The 15 things to do in Genoa • Wanderlix

Immediate packaging for the capital of Liguria. Direction the 14 essential things to do in Genoa!

Who has never dreamed of traveling and disconnecting completely in just a few hours? With Genoa it is possible because it is the first major Italian city along the Ligurian coast, right after the border. Do you know that this former merchant city was even nicknamed "the Superb", making it rivalry with Venice ?

Without being as tourist as much as Rome , Milan or Florence Genoa has this authentic and terribly cliché je-ne-sais-quoi. From its city centre to its large port: you have to see it to understand.

Even if the arrival on site can surprise and decorate some, especially because of this damn highway that directly overlooks the port, Genoa finally lets itself discover through its docks, palaces, religious monuments, museums and narrow historical alleys. But, what to see in a city-trip Genoa? Here is a small overview of the 15 things to do in Genoa.

1. Via Garibaldi

To breathe the typical atmosphere of Genoa and discover the splendour of its facades: direction Via Garibaldi . This mythical avenue, part of UNESCO’s World Heritage, is a testament to an incredible architecture and a fourteenth century of sumptuous palaces.

Finally, it is here that many of the famous Rolli palaces are juxtaposed. It is the enchantment at every step, between luxury and opulence Renaissance way. Despite the narrowness of the avenue, which makes it difficult to take a look, architectural photographers will be seduced by his multiple photogenic attractions.

The real mordus of History, for them, will go through the cultural journey. The milestones are marked by the visit of three museums in three tedious palaces: Palazzo Rosso , Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria Tursi . They all contain exceptional furniture and large collections of artworks. The last, Palazzo Doria Tursi , contains the most masterpiece of museums: Strada Nuova .

2. Via XX Settembre

Like Via Garibaldi , Via XX Settembre is a full journey. Although open to traffic, it bathes in an intoxicating and picturesque atmosphere. The facades of the buildings but also the musicians in the shadow of the great arches transport you in another era, out of time.

Italians and tourists also explore this avenue to heat the blue map. Here, the great shopping signs pushed like mushrooms. Surroundings include: Piazza de Ferrari , theatre Carlo Felica and the sublime gallery Giuseppe Mazzini . Don't miss stopping there during your visit to Genoa.

3. Modern and antique ports

Of course, how to visit Genoa without visiting its ports? Genoa has always been a city at the crossroads of the worlds, especially between the Mediterranean and all of Europe. Today, its modern port is always the most important of the entire Mediterranean basin. There you can admire the unspoiled commercial boats and take a look at them in front of the superb cruise ships.

From the coast Porto Antico , one discovers, a little stunned, the impressive Gallion of Neptune: a pirate ship of great nature built for cinema.

Then we contemplate the Lanterna . This is the name given to the lighthouse that dominates the ancient port of Genoa. From its summit you can admire a breathtaking view of the city surrounded by amphitheatre-shaped hills. This uncommon tower, sabrating the sky on 77 metres , is as laid on his rock, himself high from 40 metres .

With a total height 117 metres above sea level, Lanterna is the highest lighthouse in Italy and the second highest in the world. Small advice : Go there in the evening, when the lights of the city come to light the city gradually. Awesome.

Finally, along Porto Antico, raise your eyes and camera lens on the incredible beautiful facade of Palazzo San Giorgio. His frescoes in trumpet-eye shine under the sun. It is now the seat of the master’s office, open to the public when it receives temporary exhibitions.

4. Aquarium

Not far from the port, the Genoa Aquarium is located at the end of Porto Antico . It is one of the largest aquariums in all of Italy. It offers more than a thousand different species including the famous sharks and piranhas. How not to be fascinated by such a place? Just next to the aquarium is a singular building called the Biosphere, a kind of spherical structure that remains suspended above the sea.

Built of glass and steel, the sphere reinvents a unique space where wild fauna and flora are recreated. To take full advantage of this must-see place to visit in Genoa, make sure to book in advance. There are, among other things, cut-file tickets for sale on the Internet.

5. Maison de Christophe Colomb

Did you know that Christophe Colomb Was it Genoese? Take advantage of your visit to Genoa to discover the remains of his home! Although its conservation status does not improve year after year, it would be a shame not to enjoy its beautiful facades and two unique pieces.

Next to the house, discover other interesting ruins such as those of the church of San Andrea and the door Soprana . The latter is one of the last gates of the city of Genoa which is still embedded in the wall.

6. District Boccadasse

This neighborhood is not in the center of the city. This small fishing village is located along the river Corso Italia . Here, all the houses are colored, the rocks overlook the sea and the old fishermen still wait for the fish to bite under a radiant sun. A postcard, an attraction, a little paradise. You will understand, this soothing town is a full journey.

Moreover, the pastel facades and the configuration of the tiny cove are not without recalling the “ Cinque Terre » southerly... To admire the most stunning panoramas, climb to the church of Sant-Antonio or the abbey San Giuliano .

7. University of Genoa

When beauty and history meet for the happiness of students, it gives birth to the University of Genoa. It is one of the oldest in all of Italy (XV century) and is located Via Balbi . It is easily recognizable with its imposing buildings, columns, mouldings and colourful frescoes inside the classrooms.

8. Genoese Palace

Located in front of Ferrari Square, the Palazzo Ducale is today a flourishing cultural hub, very popular for exhibitions, seminars and concerts. This former Genoa Doge residence was built in the 12th century and has undergone many renovations. However, it was always a strong symbol for the inhabitants, in the very heart of the city.

Built in the 17th century and overlooking the port, the Palazzo Reale , also nicknamed palace Durazzo , is an integral part of the Rolli Palace system. In the past, he was connected to him by a bridge that came to overwhelm the road. It was a private passage that was destroyed in 1864 during the construction of this highway called the Strada Sopraelevata Aldo Moro .

Among the curiosities to visit in Genoa, there is precisely all the Rolli palaces on Via Garibaldi and Via Baldi . These are magnificent buildings serving the Genoa Republic to welcome nobles and passing authorities. But these Renaissance and Baroque wonders (a hundred in all) hold to their splendid secrets...

Indeed, they only open their doors twice a year: during the Rolli Days . Sort of heritage days that allow you to admire the interiors of remnants and jewels of invaluable value.

9. Belvedere Montaldo

The Belvedere Montaldo is one of the essential things to do during a visit to Genoa when you like to take height on remarkable sites. From there you can admire the port, the Lanterna and the roofs of the historic centre.

For those who want to save their soles, know that you can go up there to save their soles less than 1€ thanks to the Ascensor Art Nouveau. This one leaves Piazza Portello a few steps away Strada Nuova .

10. Cathedral San Lorenzo

At the end of the fabulous journey along Via Garibaldi , discover the splendid Dôme San Lorenzo . Its imposing façade and belfry force humility. Its overwhelming majesty, like most buildings of Liguria and Tuscany , was built alternately of white and black stones.

The two lions that flank the stairs of the entrance gate once again push to contemplation. Inside, discover the Treasury Museum and its beautiful religious works.

11. Beaches

You don’t necessarily think of visiting Genoa when you want a holiday. Yet the beautiful capital of Liguria lies in the heart of the Riviera Ligure di Levante and its superb beach rosary. « La Superbe » has so close to 40 kilometres sandy and golden coastline, with coves and small bays well equipped.

For example, put your towel on the long sandy beach of the Sturla or along the pretty coves Genoa Quarto dei Mille .

12. A boat ride

Once the tour of the beaches of Genoa is done, another must-have for you: the boat ride! Indeed, renting a boat in Genoa , you offer the possibility of discovering the genoese wonders while avoiding the tourist hustle. For example, you can take a one-day boat trip to discover three of the most charming villages in Liguria: Camogli, San Fruttuoso and Portofino.

If you do not have the boat permit, you can use the services of a skipper who will unveil the most beautiful corners of the area throughout the tour. With a bit of luck, you can even enjoy it to swim in the heart of magical places, the time of an unforgettable day with your loved ones.

13. Promenade Corso Italia

Among the essential things to do in Genoa, there is a beautiful pedestrian walk. Metagus on near 3 kilometres , along beaches, exemplary architectures and leisure facilities, Corso Italia invites you to stretch your legs and relax at once.

A wonderful spot to finish its urban peregrines and admire a beautiful sunset.

14. Italian gastronomy

Italy has so many wonders... Including your taste buds. Where to start? Already, impossible to visit Genoa without walking in the heart of its alleys a good Italian ice cream by hand!

But the flowers of the Italian cuisine, to taste again and again, are much more numerous: focaccia soaked in the cappuccino In the early morning, pesto alla genovese with a plate of fresh trofie or carne tocco , ravioli filled with the name of pansottis with nut sauce, fried cod, veal breast stuffed with abs... The choice is wide!

The sweet mouths will feast with pastries with chestnut and other dry biscuits.

Finally for the gourmets of you, go through the Rubilic coffee to the Via Feschi : here you will taste the best pesto pasta in your whole life! All in an elegant setting with friendly servers.

15. Nervi district

Discreetly nestled in the east of Genoa, recognized for its long romantic walk on cliffs, Nervi bathes in a particularly pleasant climate. If it’s a popular destination for the rich tourists, it’s still full of charms.

The beautiful villas, licked by the sea, bear witness to the thorns of the Belle Epoque, while the Nervi parks house the most beautiful botanical species of the coast. Nervi is also rich in its museums and galleries.

How to get to Genoa?

We need to know that Genoa is only there 175 km from the French border and thus quickly reached by car from the French Riviera or the South Alps. Otherwise, there is a direct airline from Paris Charles de Gaulle with Air France.

For flights with stopovers, there are several starting cities proposed by some companies low-cost . Make sure to find the best prices regarding your stay dates on the Compare flights Ulysses .

Where to sleep in Genoa?

Genoa is a large Italian city and, again, it is possible to find hotels suitable for any type of budget. If you only stay in Genoa for a few days, prefer accommodation in the old town (medieval or baroque) or in Porto Antico. If you are not afraid to walk a bit and look for an atypical place, your perfect cocoon is probably on the side of Boccadasse.

Whether you are looking for a youth hostel or a higher-end hotel, feel free to use this Compare hotels using interactive map and price filter. For more autonomy or authenticity, take a look at the kyrielle Airbnb available.