Genoa
- Sightseekr
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Is this the Italian city that tourists are missing out on?
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Less touristy and more affordable than many of the other big cities in Italy, Genoa truly stood out to us as a destination that people are really missing out on. Plus it also has the benefit of being coastal, and close to so many stunning small beaches, villages and towns. If you haven’t ever considered visiting Genoa - you absolutely should!!
A lot of people just fly into Genoa as a gateway to Cinque Terre, a collection of beautiful towns along the Italian Riviera. But the city centre itself has a lot to offer. You can wander through large open piazzas (squares) and narrow, cobbled streets, all the way to Porto Antico, which is the main waterfront area of the city.
Piazza de Ferrari is the main city centre square, with a large fountain, and close to Doge’s Palace of Genoa and many statues, sculptures and museums. Several streets stretch off the square including a large “high-street” style shopping street and a few smaller, more pedestrianised streets with independent shops, bars and cafes, leading through the city and to the waterfront.
Don’t miss the Cathedral of Saint Lorenzo, it has a similar high-contrast, patterned design to Florence Cathedral. It’s gorgeous, and has a great gelato place just across from it called Fruit and Ice Cream Factory.
And of course, the top tourist attraction of Genoa, the aquarium. It's the largest in Italy, and the second largest in all of Europe!! They have over 400 species of marine life for you to see, and countless exhibitions to explore.
Whilst in Italy, you have to experience the aperitivo culture, which is definitely prominent in Genoa. Go for a spritz during aperitivo hour (normally around 5-8pm, but does depend on the timings each bar sets) and you’ll get a selection of cold, and sometimes even hot snacks included in the price. This generally will include things like olives, crisps, frittata, bread (often focaccia), dips, ham and cold cuts, and even some hot snacks like frisceu (fried dough). A great option is Il Cavaturaccioli.
Whist we’re on the topic of food and drink, there are two foods you absolutely have to try while in Genoa. The first is pesto Genovese - pesto actually originated in this region, and it’s so delicious!
Then you should also try focaccia, a delicious type of bread that again, originated in Genoa. You can get this for low prices at most local bakeries, and pasta with pesto is available at almost every restaurant in the region! We loved Trattoria Archivolto Mongiardino, it’s a gorgeous, authentic restaurant with a great choice of food and really affordable wine options too.
You can even take a cooking class to learn how to make local specialities like pesto, focaccia, and Italian classics like pasta and tiramisu.
But of course, aside from the city centre of Genoa, you also have access to the stunning Ligurian coastline. If you just walk and follow the coastline from the city centre, you’ll reach Boccadesse, a beautiful small Italian village which is picture-perfect. You can also get there easily on public transport too. It does have a small beach, but it is pretty tiny, and gets very busy on hot days. There are a few lovely cafes and bars to sit and enjoy the views, or grab something to go as you continue your walk.
Then, you can continue your walk all the way to Nervi, which is where the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi begins. It’s a stunning coastal path stretching for 2km, all the way from Nervi to the port of Capolungo, going over cliffs with views of the clear, blue water. If you want to do this walk, we’d suggest potentially getting the train from Genoa to Nervi, as if not, it’s too much to do all in one day.
We walked there, and got the train back from Nervi to Genoa (but our feet definitely hurt by the evening). Whilst in Nervi, don’t miss the main park, Parchi di Nervi, and take some time to wander around the village, maybe even grab some gelato before heading on your way.
For a more chill day, there are lots of beach and pool clubs within walking distance of Genoa city centre. The water is often very calm, and so clear, we were surprised at the lack of tourists in the area!
If this is all sounding like a lot to fit into your trip - and you don't even know where to start, why not check out our new travel planning service called makethemost.
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Whether you’re looking for relaxed beach days, long coastal walks, exploring little Italian towns or a bustling city centre atmosphere, Genoa has something to offer for everyone. And you can easily get to Cinque Terre and many other cities in Italy easily due to their expansive rail and bus network. In our opinion, Genoa is such an underrated destination, and deserves much more attention than it gets!!
Additional information:
How do I get to Genoa?
Genoa is easily accessible by air, as it has its own international airport, which has direct flights from many major cities around the UK. It's a short public bus or taxi from the city centre.
Where should I stay in Genoa?
For a budget-friendly or solo trip, this hostel is a fantastic one in a really convenient location.
But there are plenty of other options for accommodation in Genoa. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget on booking.com here:
Do I need a visa to visit Genoa?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Italy for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
New rules for travel into Europe have come into effect - check out our simple guide to make sure you know exactly what you need to do before you travel.
What's the currency in Genoa?
The currency of Italy is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency when you can. We had no issues paying by card in Genoa.
What languages are spoken in Genoa?
The official language of Italy is Italian, but English is widely spoken in Como as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Genoa?
Genoa has a lovely climate - getting quite hot in summer and staying mild through the winter. They do get quite a bit of rain though, averaging at 6 or 7 days with rain per month.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Genoa:
Spring: 18°C / 12°C
Summer: 25°C / 18°C
Autumn: 27°C / 20°C
Winter: 13°C / 6°C
Here's the current weather in Genoa:
What's the time zone in Genoa?
Italy is in the Central European Time Zone. The time is usually the same as most of mainland Europe, but an hour ahead of the UK.
What are the best things to do in Genoa?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Genoa on GetYourGuide:
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