Genoa

The old fishing village of Boccadasse, Genoa, Italy at dawn.
GENOA, ITALY - Piazza De Ferrari at the fountain in the morning.

Genoa, Italy

Genoa is Italy’s gritty yet charming port city, where history, art, and food come together in the most unexpected ways. Known as the birthplace of pesto and a former powerhouse of maritime trade, Genoa offers a raw authenticity that sets it apart from its flashier neighbours. Think winding alleyways (called caruggi), grand palaces, and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.

For solo travellers, Genoa is a goldmine of unique experiences. Whether you’re exploring the historic centre, wandering along the picturesque harbour, or tucking into a plate of trofie al pesto, this city knows how to keep things interesting.

What’s New

Check Out Our Latest Posts…

Things to Do in Genoa

Genoa is a treasure trove of things to see and do, from its impressive palaces to its lively markets. Here are some highlights to add to your list:

Coming Soon:

  • Best Day Trips from Genoa
Vernazza village with typical colorful multicolored buildings houses, Castello Doria castle on rock, green hills and Genoa Gulf, Ligurian Sea, National park Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Liguria, Italy
rough sea big waves crash on small port of Nervi in Genoa in Italian Riviera of liguria in beautiful sunny day
Public elevator Castelletto Belvedere Montaldo and pamoramic view of Genoa (Genova), Italy.
Most colorful coastal towns near Genova - beautiful Bogliasco village in Liguria with nice beach. Italy summer destinations
Genova, Italy - Beautiful scenic aerial view of the city, port, dam, sea, Cristoforo Colombo airport runway, containers shipping terminal, Pra, Voltri, and Sestri promontory
Genoa, Italy. Red palace Palazzo Rosso and White palace Palazzo Bianco colorful buildings on Via Garibaldi street in historical centre of old european city Genova, Liguria

Where to Stay in Genoa

Genoa’s neighbourhoods offer something for every type of traveller. Stay in the historic centre for easy access to the city’s main attractions or head to Boccadasse for a laid-back seaside escape. If you prefer modern comforts, consider staying near the Porto Antico area.

GENOA, ITALY - Panoramic view of port of Genoa with colorful houses on italian coastline. Afternoon lights.
Genoa, Italy - Port of Genoa (Genova) Old Port Porto Antico with yachts and boats with stormy sky. Genoa, Italy
GENOA, ITALY - Genova Railway Station in the centre of Genoa city in Liguria region in Italy
RECCO, ITALY, View of town of Recco and Ligurian coast, Genoa Province, Italy
Сolorful houses in Camogli resort town near Genoa, Liguria, Italy

Itineraries for Genoa

Whether you’re in town for a quick visit or planning a longer stay, Genoa has plenty to offer.

Coming Soon:

  • 2 Days in Genoa Itinerary
  • 1 Week in Genoa
The coast of Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy at dawn.
Palazzo Doria-Spinola (circa 1543). UNESCO world heritage site. Nowadays serves as offices of the Prefecture and the Province of Genoa. Genoa Italy
Genoa, Liguria Region, Italy, Europe - Piazza De Ferrari is the main square in Genoa. Located in the heart of the city - and in particular in the ancient soriater of Portoria
Genoa, Liguria, Italy - Statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi - italian general and politician on pedestal in front of opera house Teatro Carlo Felice on Piazza De Ferrari in Genoa, Italy
GENOA, ITALY, Saint Lawrence cathedral, (Duomo di San Lorenzo), Genoa, Italy
GENOA, ITALY - Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato of Genoa, Italy.

Solo Travel Tips for Genoa

Genoa’s mix of history and character makes it a fantastic destination for solo travellers. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

  • Start your day with a stroll through the historic center—those narrow caruggi streets are full of surprises.
  • Take a seat at a waterfront café to enjoy fresh seafood and some prime people-watching.
  • Don’t miss the panoramic views from Spianata Castelletto—it’s the perfect spot for a quiet moment.
GENOA, ITALY -Congress Centre in Genoa historic cotton warehouses in the Old Port in Genova, Italy. Sea view and yachts at sunset.
GENOA, ITALY - The house of Christopher Columbus (Casa di Cristoforo Colombo) in Genoa, Italy
GENOA, ITALY - Detail of the Porta Soprana in Genoa, Italy. This monumental gate was built at 1155 as part of a defensive wall system
GENOA (GENOVA) - Palazzo Reale in Genoa, Italy, The Royal Palace, in the italian city of Genoa, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Italy.
Genoa , Italy - 20-th September street (Via XX Settembre) in Genoa at sunset
High dynamic range HDR Castello d Albertis gothic revival castle in Genoa Italy

Cultural Experiences in Genoa

Genoa is steeped in history and culture, with experiences that will leave you with plenty of stories to tell.

  • Visit the Palazzi dei Rolli, a collection of stunning palaces that showcase Genoa’s glorious past.
  • Explore the Aquarium of Genoa, one of Europe’s largest aquariums and a must-see for marine life enthusiasts.
  • Take a pesto-making class to learn the secrets behind Genoa’s most famous culinary creation.
View of Bogliasco. Bogliasco is a ancient fishing village in Italy, Genoa, Liguria. Mediterranean Sea, sandy beach and architecture of Bogliasco town.
Manarola, one of famous small coastal cliff towns and fishing villages in Cinque Terre national park on Italian Riviera, Mediterranean Sea near Genoa. Province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy.
Genoa port aerial panoramic view. Genoa or Genova is the capital of Liguria region in Italy.
Genoa, Italy - People by the sea on Boccadasse beach in Genoa, Liguria
Cathedral di San Lorenzo in the Italian city of GENOA, ITALY
Genoa city at sunset, Liguria, Italy - Cityscape of old town

FAQ’s

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. If you love festivals, visit in June for the city’s traditional celebrations.

Yes, Genoa is generally safe for solo travellers. Stick to well-lit areas at night and be mindful of pickpockets in busy spots like the historic centre and train stations.

Genoa is walkable, especially in the historic centre. Public transport, including buses and funiculars, is great for reaching farther-flung areas like Boccadasse or Spianata Castelletto.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating Genoa’s steep streets and cobblestone alleys. Pack layered clothing for the variable weather and don’t forget a small backpack for day trips.

You can’t visit Genoa without trying trofie al pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood like anchovies and mussels. Wash it all down with a glass of Ligurian white wine.

Yes! Wander through the historic centre, explore the Porto Antico area, and soak up the views from Spianata Castelletto—all without spending a dime.

Head to the Cinque Terre for postcard-perfect villages, Portofino for a touch of luxury, or Camogli for a charming coastal escape.

Wrapping Up Your Genoa Adventure

Genoa is a city that knows how to surprise and delight. From its rich maritime history to its unbeatable food scene, it’s a place that invites you to dig deeper and discover its layers. Whether you’re exploring its palaces, savoring local dishes, or simply wandering its atmospheric streets, Genoa is a city you won’t soon forget.

Ready to explore more of Italy? Check out our guides to Florence, Rome, and Venice for your next adventure. Genoa is ready to welcome you—are you ready to dive in?