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How to spend 2-3 days in Genoa

Kathrin
July, 2025

Genoa is a labyrinth of narrow carrugi alleys, baroque palaces, and sudden glimpses of the glittering blue Ligurian Sea. In two days, you can see the main sights and get a real feel for the city. If you have more time,

For a quick overview of the top 10 highlights and travel routes through Liguria, check out our Genoa Guide.

Getting Around

A single ticket on the AMT network costs €2 and is valid for 110 minutes. It includes buses, the metro, elevators, funiculars, and local trains within Genoa. Separate fares apply for Navebus boats and Volabus airport shuttles.

If you're planning to travel a lot, go for the 24-hour tourist ticket (“MetDaily”) for €10.

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Day 1: Old Town Magic

Morning

Start your day on the splendid Via Garibaldi, also known as Strada Nuova. Lining the street are the , a collection of aristocratic residences that have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. Use the combined ticket to visit the three palaces: Rosso, Bianco, and Doria Tursi. At every corner, you’ll sense how wealthy the Genoese were during the Republic of the Sea. At , you’ll see how nobles lived in the 17th century, while houses Liguria’s most important art gallery. And the was one of the city’s most lavish private residences. Inside, you'll find an exhibition on 18th-century painting and the priceless violins of Nicolò Paganini.

  • Duration: At least 3–4 hours
  • Tip: If you want to visit more palaces and museums, check out the Genova Museum Card and the Genoa City Pass – public transport is included too.

Afternoon

After a lunch break, dive into the *narrow carrugi, the alleyway network around the . Especially in summer, you’ll find welcome shade here. Just a few steps away is the imposing fountain on . The lively piazza is surrounded by historic buildings like the Carlo Felice Theater and Palazzo Ducale**. It's a great spot for people-watching and soaking up the local atmosphere.

From there, walk a short stretch down Via Dante to the . Then head to the shopping street Via XX Settembre, lined with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. The long arcades with mosaic floors, neo-Gothic triple windows, oriels, and domes are a sight to behold.

Evening

At sunset, take the glass elevator from Piazza Portello up to the . From up here, you'll enjoy a great view of the harbor cranes, church domes, and cruise ships.

Alternatively, spend the evening down at the , where seafood restaurants and wine bars sit right along the quay wall.

Day 2: Genoa’s Eastern Riviera

Morning in Boccadasse

Just half an hour from the city center lies the former fishing village of . With its pretty pastel-colored houses, this neighborhood makes for a lovely excursion. Grab a cappuccino in a small café with sea views, or simply relax on the pebbled beach – here, Genoa suddenly feels like a charming coastal village.

Afternoon

Continue by bus or train (Sturla station) to Nervi. This is where the begins – a two-kilometer cliffside promenade. On the left, the sea sparkles; on the right, gardens peek out from behind villa walls. Take a break in the rose garden of the , or settle into a trattoria.

Evening

The train takes you back to Genoa, and soon you're sitting in a cozy osteria in the carrugi. Maybe sign up for a pesto-making class – nowhere else does basil taste as fresh as it does in its hometown.

Day 3

Morning at the Aquarium

Start your third day by the sea: visit the , the largest aquarium in Italy. Sharks glide overhead, jellyfish float behind glass walls, and the tropical hall is filled with warm, humid air. Two hours fly by – and with an online ticket, you’ll barely have to wait.

Afternoon

After lunch, hop on a regional train to Pegli, in the western part of Genoa. After a short walk, you’ll reach the park of . This expansive, atmospheric park blends romanticism, exotic flair, and a touch of drama. Grottos reflect in ponds, a Chinese pavilion peeks through cedars, and old trees alternate with palm and camellia gardens. A true oasis within the city.

Closed on Mondays

Evening

As the shadows grow longer, head down to the quay in Pegli and hop on the Navebus, the harbor ferry. The half-hour ride to Porto Antico offers a fantastic view of Genoa’s harbor, while the sun sets behind towering container ships.

More Ideas

Explore the Galata Museo del Mare

Dive into Genoa’s maritime history at the , the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean. Located in the historic Porto Antico, the museum features life-sized ships, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibits, including a real submarine you can explore. It's perfect for anyone interested in naval history.

Climb the Lanterna di Genoa

is one of the world’s oldest and tallest lighthouses. Standing nearly 250 feet tall, it offers stunning views of the city and the harbor. Built in 1128, this iconic structure is a symbol of Genoa’s maritime heritage and a nice attraction to experience. Especially if you like to have great panoramic views.

Enter Porta Soprana

, or Porta di Sant'Andrea, is a beautiful medieval gate that was once the main entrance to Genoa. Built in 1155, it stands next to the house where Christopher Columbus is believed to have lived. It’s a great starting point for exploring the historic center.

Visit the Museo d’Arte Orientale

in Villetta di Negro Park is one of Europe’s largest collections of Asian art. The museum’s exhibits include Japanese prints, Chinese bronzes, and Buddhist sculptures, offering a fascinating look into Asian cultures. It’s a peaceful and educational stop, perfect for a break from exploring the city.

Tour Castello d’Albertis

is a 19th-century castle overlooking Genoa, home to the Museum of World Cultures. Built on the site of a 12th-century fort, it offers stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and the city. Inside, you can explore artifacts from around the world, collected by the castle's original owner, Enrico Alberto d'Albertis.

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