Nestled along the Italian Riviera, Genoa (or Genova, if you’re feeling Italian) is a city where pesto is not just a sauce — it’s a spice for a flavorful way of living.
Let’s wander through the winding streets and discover what Genoa has in store.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Sol de Zuasnabar Brebbia. Image Location: Genoa, Italy
1. Stroll through the Old Town
Start your adventure in Genoa’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a labyrinth of narrow alleys called caruggi where every turn reveals a story. Don’t miss the Via Garibaldi, lined with opulent palaces, now housing museums and art galleries.
2. Climb up to Spianata Castelletto
For the best panoramic view of the city, head to Spianata Castelletto, one of the most Instagrammable spots in Genoa. Take the public lift from Piazza Portello and prepare to be wowed by the vista of terracotta rooftops and the sparkling sea.
3. Unleash your inner foodie
Genoa is the birthplace of pesto, so indulging in a plate of pasta al pesto is non-negotiable. Visit local trattorias where chefs truly know how to handle their crushed garlic, pine nuts, basil leaves, hard cheese, and olive oil. Ristorante Il Genovese is a must-try for authentic Ligurian cuisine.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Zummolo.
What to try in Genoa, Italy
- Pesto Genovese. A fresh, aromatic sauce made from basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, typically served with pasta.
- Focaccia Genovese. Soft, olive oil-rich bread, often topped with herbs or onions.
- Farinata. A thin, crispy pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil, baked in a wood-fired oven.
- Pansotti con Salsa di Noci. Pasta filled with greens and ricotta, served with a creamy walnut sauce.
- Acciughe Ripiene. Anchovies stuffed with a mixture of bread crumbs, pine nuts, and herbs, often fried or baked.
- Cappon Magro. A traditional seafood and vegetable salad, layered and dressed in a rich sauce.
4. Soak up the sun at Boccadasse
Craving some beach time? Head to Boccadasse, a picturesque fishing village within the city. Its pebbled beach and colorful houses make it a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.
Hint: Boccadasse is like a slice of the Cinque Terre, but without the crowds. Perfect for that serene sunset selfie!
5. Explore the Genoa Port area
The revamped port area, designed by architect Renzo Piano, is a hub of culture and entertainment. Don’t miss the Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe, and the Bigo panoramic lift that offers a 360-degree view of the port.
Image Credit: Getty Images, anzeletti. Image Location: Rolli Palaces, Genoa, Italy
6. Uncover Genoa’s hidden gems: the Rolli Palaces
Dive deeper into Genoa’s opulent history by visiting the Rolli Palaces, a series of stunning Renaissance and Baroque palaces. Once residences of Genoa’s elite, now they’re UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They’re very much like the city’s own time capsules, oozing the vibe of its Golden Age when Genoa was a Mediterranean big shot, thanks to its bustling sea trade. Think grand frescoes, intricate carvings, and the kind of opulent décor that’ll make your jaw drop.
Fun fact: The Rolli Palaces were part of a public lodging system for VIPs. Imagine an Airbnb, but for 16th-century nobility!
7. Find your room in Genoa
- Grand Hotel Savoia (luxury). This 5-star hotel exudes luxury with its elegant rooms and upscale amenities. Perfect for a lavish stay in Genoa.
- NH Collection Genova Marina (upper mid-range). Overlooking the Porto Antico, this 4-star hotel offers modern rooms with beautiful harbor views. It’s a great pick for those who want a comfortable, stylish stay without the luxury price tag.
- Hotel Continental Genova (moderate). A 4-star option located near the railway station, it has comfortable rooms and good value. This hotel is well-suited for travelers seeking a balance between cost and comfort.
- B&B Hotel Genova (budget). For the budget-conscious, this hotel offers clean, basic rooms with essential services. It’s a solid choice for travelers looking to save on accommodation without sacrificing cleanliness and basic comfort.
- OStellin Genova — Hostel (hostel/backpacker). This popular hostel is ideal for backpackers and solo travelers. It provides dormitory-style accommodations and a lively social atmosphere, ideal for those traveling on a shoestring budget and looking to meet fellow travelers.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, Genoa, Italy
FAQs: Best attractions in Genoa, Italy
What to do in Genoa, Italy?
Explore the historic old town, visit the stunning Genoa Cathedral, stroll through the bustling Porto Antico, and don’t miss the renowned Aquarium of Genoa.
Where in Italy is Genoa located?
Genoa is located in northwestern Italy, on the coast of the Ligurian Sea.
Are there beaches in Genoa, Italy?
Yes, Genoa has several beaches, including Boccadasse, a charming fishing village with a picturesque beach.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Doralin Tunas. Image Location: Genoa, Italy
How many train stations are there in Genova? And which one is the main station?
Genoa is an important port city in Italy. It has several train stations, each serving different purposes and geographical locations.
Genova Piazza Principe. This is one of the two major railway stations in Genoa and the primary station for travelers coming from the north. It’s located near the city’s port and serves as a hub for regional, national, and international train services, including high-speed trains.
Genova Brignole. The other major railway station located more towards the east of the city center. It primarily serves trains coming from the south, including regional and long-distance services. It’s also a key station for trains heading towards the Italian Riviera.
Genova Nervi. A regional train station in Genoa, serving the Nervi district, which is located in the eastern part of the city. Genova Nervi station is particularly handy for those visiting the charming residential neighborhood of Nervi, known for its parks, seaside promenades, and picturesque views.
Genova Sampierdarena. A smaller station serving the Sampierdarena district of Genoa, mainly used for regional train services.
Genova Cornigliano. Another minor station serving the Cornigliano area, mostly for regional rail connections.
Genova Voltri, Genova Pegli, Genova Sestri Ponente, and others. These are smaller stations serving the suburbs and outskirts of Genoa. They are mainly used for local and regional train services.
Image Credit: Getty Images, bdsklo. Image Location: Boccadasse, Genoa, Italy
What are the best restaurants in Genoa, Italy?
Genoa offers a variety of dining options, from traditional trattorias — more casual, typically family-owned Italian restaurants — serving local Ligurian cuisine to seafood restaurants along the waterfront.
- Soho. A charming restaurant near the Aquarium, specializing in fish-based cuisine. Highlights include raw fish dishes and reinterpretations of traditional recipes like Cappon Magro.
- Il Marin — Porto Antico. Located at Eataly Genoa, this restaurant offers a panoramic sea view. Specializing in simple yet high-quality fish dishes, it doubles down on local ingredients.
- Trattoria delle Grazie. Cozy and welcoming, this trattoria serves classic Ligurian dishes. Must-tries include pasta with pesto, pansotti (stuffed pasta) with walnut sauce, cod fritters, and stuffed mussels.
- Trattoria Ugo. A family-run trattoria in the city center, known for its mind-blowing pesto served with potatoes and green beans. Other specialties include tripe, Ligurian soup, stuffed anchovies, and cuttlefish Ugo.
- Ostaietta. Located near Genova Brignole train station, this trattoria offers a casual setting to enjoy traditional Genoese cuisine like Brandacujun (cod), pasta with pesto, and other fish dishes, followed by a local Ligurian liqueur.
What is Genoa’s port famous for?
The Port of Genoa is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean and includes the Porto Antico, a revitalized area with attractions, eateries, and cultural spaces.
Whether you’re here for the pesto, the palaces, or the picturesque views, Genoa is ready to steal your heart. And once you’ve had your fill of this port city, hop on a train at Piazza Principe and set off to explore the Italian Riviera. This journey is your ticket to enchanting destinations like Portofino and Cinque Terre. Book your tickets today with the Trainline app.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Henryk Sadura/Tetra Images. Image Location: Genoa old town, Italy
