Best Things to Do in Genoa: Wander in this iconic place

Welcome to Genoa, or Genova, as it’s fondly known in Italian, a vibrant coastal city tucked between the Ligurian Sea and the Apennine Mountains in Northern Italy. Known as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and once one of Europe’s greatest maritime republics, Genoa is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture that deserves far more attention than it gets. With its labyrinthine Old Town, majestic Renaissance palaces, and authentic local charm, Genoa invites you to slow down and explore. In between bites of fresh focaccia and spoonfuls of Pesto Genovese, dive into Liguria wine tours that take you from historic cellars to panoramic vineyards in the hills above the coast. From art and architecture to street food and sea air, Genoa is full of surprises, and one visit will never be enough.

What are the best things to do in Genoa?

Wander at Piazza De Ferrari

If Genoa had a heartbeat, it would echo from Piazza De Ferrari. Framed by stately palaces and crowned with its iconic bronze fountain, this is where the city gathers, celebrates, and occasionally protests. You’ll see everything from business meetings in motion to street performers playing accordion classics. Just steps away, the Palazzo Ducale beckons with exhibitions under frescoed ceilings, while the Teatro Carlo Felice whispers opera nights and velvet curtains.

Explore the charm of Boccadasse

Tucked at the eastern edge of Genoa like a scene from a faded postcard, Boccadasse is where locals go to breathe. Think crumbling pastel facades, fishing boats bobbing just offshore, and the sound of waves breaking on a pebble beach. It’s not a tourist trap, it’s a feeling. Grab a gelato, find a seat on the rocks, and let the salty breeze do the rest.

Discover the old port

Genoa’s Old Port (Porto Antico) isn’t just a relic of the past, it’s where the city feels most alive. Picture a buzzing waterfront where you can visit the Neptune galleon (yes, the one from Polanski’s Pirates), dive into maritime legends at the Galata Museo del Mare, or watch jellyfish glide through Europe’s top-tier Aquarium of Genoa. It’s perfect for a breezy afternoon with kids or a lazy walk with espresso in hand.

Walk along Corso Italia

Need a break from museums and medieval streets? Corso Italia is where Genoa lets its hair down. This breezy seaside promenade stretches along the Ligurian coast with sea views on one side and cafés, gelaterias, and elegant villas on the other. Locals jog, stroll, or just sit and soak in the sun, join them. It’s the perfect lead-up to Boccadasse, and an even better place to do absolutely nothing (in style).

Admire art in Palazzo Ducale

Right off Piazza De Ferrari, the Palazzo Ducale, is where Genoa’s power once lived and ruled. This former home of the Doge now plays host to everything from political history exhibits to contemporary art shows. Grand halls, centuries-old frescoes, and a calendar full of cultural events make it more than just a backdrop for your photos. If walls could talk, these ones would spill some serious secrets.

Visit the Genoa Cathedral

You can’t really visit Genoa without stopping by the dramatic Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Its bold black-and-white stripes make it stand out instantly, and the mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles gives it some serious architectural personality. Step inside to find frescoed ceilings and golden light bouncing off centuries-old stone. For a little peace and mystery, slip down into the crypt, it’s cool, quiet, and feels like a hidden chapter of the city’s story.

Take the funicular for the view

For those chasing the perfect view of Genoa, hop on a Funicular from the city to Righi. The vistas over the coast and rooftops are spectacular, especially during golden hour. Great for hikers too — you can descend via scenic trails into the city center.

Marvel at the house of Christopher Columbus

Just steps from Genoa’s old city walls, the Casa di Cristoforo Colombo invites you to peek into the humble beginnings of the man who (accidentally) stumbled upon the Americas. Though the current house is a reconstruction, it stands on the spot where young Columbus likely grew up. It’s a short but meaningful stop, perfect for a curious detour as you wander through the heart of Genoa’s tangled streets.

Ride the public elevator

Want the kind of view that makes you stop mid-sentence? Hop on one of Genoa’s old-school funiculars up to Righi, where the whole city stretches out below like a painted map, rooftops, sea, and rolling hills. It’s magical at golden hour, trust us. Feeling adventurous? You can hike back down through scenic trails lined with olive trees and old fortresses. It’s the perfect breath of fresh air above the buzz of the city.

Visit Palazzo San Giorgio

Towering above the port with its faded frescoed façade, Palazzo San Giorgio isn’t just a pretty building, it’s a full-on time machine. Once a fortress, later the seat of the world’s first public bank, and always at the center of Genoa’s trade empire, this 13th-century palace has seen it all. It’s one of the most iconic symbols of the city’s maritime might, perfect for history buffs, art lovers, or anyone who loves a good old building with serious stories.

What are the best things to do around Genoa?

Loose yourself in the streets of Nervi

Just 20 minutes from the heart of Genoa, Nervi feels like hitting the pause button. Once a sleepy fishing village, today it’s one of the city’s most peaceful corners, ideal for an afternoon stroll on the famous Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, where cliffs meet crashing waves. Grab a gelato, soak in those Riviera views, and meander through Nervi’s lush parks and art-filled villas. It’s a perfect breather from the city’s buzz, close to spots like Piazza De Ferrari and Via Garibaldi, but with a coastal charm all its own.

Head to Camogli

Just when you think the Italian Riviera can’t get more picturesque, Camogli steps in with its candy-colored houses, quiet pebble beaches, and sea air that smells like fresh focaccia and saltwater. This little fishing village near Genoa is the perfect escape from the tourist buzz, easy to reach, hard to leave. Walk along the waterfront promenade, grab a seafood lunch by the harbor, and take a lazy dip in the Ligurian Sea. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and that’s exactly the point.

Don’t miss our guide on the best things to do in Camogli Italy to complete your adventure!

Uncover mysteries in Savona

Just under an hour west of Genoa by train or car, Savona is a hidden gem that balances seaside views with historic depth. Wander through its old town streets, climb the massive Priamar Fortress, and admire the city’s medieval cathedral tucked behind pastel façades. Savona is quieter than Genoa but offers just as much character, plus fewer crowds. It’s a great place to linger over Ligurian seafood, discover Renaissance art, or even sip local wines from nearby vineyards. Stretch your Genoa trip, visit Savona Italy for some Italian surprises.

Explore the seaside of Portofino

Just about an hour from Genoa by car or train, Portofino feels like a painting come to life. With its pastel facades, bobbing yachts, and sea-sprayed promenades, this former fishing village is now one of the most iconic stops on the Italian Riviera. Come for the fresh seafood and aperitivi with a view, stay for the boutique charm and coastal trails. You’re hiking to Castello Brown or simply basking in the harbor glow, Portofino adds a dash of glamour and tranquility to your Genoa itinerary.

Visit Portofino in Italy and make the most of your trip!

Good to know before visiting Genoa