Genoa
Western Europe · Italy
Did you know?
- Pesto sauce originated in this port city.
- Mercato Orientale is a covered market for produce and baked goods.
- The Palazzi dei Rolli hosted visiting dignitaries under a public lodging system.
See also
La Spezia
Italy44.10°N 9.82°E · 3 m
Overview
Genoa is Liguria's historic port capital. Its renovated old port and food traditions bring together waterfront wandering, pesto, focaccia and seafood.
Languages: Catalan, Italian
Why go?
Genoa is a historic port city in northern Italy, the capital of Liguria. It is often overshadowed by Rome or Venice but offers hidden gems, excellent cuisine (pesto, focaccia, seafood), a renovated old port, one of Europe's biggest aquariums, and was European Capital of Culture in 2004.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Spring and summer are the best times to visit Genoa, with pleasant temperatures and sunny days. Winters are mild but rainy.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit the Aquarium, one of Europe's largest. Explore the old port, climb the Lanterna lighthouse, see the Palazzi dei Rolli, and enjoy views from Castelletto. Also visit museums such as Palazzo Reale and Strada Nuova museums.
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Food and drink
Pesto sauce originates from Genoa. Must try focaccia and farinata. Trattorias and focaccerie are affordable. Piazza delle Erbe in the old town has lively bars open until 01:00.
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Where to stay
Accommodations range from hostels and B&Bs to luxury hotels. Many are located near the old town and Porto Antico. Examples include Youth Hostel near the center and B&B IL Vico in central Genoa.
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Shopping
Genoa has designer boutiques along Via XX Settembre, food shops, antique dealers, and a large shopping center Fiumara. The Mercato Orientale is a lively covered market for produce and baked goods.
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Learn
Italian language classes are available at Lingua Madre Cultural Association, Scuola Tricolore, and A Door to Italy, offering group and private courses.
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Connectivity
As of June 2022, Genoa has 5G from all Italian carriers.
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Etiquette
It is not difficult to find someone who can help with easy problems in English, Spanish or French, but speaking a little Italian is best.
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Day trips
Genoa makes a good base to explore Cinque Terre, Rapallo, Portofino, Portovenere, La Spezia, or Chiavari.
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Go next
Genoa makes a good base to explore Cinque Terre, Rapallo, Portofino, Portovenere, La Spezia, or Chiavari. The French Riviera is not too far away, either.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Antica Friggitoria Carega
A takeout restaurant
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Brera Express Restaurant
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Il Brigantino
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Il Masetto
A Hamburger restaurant
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Il Refettorio
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Il Ristoro dei Grimaldi
A pizza takeaway restaurant
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Il Tempio Dell'Hamburger
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Ombre Rosse
Quality Genovese food, like pansotti, vegetable cakes, baccala, lepre, brasato.
Recorded price: €25
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
As of June 2022, Genoa has 5G from all Italian carriers.
Food
Pesto sauce originates from Genoa; must try focaccia and farinata. Focaccerie are cheap takeaway places.
Language
English, Spanish, and French are spoken in tourist areas, but Italian is recommended.
Money
Many restaurants charge a fixed coperto per person; not charged at lunch in trattorias or bars.
Transport
From the airport, Volabus costs €10 for a 24-hour ticket valid on most public transport.
Weather
Best visited in spring and summer; winters are mild but wet.