Genoa Attractions Guide 2026

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Genoa.

1. 1

   Aquarium of Genoa (Acquario di Genova)

   aquariumAdult From EUR 26 (~$30) for a fixed-date online ticket (13 and over); open-date ticket about EUR 34 (~$39) · Child EUR 16 (~$18) ages 4-12; free ages 0-3; reduced EUR 20 (~$23) for over 65, military and certified disabled visitors3-4 hours

   One of the largest aquariums in Europe, on the Porto Antico waterfront, with sharks, dolphins, seals, a rainforest hall and Mediterranean habitats.

   Tip: Buy fixed-date tickets online at acquariodigenova.it; prices are dynamic and change daily · Allow at least three hours; the visit route is one-way and covers several buildings

2. 2

   Lanterna di Genova (Genoa Lighthouse)

   landmarkAdult Park and museum EUR 6 (~$7); park, museum and lighthouse up to the first terrace EUR 9 (~$10); online booking adds EUR 1 · Child Free up to age 17; ages 18-26 EUR 2 (~$2.30); reduced EUR 8 (~$9) with lighthouse1.5-2 hours

   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.

   Tip: Open only Friday to Sunday in the 2026 schedule, so plan around those days · Ticket office tel. +39 010 5579220

3. 3

   Genoa Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo)

   landmarkAdult Cathedral free; Treasury Museum and cathedral towers charged separately (price to confirm locally) · Child Cathedral free45-90 minutes

   Genoa's striped black-and-white marble cathedral with a Gothic portal, a Renaissance dome and a treasury museum holding the Sacro Catino.

   Tip: Cover shoulders and knees; the cathedral is an active place of worship · Look at the cathedral's lion statues at the steps and the carved Last Judgement portal

4. 4

   Palazzo Ducale

   palaceAdult Courtyards free; exhibitions typically EUR 8-15 (~$9-17) · Child Reduced or free depending on the exhibition1-2 hours

   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.

   Tip: Check the current exhibition programme before visiting; ticket prices vary by show · Information tel. +39 010 8171600

5. 5

   Palazzo Reale (Via Balbi)

   palaceAdult About EUR 8 (~$9) combined ticket for Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Spinola · Child Free under 18; ages 18-25 EU citizens EUR 2 (~$2.30); free first Sunday of the month1.5 hours

   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.

   Tip: The combined ticket also covers Palazzo Spinola · Information tel. +39 010 2710236

6. 6

   Palazzo Rosso

   museumAdult About EUR 9 (~$10) for the three Strada Nuova museums (Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Doria-Tursi) · Child Free under 18 for EU citizens; reduced about EUR 7 (~$8)1.5 hours

   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.

   Tip: Reserve online at museidigenova.it or ticketone.it (EUR 1.50 pre-order fee) · Booking and tour contact tel. +39 010 2759185

7. 7

   Palazzo Bianco

   museumAdult About EUR 9 (~$10) shared ticket with Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Doria-Tursi · Child Free under 18 for EU citizens; reduced about EUR 7 (~$8)1 hour

   A 16th-century Rolli palace on Via Garibaldi housing Genoese, Flemish and Spanish painting, including works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Murillo.

   Tip: One ticket covers all three Strada Nuova museums · Audio guide about EUR 5 (~$6)

8. 8

   Palazzo Doria-Tursi

   museumAdult About EUR 9 (~$10) shared Strada Nuova ticket · Child Free under 18 for EU citizens; reduced about EUR 7 (~$8)45 minutes

   The Renaissance palace now serving as Genoa town hall, with a museum floor displaying Paganini's violin "Il Cannone" and Genoese coins and ceramics.

   Tip: Paganini's violin Il Cannone is displayed here · Combine with Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco in one visit

9. 9

   Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola

   museumAdult About EUR 8 (~$9) combined with Palazzo Reale · Child Free under 18; ages 18-25 EU citizens EUR 2 (~$2.30)1 hour

   A noble family palace preserved with period furnishings and a national gallery including Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo and Van Dyck portraits.

   Tip: Entry is included in the combined Palazzo Reale ticket · Information tel. +39 010 2710236

10. 10

    Galata Museo del Mare

    museumAdult Museum ticket price to confirm at galatamuseodelmare.it; combined museum, submarine and aquarium packages sell from about EUR 44 (~$51) · Child Free ages 0-32 hours

    The largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean, in the old Darsena arsenal, with a replica galley, a Columbus section and the moored Nazario Sauro submarine.

    Tip: The submarine visit is a separate ticket and is not stroller or wheelchair accessible · Museum tel. +39 010 253 3555

Attractions by category

Explore by your interests.

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path attractions worth seeking out.

Practical information

What you need to know before you go.

Hours

Municipal museums are generally closed Monday; Palazzo Reale is closed Monday; the Aquarium is open daily 9:00AM-8:00PM; the Lanterna museum is open Friday-Sunday in 2026; Staglieno opens daily until about 5:00PM

Fees

Aquarium from EUR 26 (~$30); Lanterna EUR 6-9 (~$7-10); Strada Nuova museums about EUR 9 (~$10) for three; Palazzo Reale plus Spinola about EUR 8 (~$9); Staglieno, cathedral and Via Garibaldi street are free. All prices converted at 1 EUR = 1.15 USD

Best Times

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather; weekday mornings are quietest. Autumn can bring heavy rain and weather alerts that close parks and some sites

Passes

Genova Museum Card: EUR 24 (~$28) for 24 hours, EUR 45 (~$52) for 48 hours; purchase details at museidigenova.it

Getting Around

The historic centre is walkable but steep and narrow; one metro line (Brin-Brignole) connects Principe, Darsena, San Giorgio, Sarzano, De Ferrari and Brignole; buses, lifts and funiculars use AMT tickets at about EUR 2 (~$2.30). Buy tickets at tabacchi shops or via the AMT app and validate on board

Tourist Info

Tourist information: visitgenoa.it; main municipal museums booking tel. +39 010 2759185

Rates Note

Prices were checked in October 2026 on official and listing sites and may change; confirm before visiting

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Frequently asked questions