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Genoa

Tourist Attractions in Genoa

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Genoa. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

16 Attractions
★4.5 Average rating
8 Categories

About Genoa

Genoa, Italy's historic maritime powerhouse, unfolds along a belt of Ligurian hills where red-tiled roofs spill toward the sparkling port. The city rewards wandering eyes in its UNESCO-listed palaces on Via Garibaldi, centuries-old caruggi weaving a maze of alleys, and the Anchovy-scented markets around the old harbor. Highlights include the impressive Aquarium of Genoa, one of Europe’s largest, the soaring Lanterna lighthouse, and the Genoa Cathedral. Rich maritime museums, vibrant trattorie serving pesto Genovese and fresh focaccia, and day trips to charming Cinque Terre or the Riviera await. A living tapestry of history, culture, and sea-air vitality.

Top-16 Tourist Attractions in Genoa

Piazza De Ferrari — Landmark, rated 4.6/5 1
Landmark Fountain

Piazza De Ferrari

4.6 ★★★★★ 42,446 reviews

Piazza De Ferrari is Genoa’s grand central square, a magnetic hub that blends neoclassical façades with the city’s maritime energy. Framed by the ornate Palazzo della Regione, the ancient Palazzo Ducale nearby, and the neoclassical Teatro Carlo Felice, the square centers on a towering bronze fountain spouting beneath palm trees and overhead arches. Visitors stroll along lined arcades, sip espresso at terraces, and catch street performances, while the surrounding streets lead to the old harbor and Via Garibaldi. It's a perfect gateway to Genoa’s history, culture, and life.

P.zza Raffaele de Ferrari, 16121 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
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Cattedrale di San Lorenzo — Religious site, rated 4.6/5 2
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

4.6 ★★★★★ 12,559 reviews

The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Genoa’s grand cathedral, blends Romanesque and Gothic elements with the city’s maritime vigor, standing proudly in the historic center beside the medieval square. Inside, its ornate marble façade hints at the splendor within, including the Gothic nave, shimmering chapels, and the revered Black Christ icon. Visitors can explore centuries of art, sacred relics, and the nearby Baptistery of San Giovanni. Expect a serene, contemplative atmosphere, panoramic views from the sacristy, and a sense of Genoa’s layered religious and civic history.

Piazza S. Lorenzo, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Entrance
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Doge's Palace — Landmark, rated 4.6/5 3
Landmark Event VenueConvention CenterMuseumService

Doge's Palace

4.6 ★★★★★ 8,718 reviews

Palazzo Ducale, or the Doge’s Palace, is Genoa’s grand medieval-to-Renaissance landmark that once housed the ruling Doges and the city’s government. Today it’s a vibrant cultural hub set around majestic courtyards and richly decorated halls, including the impressive Maggior Consiglio and ornate salons filled with art and furniture. Visitors wander through gilded rooms, climb stairways, and glimpse centuries of political history, then enjoy rotating exhibitions, concerts, and panoramic rooftop views over Genoa’s medieval alleys and harbors. A must for architecture buffs and culture lovers seeking immersive Genoese heritage.

Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 9, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Monday7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Parking Cards accepted
Entrance Restroom
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Acquario di Genova — Aquarium, rated 4.4/5 4
Aquarium

Acquario di Genova

4.4 ★★★★★ 80,422 reviews

The Acquario di Genova, nestled along Genoa’s historic harbor, is Europe’s largest aquarium, home to thousands of marine creatures across dozens of immersive habitats. Visitors stroll through panoramic tanks—from playful penguins to shimmering sharks—while informative displays reveal ocean conservation efforts and the wonders of Mediterranean, tropical, and polar ecosystems. The venue pairs its striking architecture with interactive exhibits, glass-bottom tunnels, and a seafaring café, making for an educational, family-friendly experience. Expect winding gallery paths, captivating AR and multimedia guides, and inspiring insights into marine biodiversity and protection.

Ponte Spinola, 16, 16128 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Monday10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
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Porto Antico, rated 4.5/5 5
Tourist attraction

Porto Antico

4.5 ★★★★★ 14,563 reviews

Porto Antico, Genoa’s revitalized waterfront, blends seafaring history with modern entertainment along the ancient harbor. Curved by iconic red and white cranes and the shimmering Mediterranean, it offers a superb mix of museums, aquarium, shops, and alfresco dining, all anchored by the medieval Porto Antico quay. Visitors can stroll along palm-lined promenades, ride the panoramico elevator for sweeping harbor views, or explore the Galata Museo del Mare for immersive sea stories. It’s a vibrant gateway to Genoa’s maritime heritage and a lively launchpad for day trips along the Ligurian coast.

Calata Molo Vecchio, 15, 16128 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Galata Museo del Mare — Museum, rated 4.5/5 6
Museum History Museum

Galata Museo del Mare

4.5 ★★★★★ 10,761 reviews

The Galata Museo del Mare in Genoa is the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean, housed in the historic Porto Antico area. It brings Genoa’s seafaring heritage to life through immersive galleries that trace navigation, shipbuilding, and exploration from ancient boats to modern vessels. Expect authentic ship interiors, meticulously reproduced cabins, and thousands of artifacts, instruments, and models that illustrate ocean routes, trade, and naval life. Interactive stations let visitors pilot a ship, test compass skills, and feel the thrill of departure, making it a comprehensive, family-friendly voyage into seafaring history.

Calata Ansaldo De Mari, 1, 16126 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Monday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Royal Palace Museum — Museum, rated 4.5/5 7
Museum

Royal Palace Museum

4.5 ★★★★★ 3,931 reviews

The Royal Palace Museum in Genoa, or Palazzo Reale, is a late 17th‑century Baroque palace turned superb museum. It preserves opulent state rooms, frescoed ceilings, period furniture, porcelain, tapestries, and other decorative arts once owned by the Savoy and noble families of the Republic. Visitors step into refined salons, grand staircases, and intimate chambers that reveal how Genoa’s elite lived and entertained. Expect guided tours and immersive displays, plus rotating exhibitions exploring art, fashion, and court life. Located in the historic Via Garibaldi district, it offers a captivating glimpse of royal life in Genoa.

Via Balbi, 10, 16126 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday1:30 – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • SundayClosed
Good for kids
Entrance Restroom
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Lanterna di Genova — Landmark, rated 4.4/5 8
Landmark Cultural LandmarkMuseum

Lanterna di Genova

4.4 ★★★★★ 2,900 reviews

The Lanterna di Genova is the city’s iconic lighthouse, rising over Genoa’s harbor as a symbol of maritime heritage. Impressive and photogenic, it anchors the waterfront and evokes centuries of seafaring trade and exploration. Visitors can explore the tower’s storied history in a small museum and, when open, climb to a viewing platform for sweeping panoramas of the Porto Antico, the narrow streets of the old town, and the Ligurian Sea beyond. A visit blends culture, history, and standout coastal vistas, making it a must for any Genoa itinerary.

Piazzale S. Benigno, 16149 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • TuesdayClosed
  • WednesdayClosed
  • ThursdayClosed
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Parking
Entrance Restroom
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Submarine Nazario Sauro, rated 4.5/5 9
Tourist attraction

Submarine Nazario Sauro

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,162 reviews

The Submarine Nazario Sauro in Genoa is a historic Navy submarine open to the public as a museum ship, offering a rare glimpse into life aboard a WWII-era vessel. Visitors can explore cramped berths, control rooms, torpedo tubes, and the periscope station, guided by informative signage and occasional guided tours. Located at the Genoa Maritime Station, it pairs maritime history with nautical engineering, providing context about submarine warfare and Italian naval heritage. Expect a hands-on, atmospheric experience that appeals to families, history buffs, and anyone curious about life beneath the waves.

Calata Ansaldo De Mari, 1, 16126 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Monday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Parking Restroom
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Casa di Cristoforo Colombo — Historic site, rated 4/5 10
Historic site Historical PlaceMuseum

Casa di Cristoforo Colombo

4 ★★★★★ 10,183 reviews

Casa di Cristoforo Colombo in Genoa is a preserved 15th-century city house that is often presented as the birthplace or family home of the famed explorer. The site functions as a small museum, inviting visitors to step into narrow Genoese lanes and a late-medieval interior filled with period furnishings and informative panels about Columbus, his era, and Genoa’s maritime power. Expect guided and self-guided tours, atmospheric courtyards, and a sense of how daily life shaped the man who would change world exploration. A concise, authentic dive into Genoa’s enduring seafaring legacy.

Vico Dritto di Ponticello, 37, 16121 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids Parking
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Musei di Strada Nuova - Palazzo Rosso — Museum, rated 4.6/5 11
Museum Art Museum

Musei di Strada Nuova - Palazzo Rosso

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,558 reviews

Nestled on Genoa’s UNESCO-listed Strada Nuova, Palazzo Rosso is the Red Palace that forms part of the Musei di Strada Nuova. This elegant 17th‑century residence now hosts a curated collection of Genoese and Italian art, period rooms, and decorative furnishings that illuminate the city’s mercantile heritage. Visitors can wander grand salons, admire masterworks from the Baroque to the Rococo, and glimpse intimate palace life through richly furnished interiors. It’s ideal for art lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike, offering atmospheric views of the old town and a window into Genoa’s cultural evolution.

Via Garibaldi, 18, 16124 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Restroom
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Palazzo Grimaldi della Meridiana, rated 4.7/5 12
Tourist attraction

Palazzo Grimaldi della Meridiana

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,272 reviews

Palazzo Grimaldi della Meridiana is a historic Genoese palace dating from the 16th century, famed for its elegant Baroque facade and the intriguing meridian clock that marks solar time across the interiors. Visitors wander grand salons adorned with frescoes, gilded woodwork, and a wealth of period furnishings, while the courtyard and staircases reveal masterful stone and stucco craftsmanship. Inside, guided tours illuminate Genoa’s mercantile past and noble families who once inhabited it, making it a compelling stop for lovers of architecture, history, and culture seeking a tangible link to the city’s aristocratic heritage.

Salita di S. Francesco, 4, 16124 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Restroom
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Porta Soprana — Monument, rated 4.6/5 13
Monument

Porta Soprana

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,198 reviews

Porta Soprana is Genoa’s best-preserved medieval city gate, a dramatic stone overlook that once framed the entrance to the ancient town. Framed by crenellated towers and heavy doors, the gate stands as a sentinel to Genoa’s mercantile 12th- to 14th-century heyday, when the walls protected the Republic’s wealth and ambition. Today visitors wander the surrounding historic lanes, imagining caravans and citizens threading in and out of a bustling port, then step inside to explore narrow staircases and the atmospheric courtyards that echo with centuries of stories. It’s a compact, authentic glimpse into Genoa’s fortified heart.

Via di Porta Soprana, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Parking
Open on map
Villetta Di Negro — Park, rated 4.3/5 14
Park

Villetta Di Negro

4.3 ★★★★★ 2,226 reviews

Villetta di Negro, a tranquil green oasis amid Genoa’s historic hills, blends artfully landscaped grounds with panoramic views of the city and the Ligurian Sea. Established as a public park around the 19th century villa, it offers shaded pathways, seasonal flower beds, and a charming terrace that invites relaxed strolls. Visitors can explore the historic exteriors of the Villino del Vescovado, enjoy quiet corners for a picnic, and savor sweeping viewpoints from the terraced slopes. It’s ideal for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful urban escape with a hint of old-world elegance.

Piazzale Giuseppe Mazzini, 4, 16122 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking
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Chiesa di Santa Maria di Castello — Religious site, rated 4.7/5 15
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Chiesa di Santa Maria di Castello

4.7 ★★★★★ 913 reviews

Chiesa di Santa Maria di Castello is a venerable church overlooking the old town of Genoa, dating to the Middle Ages. Its sturdy Romanesque nave and later Gothic additions house quiet chapels, medieval frescoes, and a small cloister. Worth visiting for its historical atmosphere, panoramic views from its hilltop location, and its proximity to winding lanes of the Castello district. Visitors can expect a peaceful interior, incense-scented silence, and a glimpse of Genoa's religious and civic history. It blends devotion with a sense of Genoa's layered past and is a gentle stop between quests for art and architecture.

Salita di Santa Maria di Castello, 15, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Monday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Open on map
Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno — Cemetery, rated 4.5/5 16
Cemetery Service

Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno

4.5 ★★★★★ 554 reviews

The Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno in Genoa is a vast, open-air museum of 19th- and early 20th-century sculpture, celebrated for its richly carved mausoleums, angelic figuration, and allegorical reliefs set among shaded avenues and marble staircases. Wanderers can admire works by Italian masters like Giulio Monteverde and Edoardo Alfieri, plus intricate funerary artistry that reflects historical styles from Neoclassicism to Symbolism. Beyond its artistic weight, the cemetery offers serene, contemplative spaces, panoramic views of Genoa, and an insight into social history through the diverse tombs and their patrons.

Piazzale Giovanni Battista Resasco, 2, 16137 Genova GE, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Monday7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Parking
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