green. One of the awe-inspiring facts about this medieval church that stands among the famous attractions in Genoa is that it still maintains its charm and elegance for centuries. The pinkish marble columns decorate the central altar remains the Interior highlights. The beautiful ceiling is decorated with frescos and several wonderful artworks, such as the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence by Lazzaro Tavorone, among the most well-known masterpieces.

Location: Piazza S. Lorenzo, 16123 Genova GE, Italy

Via Garibaldi

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site features among the important streets in Genoa that house some of the finest architecture and beautiful palaces. With its reddish-orange facade, the Palazzo Rosso stands out among all the architectural feats in the region. Other notable ones on the list are the Palazzo Lomelino, the Palazzo Pantaleo, the Palazzo Doria Tursi, and the Palazzo Bianco. These marvelous architectural feats talk a lot about the rich history of Genoa and house several interactive displays, amazing art collections, and artifacts.

FAQ’s About Genoa, Italy