Tourist Attractions in Genoa

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Genoa

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Genoa

Genoa is the largest northern port of Italy and the centre of resort life on the Ligurian coast. Already from the X-XI centuries. The Genoese Republic held in its hands the best sea routes of the Mediterranean, displacing even the powerful Venice.

Genoa was the birthplace of the famous Christopher Columbus, navigator, explorer and discoverer of the American continent. His house can be seen with your own eyes on one of the city streets. The incomparable Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi spent a lot of time in the capital of Liguria. His operas once made the local music theatre famous.

Genoa is a place where a good beach holiday can be combined with active excursions and long health-improving walks in nature. You should come to the Ligurian coast for its magnificent climate, ancient architecture and unhurried flow of time.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Genoa

Piazza De Ferrari

 4.6/5

35725 reviews

Genoa’s central square, located on the border of the historic and business districts. It is home to many of the city’s landmarks – palaces, theatre, monuments and administrative buildings. Piazza often becomes a place for public demonstrations, concerts and other events. The square is named in honour of Duke R. De Ferrari, a famous patron of the city.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Old Port Bar

 4.1/5

349 reviews

For centuries, the busy Genoese harbour has been used by ships laden with spices, strange goods from distant lands and slaves. Over time, the harbour fell into disrepair, but local enthusiasts found a use for it. According to the project of architect R. Piajno, by the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America, the old harbour was converted into an entertainment complex. A museum, a tropical garden, a swimming pool and a panoramic lift appeared on its territory.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Lighthouse of Genoa

 4.4/5

2221 reviews

One of the oldest lighthouses in the world, located on the port of Genoa. The tower is believed to have been built in the 12th century. Over the following years, the lighthouse grew in size and in the XIV century a prison was organised inside. The structure was reconstructed in the 16th century. The maintenance of the lighthouse was paid for from the tax paid by ships docking in the town’s harbour.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Boccadasse

 0/5

A picturesque neighbourhood located along the Corso Italia promenade. Baccadasse has several good beaches, which attracts a lot of tourists. It is also home to Cape Santa Chiara with its stylised medieval castle. In past centuries, the local houses were inhabited mainly by fishermen. The area is characterised by narrow stone streets, brightly coloured facades and stunning views from the seafront.

Nervi

 0/5

It is a small resort town located near Genoa. It is administratively part of the urban agglomeration of Genoa. Nervi used to be an ordinary fishing village, now it is built up with villas and apartments for tourists, although the fishermen still go to sea. There are several interesting museums in the town, where you can learn a lot about the history and culture of Liguria.

Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli

 4.7/5

230 reviews

A quarter built up with palaces of the Genoese nobility. More than half of the buildings have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List after restoration. Palazzo Tursi, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso are home to rich collections of antique furniture, priceless paintings, tapestries and sculptures. These palaces are located on Via Garibaldi, the central avenue of the neighbourhood. The street was named in honour of the revered Italian revolutionary and hero.

Open time

Monday: 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Palazzo Bianco

 4.5/5

563 reviews

A palace-museum that is part of the Strada Nuova museum complex. The building was built in the 16th century on behalf of the influential Genoese Grimaldi family. Subsequently, the palazzo changed owners several times. At the beginning of the XVIII century, the new owners, the Brigondi family, carried out a thorough reconstruction. Since then, the palace has received the unofficial name “Palazzo Bianco” because of the white colour prevailing in the interior. At the beginning of the 20th century, the building was handed over to the state.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Strada Nuova Museums - Palazzo Rosso

 4.6/5

1081 reviews

A red-coloured palace built in the 17th century, designed by architect P.A. Corradi. In 2006, the building was classified as a UNESCO historical heritage site. The palazzo was privately owned until 1874, then it was donated to the city. Along with Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Tursi, the palace is part of the museum complex on Via Garibaldi. Inside is a collection of artworks once owned by the Brignole-Sale family, the former owners of the palazzo.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Doge's Palace

 4.6/5

7798 reviews

The former palace of the Doge, the rulers of Genoa, which was built and completed between 1251 and 1539. Nowadays, the building houses a museum. Some of the rooms are also used for cultural and social events. At the end of the XVIII century, the palazzo was rebuilt to reflect the neoclassical style fashionable at the time. The last restoration was carried out in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Palazzo San Giorgio

 4.6/5

530 reviews

A 12th century palace built by a close relative of the first Genoese Doge. Interestingly, the building material used was the wreckage of the Venetian embassy, which was brought from Constantinople. During a certain period the palazzo began to be used as a prison. The most famous prisoner of this enclosure was the traveller Marco Polo. In the XV century the building housed a bank. Nowadays the palace houses the directorate of the Genoese harbour.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Closed

Royal Palace Museum

 4.5/5

2971 reviews

A 17th century palace that has been preserved in its original form despite several restorations. It was built between 1643 and 1650 for an influential Genoese family. From 1824 the palazzo was used as the residence of the Savoy royal family. The new occupants put a lot of effort into making the interiors look luxurious. They brought a lot of expensive furniture and art objects.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 1:30 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Villa del Principe - Palazzo di Andrea Doria

 4.4/5

1119 reviews

The mansion was built in the seventeenth century for A. Doria, naval admiral and ruler of the city. At that time, the palace was the most luxurious building in Genoa. It hosted important guests, official delegations and foreign ambassadors. In time, A. Doria was granted a princely title, so the residence became known as the “Princely Villa”. The building is surrounded by a landscaped garden with a large fountain dating back to 1585.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

D'Albertis Castle

 4.6/5

2508 reviews

The castle was built in the 19th century on the site of the old fortress walls of Genoa. Until 1932 it belonged to E. A. D’ Albertis, a sea captain and founder of yachting in Italy. The structure was built in neo-Gothic style, designed by A. D’ Andrade. In 2004 Genoa was chosen as the European Capital of Culture. In connection with this event, the Museum of Cultures of the World was opened on the territory of the castle, where exhibits from expeditions to Africa, Australia, Oceania and the Americas are collected.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

 4.6/5

9264 reviews

The main cathedral of Genoa, built in the 12th century on the site of an old church dating back to the 5th and 11th centuries. Even earlier, at the dawn of our era, there was an ancient Roman temple and an early Christian cemetery, as evidenced by the objects found on excavations. The cathedral was fully completed by the 17th century, during which time it underwent several expansions and reconstructions. The cathedral has a Museum of Treasures, which houses jewellery made from the 9th century onwards.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Santa Maria di Castello

 4.7/5

728 reviews

One of the oldest temples in Genoa, which was built in the IX-X centuries. In the XIV-XV centuries a monastery was attached to the church. By the XX century the monastery fell into disrepair. Now there is a museum within its walls. Santa Maria di Castello is a functioning church. Over the centuries it has been rebuilt and renewed. Therefore, in its appearance you can catch the features of Baroque and Classicism superimposed on the severe Romanesque facade.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM

Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

 4.6/5

2363 reviews

A picturesque church built in the transitional style from Mannerism to Baroque. According to the original plan, the church was built in a late Gothic style, but at the beginning of the XVII century the building was rebuilt under the direction of the architect T. Carlone. The church was decorated in different periods by famous masters: D. Bernardo, D. Casella, C. Barabino. This was made possible thanks to generous funding from the wealthy Lomellini family.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Church of St.. Ambrose

 4.8/5

15 reviews

A Jesuit church located in one of the city’s central squares. The first church of the 6th century, located on this site, was named in honour of Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. It existed until 1552. After the building fell into the hands of the Jesuits, they decided to rebuild the church to their liking. Thanks to the brothers, the temple now has valuable works of art and frescoes by D. Carlone.

Open time

Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno

 4.5/5

412 reviews

The cemetery began its work in the middle of the 19th century. It quickly became the most “popular” in the city. People who buried their relatives seemed to compete in the beauty of the tombstones decorating the graves and crypts. Now the necropolis can be seen as an open-air sculpture museum. The philosopher F. Nietzsche once liked to stroll along the paths of the cemetery, accompanied by the artist P. Klee.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Teatro Carlo Felice

 4.7/5

3058 reviews

Genoa’s main opera and ballet stage, located in Piazza Ferrari. The theatre building was erected in the first half of the 19th century. The opera “Bianca and Fernando” by V. Bellini was chosen as the premiere production. Works by the great Giuseppe Verdi were often staged on the stage. The composer himself lived in Genoa every winter for 40 years. All this time he worked closely with the theatre management.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Aquarium of Genoa

 4.5/5

64662 reviews

The Genoa Oceanarium is considered the second largest in Europe and the largest aquarium in Italy. Sea creatures are kept in 70 huge tanks with a total capacity of more than 6 million tonnes of water. The Oceanarium was built in 1992 to coincide with the start of the Genoa Expo, which was held in honour of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. In 1998, the aquarium was enlarged by another extension.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Galata Museo del Mare

 4.5/5

8677 reviews

The museum was opened in 2004. The exhibition tells about the rich history and seafaring traditions of the Genoese Republic, as well as the entire Mediterranean. The museum exhibits models of ships from different historical epochs. There are modern submarines, old boats of rich traders and battle ships. The museum has a library where navigational charts and ship documentation are kept.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Vascello Neptune

 4/5

1550 reviews

A replica of a 17th century Spanish ship, which was created in 1985 especially for the film “Pirates” by Roman Polanski. Externally, the ship is a real Spanish galleon made entirely of wood, but it has a powerful modern engine and steel hull. After filming, the ship was permanently moored near the Maritime Museum and is now used only as a tourist attraction.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bigo

 4/5

3101 reviews

A popular tourist attraction located in the Old Port of Genoa. The lift is styled after the harbour crane system used to load and unload ships. “Il Bigo takes passengers up to a height of 40 metres above sea level, offering panoramic views of the sea, the city, the harbour, the coastal cliffs and the surroundings of Genoa.

Open time

Monday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Porta Soprana

 4.5/5

806 reviews

A massive 12th century gateway located in the heart of the city. For centuries it has been the main entrance to Genoa. The structure is made of grey stone in the form of two watchtowers connected by an arched span. Tourists can climb up to the observation deck of the gate for free and admire the views of the city from there. The Porta Soprana is located in the historic part of Genoa.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Christopher Columbus' House

 4/5

8183 reviews

Columbus, the great navigator and discoverer, was born in the Republic of Genoa. The house in which he was born still stands in one of the city streets. The building was badly damaged in the 17th century during a French attack, but it was partially restored. Excavations revealed that the walls are held on an old foundation dating back to the sixth century.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Parchi di Nervi

 4.7/5

3777 reviews

The park area surrounding the town of Nervi, which includes the neighbourhood and landscaped promenades. The main walkway of the park is a narrow strip between the cliffs and the sea, which stretches for about 2 kilometres. It is a wonderful place for quiet walks along the coast, for observing the sea element and for mental relaxation. The park is very popular with tourists, so in the high season there can be a lot of visitors.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Villetta Di Negro

 4.3/5

1885 reviews

A large park located within the city limits of Genoa. In the 16th century, it was the site of a system of fortifications, but later they were no longer needed and the area was given over to green spaces. The park appeared thanks to the activity of Marquis D. C. Di Negro, who first organised a botanical school here and brought the first plants. The garden is home to the Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Waterfront Marina

 4.4/5

116 reviews

Genoa’s main promenade, stretching for about 2.5 kilometres along the coast. The promenade acquired its modern architectural appearance in 1915. D. Carbone worked on the project. As a result of reconstruction, the place became more favourable – benches, new paths, pavilions appeared. There are restaurants, bars, swimming pools, sports clubs and private beaches on Corso Italia.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Via Garibaldi

 4.6/5

5859 reviews

The main walkway of the Nevi Park, which runs along the rocky coastline. There are several places on the promenade where you can go down the stairs directly to the sea. Many tourists sunbathe and relax directly on the coastal rocks. The promenade is mottled with sharp promontories and rocky ledges, overgrown with characteristic Mediterranean vegetation. It is a picturesque place, perfectly adapted for relaxation.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Belvedere Castelletto

 4.7/5

6212 reviews

Montaldo is considered one of the most beautiful places in Genoa. From here you can enjoy a stunning view of the city’s neighbourhoods. In the 13th century, the square was the site of the Castelletto fortress, but it was demolished in the mid-19th century. The Monatldo can be accessed via a special lift dating back to 1910, which is an attraction in its own right. Or you can take the Circonvallazione-a-Monte road.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours