A former maritime republic and major commercial power in the Mediterranean Sea, Genova is a destination typically overlooked by tourists. But this vibrant port city is a must visit for anyone in search of history and authentic charm. Despite having so much to offer, Italy’s sixth-largest city is often reduced to being a mere gateway to Portofino and the Cinque Terre on cruise itineraries. It’s certainly a great base to visit these cities and others in Liguria, but it is also home to many of its own treasures.
Genova is a city with many faces, striking the perfect balance between glitzy and gritty. This is largely attributed to years of patina that enhances its elegant architecture. Cascading down the mountainous terrain are colorful buildings that meet with the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Genova also boasts the largest medieval historic centre in Europe, proving that the city’s lure goes beyond its pretty surface and bustling port. Here’s what to see, do and eat in Genova.
What To See In Genova
Porto Antico
This waterfront district is a popular spot in the city. Originally Genova’s old port, numerous revitalization projects have modernized the area since it was a powerful maritime republic from the 11th century to 18th centuries. Wedged between the sea and the centro storico, visitors of all ages can enjoy ample entertainment at any hour of the day. The Porto Antico has lots of events and attractions, including outdoor concerts, fine dining and even the largest aquarium in Europe. All of this can be found in a scenic setting of palm trees and docked yachts.
Along the port are a series of covered porticos that truly feel like stepping back in time. Antica Friggitoria Carega is a takeaway joint known for its fried calamari and potato croquettes, while Fruit & Ice Cream Factory has terrible branding, but excellent artisanal gelato and granita.
Via Garibaldi
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006, Via Garibaldi offers a striking glimpse into Genova’s Renaissance-era wealth and power. Originally called Strada Nuova, this elegant 16th-century street is lined with grand palazzi built by noble families to showcase their prestige. Many have been converted into public museums and galleries, most notably Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Doria Tursi, which can all be visited on a combined ticket (allow around 2–3 hours to explore them fully). The collections include works by Caravaggio, Van Dyck, Rubens, and other European masters, as well as historic furnishings, ceramics and musical instruments.
Twice a year, Genova hosts Rolli Days, when many of the city’s most spectacular private palaces — usually closed to the public — open their doors for a weekend. These homes were once part of the Rolli di Genova, a list of noble residences selected to host visiting dignitaries during the height of the Republic. Wandering through their grand halls, ornate staircases, and hidden courtyards offers a rare glimpse into how the city’s elite once lived — and a chance to appreciate the quiet beauty that lies behind Genova’s often unassuming façades.
Piazza De Ferrari
Locals and tourists alike convene in Piazza De Ferrari for its architectural appeal. Surrounded by elaborate buildings and a grand bronze fountain, it’s evident why this is known as the beating heart of Genova. In the 19th century, Genova was one of Italy’s primary financial hubs (alongside Milan) and Piazza De Ferri emerged as a central location for various institutions. It was home to the Italian stock exchange until 1994 and the former Bank of Genova (now UniCredit). This large, open piazza also the perfect reprieve from the city’s narrow caruggi. During the summer months, it is a great spot to stop and enjoy a refreshing gelato, while during the Christmas season, it is beautifully decorated and illuminated at night.
Spianata Castelletto
For one of the best views in Genova, take the Art Nouveau elevator from Piazza Portello up to Spianata Castelletto, a sweeping terrace that overlooks the city’s rooftops, port, and the Ligurian Sea. It’s a favorite local spot for catching your breath — especially around sunset, when the light turns everything golden and soft.
Once you’ve soaked in the view, stop for a glass of natural wine at Calice, a tiny, stylish bar with a smart selection and friendly staff. If you’re craving something sweet, nearby Don Paolo serves excellent granita and creamy gelato — the almond and coffee combo is a classic. Whether you’re starting your day here or winding down, Castelletto is the kind of place that makes you slow down and fall a little more in love with Genova.
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Italy is home to many cathedrals, but Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is among its most beautiful. Dating back to the eleventh century, this cathedral combines various architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic. This is largely reflected in its use of black and white stripes, both inside and out. Two lion statues stand guard of the cathedral, adding to its strong presence. Inside, you can find numerous holy relics housed in the Museo del Tesoro (entrance to the museum if €6).
Where To Eat In Genova
With little land for animals to graze on and abundant sea on its doorstep, meat is scarce in the Ligurian diet, while seafood is plentiful. The rocky terrain of the region offers the perfect conditions to grow taggiasche olives and basilico genovese. Granted protected status by the EU in 2005, this variety of basil is the key ingredient in the preparation of pesto genovese. It goes without saying that the consumption of pesto while in Genova is obligatory!
And if the fragrance of basilico genovese wasn’t enough to perfume the city’s air, focaccia is everywhere. Considered a flatbread by many, focaccia has a texture similar to pizza without all the toppings. Dressed with salt, rosemary and plenty of extra virgin olive oil, the end result is irresistibly delicious.
Finally, a more recent addition to la cucina genevose are pansotti. Similar to ravioli, this triangular shaped stuffed pasta is served with a walnut sauce. The filling consists of a mixture of ricotta, several types of leafy greens, herbs and spices. The complexity of its flavor is a reflection of the unique ingredients that grow in the region. Creamy, rich and yet slightly bitter, the combination results in a balanced flavor profile.
Cambi Cafè
Tucked between the grand palazzi of Via Garibaldi, Cambi Cafè offers a refined pause in one of Genova’s most atmospheric streets. With its marble tables, soft lighting, and slightly French-inspired flair, it feels more like a cosmopolitan bistro than a traditional Italian bar. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed lunch or elegant aperitivo after a stroll through the Musei di Strada Nuova.
The menu features fresh local dishes — the gnocchi al pesto are excellent — along with beef tartare, crisp salads and other light, flavorful plates. The wine list highlights northern Italian producers and there’s a quaint outdoor patio for dining al fresco.
Trattoria Rosmarino
Just down the street from Piazza De Ferrari, Trattoria Rosmarino serves excellent classic Genovese comfort food. The pesto lasagna with white beef and pork ragù is the restaurant’s specialty, and they serve great sides (asparagus flan, fennel gratin). The service is warm and the wine list has some great local varieties. Indoor and outdoor seating — book ahead.
Locanda Spinola
This intimate, family-run restaurant is hidden away in the heart of the right beside Palazzo Spinola. Its focus is creative seafood with dishes like cod mille-feuille with pistachios, crispy carasau bread and caramelized onions, seafood terrine with shrimp and mussels. Locanda Spinola’s pretty piazza is perfect for cinematic dining in the evenings.
Les Rouges
A cocktail bar and bistro inside a former noble residence, Les Rouges is a great place to savor Genova’s historic elegance (ie ornate frescoed ceilings) over craft cocktails.
Cantine Matteotti
A dimly-lit wine bar in a vaulted cellar just off Via Garibaldi, Cantine Matteotti is perfect for date night. It serves regional wines by the glass, Ligurian cheeses and cured meats and a small seasonal menu of hot dishes.
I Tre Merli Porto Antico
Located at the Porto Antico waterfront, I Tre Merli Porto Antico is an elegant restaurant styled with medieval decor: black-and-white columns, exposed brick walls and hanging flags. There’s also ample seating room outside at the port. It’s an atmospheric place to try Ligurian specialties like pansoti and pesto. Don’t miss their leavened goods like farinata and focaccia, made in-house using their wood burning oven. And if you’re a fan of fried seafood, this is a must visit! Given its seafront position the restaurant is able to boast the use of zero kilometer seafood. It is the perfect place for a long lunch or dinner under the stars.
Caffetteria Orefici
A scenic spot to enjoy a sweet treat is Caffetteria Orefici. Despite its small stature, this small café delivers incredibly large flavor. There are plenty of tantalizing foods to choose from such as custard-filled cornetti and savory focaccias stuffed with seasonal vegetables. But an absolute must try is their famous affogato. These works of art come in a dozen flavors such as pistachio and hazelnut gelato topped with coffee, whipped cream and crumbled hazelnuts, or ricotta gelato with chocolate chips, coffee and whipped cream topped with a Sicilian cannolo. You can take your caffè and pastry at the bar inside or sit at one of the tables in the quaint piazza across from the cafe.
Where To Stay in Genova
Palazzo Durazzo Suites
Set in a 17th-century residence once owned by a Genoese doge, Palazzo Durazzo Suites blends aristocratic grandeur with contemporary elegance. Restored by the Durazzo family’s descendants, the hotel features shell-encrusted ceilings, terrazzo floors, antique furnishings, and frescoes by Domenico Parodi.
Each suite is richly detailed — some with sea views, mezzanine-level hot tubs, or private chapels — while breakfast is served in the frescoed Metamorphoses Room, where mythological scenes and harbor views create a regal start to the day.
Meliá Genova
Set in a leafy neighborhood, not far from the city’s action, Hotel Meliá Genova is the perfect place to enjoy some pampering. Despite the extensive use of marble, the hotel juxtaposes the perfect blend of a modern, clean aesthetic, with a welcoming atmosphere. A wellness centre featuring a swimming pool, Turkish bath, and hot tub will help you to rejuvenate. Once you’ve recharged, be sure to enjoy local Ligurian fare or an aperitivo at the Blue Lounge & Restaurant.
Hotel Palazzo Grillo
A 16th century residence that has been turned into a boutique hotel, Palazzo Grillo is another great base for art lovers visiting Genova. With frescoed vaults, stucco details and marble staircases, it promises an unforgettable stay close to the Porto Antico and main sights in the city. The hotel has 25 modern rooms and numerous halls and living rooms where you can enjoy an aperitif or catch up on reading. The primo piano, the ornamental first floor that was originally used for entertaining guests, now hosts rotating exhibitions.
Day Trips from Genova
There are plenty of day trips that one can take from Genova to explore Liguria. A visit to classics like Portofino and the Cinque Terre are an absolute must, especially if you’re short on time. But if you have the chance to stay in Genova longer, then I highly recommend you explore any of this region’s small towns. They’re packed with seaside charm and an incredibly festive ambience. Regardless of which you choose, you can’t go wrong!
Cinque Terre
Colourful houses and vineyards perched on the rocky Ligurian coast make for postcard perfect views. Once five isolated villages, the Cinque Terre draws in crowds from around the world. There is something to appeal to all, ranging from hiking on scenic trails to enjoying tasty local seafood. Despite drawing in droves of tourists, it continues to retain authentic charm. Getting here is fairly easy with local train service from Genova to Levanto (1 hour). From Levanto, hop on the Cinque Terre Express train which operates every 15 minutes and stops at all 5 villages. Be sure to wear comfy shoes!
Portofino
Set in the heart of the Italian Riviera, between Genova and the Cinque Terre, Portofino is one of the pearls of Italy. While its origins date back to the Roman era, this pretty seaside town gained notoriety in the 1950s as a playground for the rich and famous. Here one can walk in the shoes of the elite, dining at elegant restaurants and shopping at the finest boutiques. From Genova, the easiest way to reach Portofino is by taking a train to Santa Margherita Ligure. Otherwise you can opt for a boat-tour.
Sanremo
Famous in Italy for being the annual home of the Sanremo Music Festival (one of the world’s longest-running television programs), this pretty town epitomizes Ligurian charm. During the day, you can enjoy some relaxation at one of its many beaches or shop and dine at some of the finest spots. At night, one can choose from a wide selection of entertainment whether at one of its many concerts or its famed Casinò Sanremo which dates back to 1905.
