Aquarium of Genoa (Acquario di Genova)
One of the largest aquariums in Europe, on the Porto Antico waterfront, with sharks, dolphins, seals, a rainforest hall and Mediterranean habitats.
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About Genoa
Genoa is the capital of Liguria and Italy's largest seaport, a steep, layered city between the Ligurian Sea and the Apennine foothills. Its Centro Storico is one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe, a maze of narrow lanes (caruggi) leading to the striped Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Palazzo Ducale and the UNESCO-listed Strade Nuove with the Palazzi dei Rolli. The Porto Antico, redesigned by Renzo Piano, holds the Aquarium of Genoa, the Bigo lift and the Galata maritime museum, while Boccadasse, Nervi and the Staglieno cemetery add seaside and monumental contrasts. Genoa is also the home of focaccia, pesto and farinata, and a base for day trips to Portofino, Camogli and the Cinque Terre by train.
- Capital
- Rome (national capital); Genoa is the capital of Liguria and of the Metropolitan City of Genoa
- Largest city
- Genoa (largest city of Liguria)
- Population
- About 560,000 (comune of Genoa, recent Istat estimates); about 820,000 in the Metropolitan City
- Languages
- Italian
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- Europe/Rome (UTC+1, summer UTC+2 CEST)
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Best places to visit in Genoa
The 20 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Lanterna di Genova (Genoa Lighthouse)
The 77 m lighthouse that has marked the port since the Middle Ages and is the city symbol; the museum-park at its foot tells the story of the beacon.
Genoa Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo)
Genoa's striped black-and-white marble cathedral with a Gothic portal, a Renaissance dome and a treasury museum holding the Sacro Catino.
Palazzo Ducale
The former seat of the Doges of the Republic of Genoa, now the city's main cultural centre with major art exhibitions, a courtyard and the Torre Grimaldina.
Palazzo Reale (Via Balbi)
The 17th-century Balbi-Durazzo palace later used by the Savoy kings, with gilded salons, a Hall of Mirrors and a terraced garden above the port.
Palazzo Rosso
A Strada Nuova palace holding the Brignole-Sale art collection, with works by Van Dyck, Veronese and Dürer and a rooftop viewpoint over the old town.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Genoa Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Genoa, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Genoa
- Days 1-2Genoa city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Genoa
- Days 1-3Genoa comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Genoa, departure
Where to stay in Genoa
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EUR 75 (~$86)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EUR 170 (~$196)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EUR 400+ (~$460+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel Bristol Palace
Historic Liberty-style hotel on Via XX Settembre, Genoa's main shopping street, with an elliptical marble staircase and a restaurant with a terrace. About 400 m from Piazza De Ferrari.
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Hotel Savoia Genova, Curio Collection by Hilton
Five-star grand hotel beside Piazza Principe station, a short walk from the cruise terminal, Via Balbi's palaces and the Old Port.
Check rates on Booking.comMelia Genova
Five-star hotel on Via Corsica between Piazza della Vittoria and the Foce district, with a spa. Brignole station is about 1 km away.
Check rates on Booking.comStarhotels President
Four-star business hotel with 188 rooms and suites in the Corte Lambruschini complex opposite Genova Brignole station.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Genoa
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Antica Osteria di Vico Palla
A small osteria in a lane beside the Porto Antico, serving stockfish, fried Gulf fish and cappon magro in a room whose origins the owners trace to the 1500s.
Trattoria della Raibetta
A trattoria in Vico Caprettari behind the Sottoripa arcades, known for trenette avvantaggiate with pesto, potatoes and green beans, and for Ligurian rabbit.
Trattoria da Ugo
A family-style trattoria on Via dei Giustiniani serving pansoti in walnut sauce, minestrone, buridda and tripe at modest prices.
Sà Pesta
A historic farinata house and trattoria on Via dei Giustiniani with torte salate, stuffed vegetables, pesto trofie and farinata from noon.
Trattoria da Maria
A tiny, cheap lunch trattoria in Vico Testadoro known for ravioli al tocco, soups and stewed tripe.
Il Genovese
A trattoria on Via Galata serving pesto, minestrone, zimino di ceci, house ravioli, cod, tripe and meatballs.
Book a food tour in Genoa We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Genoa
Transportation options in Genoa include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 35 (~$40) | EUR 95 (~$109) | EUR 240 (~$276) |
| Food (per day) | EUR 22 (~$25) | EUR 45 (~$52) | EUR 100 (~$115) |
| Transportation | EUR 4 (~$5) | EUR 8 (~$9) | EUR 30 (~$35) |
| Activities | EUR 14 (~$16) | EUR 22 (~$25) | EUR 30 (~$35) |
| Daily total | EUR 75 (~$86) | EUR 170 (~$196) | EUR 400+ (~$460+) |
Best time to visit Genoa
Weather through the year in Liguria
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Liguria.
Genoa has a mild Mediterranean climate: summer highs reach about 28-30C (82-86F), winters are cool and damp, and autumn is the wettest season, when red or orange weather alerts can close parks, the Lanterna and some sites. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures for the caruggi and the coast. Events include the Rolli Days (palace openings, held 16-18 October in 2026) and the Genoa International Boat Show in the Porto Antico area in September-October.
Essential travel tips
- Book Aquarium tickets online at acquariodigenova.it for a fixed date, which is cheaper than open-date tickets
- Many museums close on Monday, so plan outdoor sights for that day; check hours at museidigenova.it
- The Genova Museum Card costs EUR 24 (~$28) for 24 hours and EUR 45 (~$52) for 48 hours (museidigenova.it)
- Wear flat grippy shoes: the old town lanes are steep and slippery after rain
- A day trip by train to Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure or the Cinque Terre needs no car; avoid driving in the ZTL limited-traffic centre
Safety information
Keep phones and wallets in zipped inner pockets at Stazione Principe, Stazione Brignole, on the Metro and on crowded AMT buses, where pickpockets work in pairs
After dark, stay on the main lit streets (Via San Lorenzo, Via Garibaldi, Via XX Settembre, Porto Antico) and avoid walking alone through the narrow carruggi of Via Prè, Via del Campo and the area behind Piazza Caricamento
Do not leave bags on café chairs or phones on outdoor tables on the Porto Antico or Piazza De Ferrari
Use official white taxis from ranks (Principe, Brignole, Piazza De Ferrari) or order through a taxi app and check the meter is running
Use the Volabus or an official taxi from Genova Cristoforo Colombo airport instead of unmarked cars offering rides
Do not buy goods or accept 'free' bracelets and items from street sellers at the Aquarium and Porto Antico, and walk away from anyone insisting on payment
Check allerta meteo (rain alerts) on allertaliguria.gov.it during autumn and avoid riverbanks, underpasses and the lower Bisagno area when a red or orange alert is issued
Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original and spare cards in the hotel safe
Dial 112 for any emergency and report thefts at a police station (Questura or Carabinieri) to obtain a denuncia needed for insurance
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Genoa?
Entry requirements follow Italy/Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID card; non-EU visitors from many countries may stay visa-free for up to 90 days; others require a Schengen visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with the nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Genoa?
Genoa uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in the centre and near the stations. Cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry small cash for focaccia bakeries, markets and bus tickets.
What language is spoken in Genoa?
Italian is the main language, with Genoese (Zeneize) heard among locals. English is generally understood in hotels, museums and tourist areas; a few Italian phrases are appreciated.
What are the top attractions in Genoa?
The top attractions are the Aquarium of Genoa, the Lanterna, San Lorenzo Cathedral, Palazzo Ducale, the Via Garibaldi palaces (Palazzo Rosso, Bianco and Doria-Tursi), Boccadasse and the Staglieno cemetery.
How do I get from Genoa airport to the city centre?
Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) is about 6 km west of the centre. The Volabus airport bus runs to Genova Piazza Principe and Brignole stations (check fare and timetable at amt.genova.it); taxis are available at the airport rank and Radio Taxi Genova is tel. +39 010 5966.