Best things to do in Genoa

Best places to visit in Genoa

Do not miss the opportunity to go down to Porto Antico, the old port of Genoa. As the largest in Italy its importance cannot be understated and the ancient harbor has seen massive development over the years meaning it is now a bustling hive of activity with cafés, bars and restaurants lining the promenade with our NH Collection Genova Marina hotel right in the center. 

What will be immediately noticeable is that the old district of Genoa is made up of lots of tiny streets and alleyways (known as Caruggi to the locals) and it’s worth keeping your eyes open for the gems that can be found hidden in any one of them as you travel. 

Once you have seen part of the port area, take Via San Lorenzo towards the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. This cathedral, also known as the Duomo of Genoa, has been around since the 12th century and, within this list of things to do in Genoa, you have to take a look at both: the drinking chalice that was supposedly used by Christ during the Last Supper and a World War II bomb that did not explode when it was dropped on the cathedral. 

Nearby there’s also a fabulous restaurant by the name of Le Cantine Squarciafico where traditional Ligurian dishes are served up by chef Maurizio Piana, like the amazing swordfish carpaccio. 

A little further along you’ll find another of the places in this guide on what to do in Genoa, the renovated birthplace of the city, and one of the world's most famous explorers, Christopher Columbus, and you can continue up the narrow street of Via San Lorenzo until you reach Piazza Ferrari. Check out the impressive bronze fountain in the center.

'Must see' in Genoa

Just a few hundred meters up the promenade from our NH Collection Genova Marina hotel is the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean. Have you noticed how vital a role the sea plays to this city? The Galata Museo del Mare tells the incredible story of seafaring adventures over the centuries and includes an authentic Genoese galley and a vivid 'storm room' to give you an idea of life aboard ship. 

This original museum is one of the things you can do in Genoa to get to know the history of the city in depth and it can be followed by an exquisite lunch or evening meal close by. Across the main street is Trattoria dell’Acciughetta where the theme, unsurprisingly, is local seafood, with an interesting focus on blue-tailed fish. It’s worth noting though that the menu is constantly kept fresh so ask your host for details of the specials of the day. 

Coming back past the hotel you’ll see the magnificent Acquario di Genova. As one of the largest aquariums in Europe it has captured the imagination of well over a million visitors a year since it was redesigned by famed local architect, Renzo Piano, and provides a journey to discover around 12,000 specimens in a wonderfully presented exhibition. Remember they say that watching fish swim around can lower your blood pressure and heart rate so a visit here is literally good for your health.

Shopping around the city

Your friends and family back home will still expect something, so make sure you’ve got time to pick up some gifts. Or maybe you’d like your own memento of the trip. So if your plan is to go shopping, one of the plans on the list about what to do in Genoa is going to Piazza Ferrari, the door to the beautifully arched Via XX Settembre lined with stylish jewelers and perfume boutiques as well as famous fashion houses. 

And remember, Genoa is a traditional Italian city so there are a multitude of excellent cafés to top-up caffeine levels ahead of traveling back. As you return along the other side of Via XX Settembre, cross over Piazza Ferrari again, having a closer look at the fountain, and then on to Palazzo Ducale. The palace is described by some locals as the 'beating heart' of the city’s culture, linking the old with the new. 

Dating back to the 14th century it has been the residence of those that ruled the Republic of Genoa, the Doges (usually selected as the shrewdest elder in the city), and now plays venue to grand exhibitions, festivals and events. 

From the palace you have a choice between the things to do in Genoa: head back down beside the water or venture a little further inwards visiting the gothic Church of San Matteo – which gives you a real sense of the medieval history of the city and where you can see the original 18th century organ – and then adventuring through Genoa’s small streets till you reach the historic street of Via Garibaldi. 

Do some background reading before you visit and then impress your companion with your knowledge of the several palaces and eye-catching baroque buildings that adorn this area. A major highlight is what is now city hall, Palazzo Tursi, home to one of Paganini’s violins and also, apparently, the bones of Columbus! 

While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on the chance of taking in the best view of Genoa as an elevator takes you to the top of Belvedere Castelletto. Gaze out over the various layers that make up this medieval city while possibly refueling on-the-go like a local: tripe slices out of a paper cone. A perfect place to relax. 

This is close to our NH Genova Centro hotel, just the other side of Park Villetta Di Negro, which is known for some very interesting oil and pesto sessions at the events and parties it hosts, so go ahead and complete another thing to do in Genoa: try their local products. As you can see from the map, our two hotels sit either side of the old town of Genoa.

Have a coffee or chocolate in Genoa

If it’s time for a coffee and cake then you need to make your way to the nearby Caffetteria Lomellini, with a view out over Piazza Fossatello. There is no shortage of wonderful eateries in Genoa, all with their own delicious wares on sale, but this is a particular favorite of ours. Order to go and enjoy some quiet time at one of the nearby banks. Sit down to watch the locals and watch their own business while you take advantage of that time to relax. 

As you continue wandering in a southerly direction along the seafront from the aquarium admiring the view of boats and activity in the harbor, you’ll come to an area that protrudes deep into the harbor. Here you’ll find the port's congress center as well as a couple of other lesser-known museums that are worth a look around if time permits. There’s also the very handy Bigo Caffe, which not only provides you an outside terrace for those sunnier days. 

On the other side of the main road (ask at the hotel if you can’t locate it), this is the best thing to do in Genoa if you're a true chocolate lover. Alessandro Boccardo experiments with unique recipes – some have described him as Italy’s shy Willy Wonka – using centuries-old machinery in this secret gem of a shop. We hope this guide gives you a chance to meet the city while you’re here. As you’ll see, Genoa stands proud alongside the more illustrious cities of Italy as a fabulous place to combine culture and pleasure.