Nestled along the picturesque Ligurian coastline, Genoa is a city steeped in history, culture, and maritime tradition. From its historic old town to its bustling port and delicious cuisine, Genoa offers visitors a wealth of experiences just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re exploring ancient landmarks, admiring Renaissance art, or indulging in fresh seafood, here are the top five things to do in Genoa.
1. Explore the Historic Old Town
Begin your journey in Genoa’s historic old town, a maze of narrow alleyways, medieval palaces, and charming piazzas that date back to the Middle Ages. Start at Piazza de Ferrari, the city’s main square, where you’ll find iconic landmarks such as the Palazzo Ducale, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, and the Teatro Carlo Felice, one of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses.
Wander through the winding streets of the caruggi, where you’ll discover historic churches, palaces, and museums at every turn. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, a beautiful Gothic cathedral with a stunning black-and-white-striped facade, and the Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of a series of grand palaces built by Genoa’s noble families in the 16th century.
Genoa, Italy
2. Visit the Acquario di Genova
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the sea at the Acquario di Genova, one of Europe’s largest and most impressive aquariums. Located in the historic harbour area, the aquarium is home to over 15,000 animals representing 400 species from around the world, including sharks, dolphins, penguins, and tropical fish.
Explore the aquarium’s diverse exhibits and learn about marine life through interactive displays, educational programs, and live feeding demonstrations. Highlights include the Biosphere, a glass sphere housing a tropical rainforest ecosystem, and the Open Sea Tank, a massive tank containing sharks, stingrays, and other oceanic creatures.
3. Admire Renaissance Art at the Palazzo Rosso
Step back in time and admire Renaissance art at the Palazzo Rosso, one of Genoa’s most important museums. Housed in a magnificent 17th-century palace, the museum boasts a superb collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
Explore the museum’s galleries and admire masterpieces by Italian and European artists such as Caravaggio, Veronese, and Van Dyck. Highlights include Caravaggio’s stunning “Ecce Homo,” Veronese’s majestic “Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine,” and Van Dyck’s exquisite portraits of Genoese nobility.
4. Take a Stroll Along the Corso Italia
Indulge in a leisurely stroll along the Corso Italia, Genoa’s elegant waterfront promenade, and soak up the beauty of the Ligurian coastline. Lined with palm trees, cafes, and shops, the Corso Italia offers stunning views of the sea and the city’s historic harbour area, as well as the iconic Lanterna, Genoa’s historic lighthouse.
Stop for a coffee or a gelato at one of the many cafes and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this bustling thoroughfare. Be sure to also explore the nearby Boccadasse district, a charming fishing village with colourful houses, pebbly beaches, and quaint seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood and Ligurian specialities.
5. Indulge in Ligurian Cuisine
No visit to Genoa would be complete without indulging in Ligurian cuisine, which features fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and locally sourced ingredients. Head to a traditional trattoria or osteria and savour regional specialities such as pesto alla genovese (basil pesto with pasta), focaccia genovese (soft flatbread topped with olive oil and salt), and farinata (chickpea pancake).
Be sure to also try Genoa’s famous street food, including fried seafood, stuffed focaccia, and farinata al pesto (farinata topped with pesto sauce). Wash it all down with a glass of Ligurian wine, such as Vermentino or Pigato, or a refreshing glass of limoncello, a traditional lemon liqueur made from locally grown lemons.
