Liguria is a narrow, crescent-shaped region in northwest Italy, hugging the Mediterranean between the Alps, the Apennines, and the sea. Known as the Italian Riviera, it is famous for the five cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre, the glamorous harbour of Portofino, and the maritime city of Genoa. Liguria is also the birthplace of pesto, focaccia, and a culinary tradition built around the sea and the steep, terraced coast.
Genoa is the nightlife capital of Liguria, with a dense scene of cocktail bars, wine bars, and live music woven through the medieval caruggi around Piazza delle Erbe and the Porto Antico waterfront. Along the Riviera the mood turns to elegant seaside aperitivo, from the piazzettas of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure to the historic Casino di Sanremo and the summer beach clubs (bagni) that double as bars after dark.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Genoa Piazza delle Erbe
Compact square in the old town ringed by bars and osterie that spill outdoor tables across the cobbles; the heart of Genoa's caruggi nightlife
Best for: students, locals, and travelers wanting authentic Genoa atmosphere
Genoa Porto Antico
Restored old harbour with cocktail bars, terraces, and a cinema, busy on warm evenings with a mixed crowd by the water
Best for: aperitivo with a sea view and a calmer evening out
Sanremo seafront and Casino
Belle Epoque promenade dominated by the historic Casino di Sanremo, with smart bars and the western Riviera's most glamorous evenings
Best for: casino-goers and an upscale Riviera night
La Spezia waterfront (Passeggiata Morin)
Palm-lined seafront promenade with bars and gelaterie, the focus of evening life in the eastern gateway to the Cinque Terre
Best for: a low-key drink before or after the Cinque Terre
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Les Rouges
Refined cocktail bar set inside the 16th-century Palazzo Pinelli near Piazza delle Erbe, regularly cited among Genoa's best for serious mixology in an opulent setting.
Known for: Classic and craft cocktails in a frescoed palazzo
Piazza Campetto 8A, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Cambi Cafe
Popular aperitivo spot in the heart of Genoa's old town pouring regional whites like Vermentino and Pigato alongside focaccia and cured meats.
Known for: Ligurian wines and aperitivo platters
Vico Falamonica 9r, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Bagni Liggia
Genoa beach club (bagno) in the Vernazzola district that turns into a relaxed open-air bar on summer evenings with drinks right above the water.
Known for: Seaside aperitivo and DJ evenings
Via Gerolamo Gaslini 10, Sturla, 16147 Genova GE, Italy
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Casino di Sanremo
One of Europe's oldest casinos, a Liberty-style landmark on the Sanremo seafront combining gaming rooms with live music, a roof restaurant, and dressy evening events.
Cover: free entry to gaming floors (ID required)
Hours: 10AM-2:30AM (later weekends)
Covo di Nord-Est
Long-running seaside club at Santa Margherita Ligure, a Riviera summer institution that has hosted big-name acts on its terrace overlooking the gulf.
Cover: €20-30 (summer)
Hours: 11PM-4AM (summer season)
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.