Genoa, Italy
Genoa, Italy is a charming coastal city famous for its delicious cuisine, stunning architecture, and rich maritime history. Known as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is home to a plethora of museums, galleries, and attractions that celebrate its unique heritage.
Trip to Genoa, Italy
Day 1: Arrival and Explore
Upon arrival in Genoa, you should take the time to settle into your accommodation and relax before taking your first stroll around the city. Begin your adventure by exploring the heart of the old town, one of the largest in Europe. The area is famous for its narrow alleyways, historic architecture and numerous historic landmarks. Wander through the alleys of the old town to discover the city’s lesser-known treasures, such as Piazza Banchi, where you can find some of Genoa’s best food markets. Afterward, make sure to venture to the Porto Antico area and sample some of the delicious Ligurian cuisine. For the rest of the evening, take some time to relax and explore the local nightlife.
Day 2: Explore the Historic Center
Start your day off by exploring the historic wonders of the city center. Some of the top attractions include the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which has Gothic and Romanesque elements, and the ornate Palazzo Reale, which offers one of the best examples of baroque architecture in Genoa. Afterward, venture to the Strade Nuove, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can find several palaces built between the 16th and 18th centuries. To wrap up your day, head to the shopping district around Via XX Settembre where you can enjoy some of the best shopping, restaurants, and cafes in the city.
Day 3: Excursion to Cinque Terre
For an unforgettable day-trip, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre, a grouping of five charming fishing villages perched on the Italian Riviera. The villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso offer stunning views of the sea, colorful houses, and delicious seafood, so make sure to bring your camera! While you can hike between the towns, we recommend taking the train that connects each stop, where you can easily hop on and off. At the end of the day, you can return to Genoa by train, or stay and explore one of the charming local accommodation options.
Day 4: Alleys and Palaces
Explore some of the lesser-known yet equally impressive alleys and buildings of Genoa. Begin with a walk through the picturesque alleyways of Via Garibaldi, where you will find some of the most beautiful palaces in the city - they’ve even been named UNESCO World Heritage sites! Afterwards, visit the private residence of the Doge Palace to admire the magnificent Flemish tapestries and the historic 12th-century church dedicated to San Matteo. For lunch, enjoy some of the best pesto in the world, made from Genovese basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, at one of the local eateries. Afterwards, take a stroll along the city’s historic Medieval walls, which are free to explore and offer stunning vistas of the cityscape.
Day 5: Art and Culture
Today, you’ll explore the vibrant art and museum scene scattered throughout Genoa. Spend the morning at the Genoa Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe, situated in the old harbor area. Afterwards, check out the Palazzo Doria Tursi, a remarkable building with an incredible art collection – you’ll find works by some of the most celebrated artists in the world, including Rubens and Van Dyck. Cap off your day by strolling through the narrow alleys of the old town to discover some of the city’s finest street art and the renovated via San Bernardo.
Day 6: Hidden Gems
Today you can take a break from the crowds and explore some of Genoa’s hidden gems. For starters, take a hop on a cable car and head to the hilltop for a panoramic view of Genoa. You can also visit the historic cemetery of Staglieno, which contains exquisite art and sculptural representations of famous figures. Finally, don’t forget to visit the Mele, the city’s largest antiques market, which offers a unique mix of objects and artifacts from yesteryear.
Day 7: Relax, Enjoy, and Departure
Take your last day in Genoa to relax and enjoy everything the city has to offer. You could head to the beach or venture to the neighboring town of Portofino, one of the most photographed places in Italy, known for its charming harbor and winding alleyways. In the afternoon, visit a local cafe or bar, have a glass of limoncello, and relax as you prepare for your departure tomorrow.
