25 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN GENOA

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Genoa is a city so full of history that summarizing it in some lines is an impossible task. In short, she was the owner and lady of the seas and commerce, saw the birth of characters like Columbus and Mazzini, has a historic center full of wonderful buildings and, in short, it is a place that deserves to be discovered. Especially if you like cities with a decadent air. Thanks to its proximity to Cinque Terre, there are more and more travelers who dare to come to know it, for them they go 25 things to see and do in Genoa.

1. One of the most interesting areas of the city is the Porto Antico (Old Port). At sunset it is when it gets prettier, although it is also not a bad plan to approach at noon and eat something looking at the port. From here the ships left during the time of the Maritime Republics, in fact there is a replica of a galleon (the Neptune Galleon), although in reality it is an example of a Spanish galleon, built for the movie "Pirates" by Roman Polanski. After a few years in which the area was very very decadent, today is a pleasant place to walk.

2. Here, in the Old Port, there is also one of the most controversial attractions in the city: Bigo, from Renzo Piano. It is a metal structure that resembles a giant octopus, where a panoramic lift (€ 4) has been placed in one of its tentacles. It was built on the occasion of the “colombiadi”To celebrate the 500 years of the“ discovery ”of America by Columbus. Well, it has already been shown that before the Genoese, more people arrived in the “New World” and that the “New World” was already there for a long time, so na na na discovery. But this is another XD issue.

3. There is a free alternative to have a cool view of the harbor: in the building directly opposite there is another elevator that goes up to theEataly, a shop of gourmet Italian gourmet products. The views are not so spectacular, but hey, they are free! In addition the cafeteria also has a good perspective of the port and the cappuccino only costs € 1.30.

4. At the other end of the port stands the Lanterna di Genova, the lighthouse symbol of the city. There are those who come to him walking, but we confirm ourselves with seeing him from afar 😉

5. You can't leave Genoa without trying a Focaccia. They say the best ones are here:Focacceria Mario (since 1936), Focaccia e Dintorni Y Focacceria Genovese. We bought a focaccia pesto in Focacceria Genovese to eat at the port and it was a success!

6. And of course a rich pesto pasta, one of the most famous and well-known Italian cuisine sauces. It is prepared with basil, parmigiano and pecorino cheeses, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil. A good place to try it is in the Trattoria da Maria (lunch menu with 2 dishes and drink for € 10). Here we leave you more ideas of restaurants where to eat in Genoa well and cheaply.

If you have little time and want to know the essential places of Genoa, check out this tour that includes a guided tour in Spanish through the entrance and entrance to the Rossi, Bianchi and Tursi Palaces.

7. The most monumental part of the city is known as “Strade Nuove”, In which we can imagine the splendor of 16th-century Genoa, thanks above all to the wonderful residences that flank the Via Garibaldi (Palazzi Rolli), such as Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Doria Tursi, Palazzo Rosso or Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellino. The noble owners made them available when illustrious guests such as cardinals, princes or ambassadors arrived in the city. The main streets are via Lomellini, via Garibaldi and via Balbi. Tours can be made to know in detail the history of this era, More info and reservations.

8. Did you know that Genoa has a Royal Palace? Yes, it was the Genoese residence of the Savoia, who acquired it in 1824. If you are a fan of these palatial visits do not miss the Mirrors Gallery, a waste of luxury. Admission is € 6. More info and schedules.

9. Two museums stand out above the rest in Genoa: the National Gallery in the picturesque Palazzo Spinola, with a collection of paintings by Genoese and international painters such as Rubens or Van Dyck. And theGalata Museum of the Mare, located in the last preserved building where the Genoese galleys were built and it is the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean, with reproductions of old boats, objects of all kinds and interactive galleries. Tip: on the top floor there is a viewpoint with beautiful views of the city.

10. The San Lorenzo Cathedral It is the largest and most important religious building in Genoa. It has a Genoese Gothic style and began to rise in the ninth century (being remodeled and enlarged over time). It is very beautiful both inside and outside, so be sure to visit it. For us it was one of the great surprises of the city! Entrance is free.

11. The center of Genoa is a maze of alleyways (caruggi) where we invite you to lose yourself. In the past it was a dangerous area, especially at night, but today it has improved a lot, although it is always good to have common sense and not stand in a dead end at 03 am. Stroll through churches like the Abbazia di San Matteo or the Parrocchia di Santa Maria delle Vigne, by small squares like Piazza Campetto and by small sanctuaries in the corners (the so-called “edicole“).

12. One of the most curious stops is theLoggia della Mercanzia (or Loggia di Banchi), one of the most representative buildings in the historic center of Genoa, which hosted deals between merchants and bankers in the Medieval Age. Currently it has been converted into a cinema museum (€ 5) and place where cultural exhibitions are held.

Check out this page that summarizes all the events that take place in the city

13. Have a craft beer in the Kamun Lab in Via di S. Bernardo, 53. Who says 1 says… 6! Well, there were 3 per head: Rober stays with Laetitia, a white beer with hints of coriander and cardamom, and Lety keeps the Janua, an amber ale with hints of hazelnut and caramel. The price of the pint is € 6, the best thing is that until 21 with each drink they serve you a table with a small appetizer (opens at 18).

14. Our dear brother-in-law Giacomo was doing Erasmus in Genoa and recommended us to go to Palazzo Ducale. Not so much for a cultural visit (you know: Erasmus) but for the snack in your bar, the Mentelocale. For € 12 you are entitled to a cocktail and a food buffet, not bad at all! It is done from 18.20 to 21.30 every day.

15. To the east of the center of Genoa is the neighborhood of Snack. Until a few years ago it was an independent fishing village, although now it is already linked to Genoa and to get there you just have to follow the coast line by Corso Italia, or better, get on a bus. For us it was one of the great surprises of this trip: it is a picturesque corner full of charm. It is the typical village of the Costa Ligure, with its small port where a handful of wooden boats and colorful houses rest around it. Do not miss it. And more if you don't go to Cinque Terre.

16. For nature lovers, or for those who need a quiet time and a pleasant walk, these are our two alternatives: getting lost in the gardens of Villa del Principe and tour the Anita Garibaldi walk in Nervi, beyond Boccadasse.

17. One of the greatest Italian singer-songwriters was born in Genoa, we talked about Fabrizio de André. Listen to their music while walking through the streets of their hometown and remember this trip when you put them back home. La Guerra di Piero, Il Pescatore, Bocca Di Rosa ... the truth is that he has left us some legendary songs, at least for the Italians.

18. Although we speak of famous people, the best-known Genoese in the world is none other than Christopher Columbus. In Genoa still stands the house facade where he lived between 1455 and 1470 during his childhood. It is located in Piazza Dante, where there are also other places of interest, such as:

19. TheCloister of Sant'Andrea. It is a reconstruction of the cloister of the convent of Sant'Andrea, and it was converted into a prison in the 19th century. It is square, with 4 double rows of columns and a well inside.

20. And a few steps from there is theSoprana Porta, one of the old access doors to the city, placed in the defense walls called “he died from Barbarossa. ”

21. The best place to watch the sunset, especially if you want to take panoramic photos, is the Spianata Castelletto (also known as Belvedere Montaldo). To get there is the easiest to take a liberty-style elevator that leaves you up to € 0.90 (just below the lighthouse in Piazza Portello). Although, of course, you can also go up to leg. The reward is to have Genoa at your feet, what a view!

If your idea is to move in public transport, we advise you to buy the ticket Genova Pass It costs € 4.50 and allows you to use unlimited all transport for 24 hours. It includes the metro, buses, funiculars and the elevator to Castelletto. Ships are not included. The price for a single ticket costs € 1.50, so using it three times you have already amortized it. You can buy it at kiosks, tobacconists or at subway stops.

22. The nerve center of Genoa is Ferrari Square. There are impressive buildings such as the already mentioned Palazzo Ducale, or the Opera. Other beautiful squares are Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza San Donato.

23. In the Piazza de Ferrari born the Via XX Settembre, the most important commercial artery in Genoa, flanked by monumental palaces. Walking under its impressive arcades is a real pleasure (especially since it is downhill).

24. We traveled it to Piazza della Vittoria, where the Arco della Vittoria, a huge arch dedicated to the 680,000 Italians who fell in the First World War. Although before we advise you to make a stop at the Eastern Market, a typical very photogenic local market, with fresh products of all kinds.

25. If you have more time, there is an almost mandatory appointment: the one that takes you to know Cinque Terre, five small towns that are one hour away from Genoa. In this post we tell you what to see and do in Cinque Terre. And if you are very lucky and have more days, spend a morning (or afternoon) and travel Portofino, a town that is one of the jewels of Liguria.

What NOT to do in Genoa. Almost everyone who visits Genoa goes to the Aquarium. We are not, since we are not a fan of this type of activity. Nor did we go to the Biosphere for the same reason: we prefer to see the animals in their habitat and in freedom. In exchange for this we recommend you visit Galata Museo del Mare which, as we have already told you, is entirely dedicated to the history of navigation.

Here you have an interactive map with the points you have to see on your visit to Genoa:

These are our recommendations of the 25 things to see and do in Genoa, perfect to know this interesting city in northern Italy. You have been? What are the safety pins in Genoa for you?