Genoa attractions in 1 day is an opportunity to see a city that combines two opposing phenomena: the traffic of a metropolis and the comfort of a port city. The reason for this was its location: the bay of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains that surround it made Genoa the regional center of Liguria. Its prosperity and history have always been closely connected with the sea.

The first mention of Genoa dates back to the 6th century before the birth of Christ, but only in the 10th century AD the city began to turn into one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, taking 6th place in the list of the largest cities in Italy. Genoa has an intriguing history with hidden treasures and corners and hides within its walls beautiful reminders of a glorious past.

Walking around the city, you can admire the majestic palaces and ancient temples, visit interesting museums, get lost in the maze of narrow streets and alleys with red, yellow and pink facades, learn history from the frescoes of large buildings that tell about the adventures of heroes, soldiers, princesses and gods of mythology .

Unfortunately, it is impossible to see all the sights of a city with such a rich history in 1 day, so I had to select the main attractions of Genoa to create your individual route.

And for those who cannot yet visit Genoa, they can enjoy a virtual journey through my eyes.

The walking tour I have prepared for you includes arriving by train at Piazza Principe (), this will save you time and instead of searching for parking you can enjoy the sights of Genoa.

Overnight in Genoa: hotel or apartment

If Genoa is just one of the cities on your trip and you need to rest before continuing, you can book a hotel or evaluate alternative options, such as renting an apartment.

Genoa attractions: route

Now let's look at the map " Genoa attractions in 1 day." The walk consists of 8 stops, which are marked on the map with red signs. The letters, in turn, show the order of your independent tour of Genoa, starting from A and ending with J.

Aquarium

Ponte degli Spinola

After leaving the train station, you can easily find your way to the aquarium using a map or road signs, but if you are afraid of getting lost, then head towards the sea and continuing to the right along the embankment, you will certainly not miss your destination. The walk will not take you more than 10 minutes, although you may need more time to buy a ticket, since the aquarium is very popular among tourists, and as a result there are always queues near the ticket office (but tickets can also be bought on the official website of the aquarium). Its popularity is due to the fact that the aquarium is one of the main attractions of Genoa. It was opened in 1992 on the territory of the old port and today is the largest Italian aquarium and the second in Europe.

The aquarium is home to 600 different species (not just marine species, but also rainforest and freshwater animals) that live in a picturesque recreation of their natural habitat. Walking through the aquarium is very interesting and exciting as it gives you the opportunity to experience the seas of the whole world from the inside. There are more than 70 aquariums on the premises, where you can observe sharks, seals, turtles, penguins and many other marine species.

Expect your visit to the aquarium to take between 3 and 4 hours. Tickets for adults € 23.00; children (4 – 12 years old) € 15.00; children (0 – 3 years old) free.

Old Port

Porto Antico di Genova

The Old Port of Genoa is one of the largest ports on the Mediterranean Sea, which in the past was the economic center of the city. In 1992, according to the design of Renzo Piano, in honor of the celebration of 5 centuries since the discovery of America, several main tourist destinations were opened in the old port. As you already understand, the aquarium is not the only attraction that awaits you. After leaving the aquarium, you can stroll through the old port, where the number of attractions will pleasantly surprise you.

The first thing you will see is the biosphere - a bubble of steel and glass on the water, which has collected a wide variety of tropical plants, butterflies and small animals (iguanas, birds).

A metal structure resembling a crane that stands on the seashore and is a symbol of Genoa is Bigo. This design gives you the opportunity to ride an elevator with a gorgeous panoramic view.

The ship Neptune, which was built for the filming of the film “Pirates of the Caribbean,” is also worth your attention.

After a busy walk, you should have lunch; the best place for this is Eataly, whose concept is the high quality of Made in Italy products. Eataly's wide selection of restaurants will amaze you with its variety. And its location and high shop windows will allow you to enjoy views of the city and the port.

Cathedral of San Lorenzo

After a hearty lunch, you will be ready for the second part of our route " Genoa attractions in 1 day." Leaving the promenade, you need to climb a little along Via San Lorenzo and you will see how the landscape changes, after the open space of the port you will find yourself in the narrow streets of the old town with street vendors and musicians.
The first square you reach is called San Lorenzo, it presents a portrait of medieval culture with architecture of religious and civil importance: the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Archbishop's Palace and the Palazzo Ducale.

Construction of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo began in the 9th century, but over the centuries it was restored, this influenced the style of architecture: the Gothic facade has Romanesque and French elements. The cathedral also has a museum which costs €6.00; children (0 – 5 years old) admission is free.

Columbus House

Continue along Via San Lorenzo until you reach Piazza Dante, a stone's throw away from which you will come across the ancient staircase leading to Christopher Columbus's house. This is his childhood home. The structure consists of three floors with three rooms on each floor. On the ground floor there is a family atelier; the Colombo family were engaged in the textile trade. On the two upper floors (of which only one is open to the public) there are bedrooms and offices. The building is not very large and the tour lasts no more than ten minutes.

Porta Soprana Towers

The next attraction in this square is the medieval towers of Porta Soprana, built in the 10th century. Once these towers served as the main entrance to Genoa.

Ferrari Square

Piazza Raffaele De Ferrari, Genova, Italy

Genoa (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Genoa with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Genoa (Italy)

Genoa is a city in northwestern Italy, the capital of Liguria. It is one of the largest Italian ports with a glorious and rich history. Genoa is the capital of a once powerful and wealthy maritime republic with the largest historical center among European cities, the birthplace of the legendary Columbus and the brilliant Paganini. This is a city with amazing charm: the sea, the old port, many rich ancient palaces and beautiful sights hidden among the cozy streets and reminiscent of past wealth, excellent cuisine and a unique port atmosphere. All this makes Genoa one of the most interesting cities in Italy.

The capital of Liguria is often overlooked. Most tourists coming to Italy want to see the antiquities of Rome, touch the cultural treasures of Florence, dream of Venice or shopping in Milan. Many people think that Genoa is a pale shadow of a mighty maritime power, just a big city and a major port. And this is not entirely true! Here, the façades of rich historical buildings and cultural monuments are hidden among shabby but atmospheric streets that are filled with charming alleys, sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and the old port is still as bustling with life as ever.

Geography and climate

Genoa is located in the northwestern part of Italy almost at the base of the “Italian boot”. The city stretches out in a long narrow strip along the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea and is bordered by the sea and the Apennine Mountains. The climate is humid subtropical. Summers are quite hot, and winters are rainy and cool. More than 1000 mm of precipitation falls annually.

Practical information

1. Population - 595 thousand people.
2. Area - 243.60 square kilometers.
3. Language - Italian.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. The addresses of the tourist information centers are: the airport, Via Garibaldi, 12r, Via al Porto Antico, 2 and Ponte dei Mille.
8. The voltage in the electrical network is 220V.
9. Most shops and restaurants accept bank cards.
10. Most museums and attractions are closed on Mondays.
11. Some shops may be closed from 12.30 to 15.30.

Best time to visit

Best time to visit: May-September. The frequent rainy season begins in October and lasts until February.

Story

In antiquity, there was a small Greek colony on the coast of the Gulf of Genoa. Later, a fishing settlement of the Ligurian tribe was founded here, destroyed in the 3rd century BC by Carthage. Around this period, these territories were annexed by the Roman Empire. After its collapse, Genoa was alternately owned by the Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Lombards and Franks.

The emergence of Genoa as one of the largest ports begins in the 10th century. In the 12th century, it was already an independent city-state with an extensive network of colonies and numerous trade connections, in no way inferior in wealth to Venice and Pisa.

The period of decline of the maritime republic began in the 14th century. At the end of the century, Genoa became dependent on the French, and in 1421 - on the Milanese. In the 16th century, the city was revived. With the discovery of America and thanks to the alliance with Spain, Genoa became one of the richest European cities. Economic prosperity and well-being continued until the 18th century.

In the 18th century, the Genoese Republic was transformed into a French protectorate, and later annexed to France. After the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the Congress of Vienna, Genoa went to Piedmont. In the second half of the 19th century, the city became part of the United Italy.

How to get there

Shopping and purchases

Genoa is a great place for shopping. It's easy to find designer boutiques, supermarkets, and antique shops here. Brand stores are located in the Via Settembre area. A large shopping center called Fiumara is located next to the train station.

Food and drink

Genoa is famous for its gastronomy. The main features of Ligurian cuisine are pesto sauce, focaccia, fresh seafood and fish, pasta, farinata (chickpea dish). You can try good pizza in pizzerias. A popular place with a large concentration of cafes and restaurants is the Piazza delle Erbe area. Many inexpensive establishments can be found on Via Garibaldi.

Attractions

Via Garibaldi is a true pearl of Genoa. It was founded in the 16th century and became the site of the construction of palaces for wealthy Genoese. In this small space, luxurious houses with the coats of arms of noble families stand side by side, competing with each other in the beauty of their architecture and the richness of their façade decoration. Calle Garibaldi is located slightly north of Piazza Ferrari, near the sailors' quarter. The Rosso, Bianco and Tursi palaces are open to the public. And the street itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is a majestic church and the main sacred building of the city. The cathedral was built in the 12th century as a Romanesque basilica, reconstructed in the 14th century in the Gothic style, and rebuilt again in the early Renaissance style in the 16th century. The building has a beautiful marble facade. Precious Christian relics are kept here: the ashes of John the Baptist and the plate on which the head of the saint is believed to have been presented to Salome.

Santi Ambrogio is a Jesuit church in the small Piazza Matteotti, built in the 16th century in Renaissance style. It is believed that the temple has the most beautiful interior among religious buildings in Genoa: elaborate baroque with marble, frescoes and two paintings by Rubens.

San Matteo is a small 13th-century Gothic church with a marble facade. Located near Santi Ambrogio on Via Tommaso. Inside there are many relics from the period of the Genoese Republic. The crypt contains the tomb of Andrea Doria, who in the 16th century restored the independence of Genoa and increased the wealth of the city.

Santa Maria di Castello is a 12th century Romanesque church with beautiful frescoes. Located in one of the oldest places in Genoa, where the Etruscans and Phoenicians traded. A Dominican monastery was founded here in the 15th century.

The Church of Jesus is a 16th-century Jesuit church with a beautiful Genoese Baroque interior decorated in multi-colored marble. The religious building was built on the site of an earlier church founded by the Milanese bishop Ambrogio, who fled from the Lombards.

Cimitero di Staglieno is a beautiful Campo Santo, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Italy. Here you can find many interesting tombstones in the Art Nouveau and Art Nouveau styles.

The Genoa Aquarium is one of the largest structures of its type in Italy and Europe. It was built in 1992 in honor of the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage. Great place for a family holiday.

Genoa Harbor is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, 22 kilometers of berths with moorings for yachts, ships, warehouses and industrial cranes. We recommend visiting Porto Anti - the old port where the ships of Admiral Doria were built in the 15-16th century.

Porta Soprano - two well-preserved towers of the medieval city gate from the 12th century. Nearby is the house of Columbus, where the famous navigator is believed to have spent his childhood.

The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) is a luxurious 17th century mansion with majestic staircases, balconies, a luxuriously decorated interior and a collection of works of art.

Piazza Ferrari is the lively center of Genoa with a beautiful fountain. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings in the neo-baroque and art nouveau styles.

Palazzo Ducale is one of the most majestic historical buildings of Genoa, the palace of the Genoese Doges. The building was founded in the 13th century. The medieval part is still very noticeable. The palace was constantly expanded and rebuilt. The last reconstruction was carried out in 1992.

Embriaci is a tall medieval tower built in the 11th century. This is one of the few surviving towers that were erected by famous Genoese next to their homes.

Piazza Vittoria is one of the central city squares with an impressive triumphal arch built in the 30s of the 20th century.

An aqueduct is an engineering structure for supplying water to the city, built in the 13th century.

San Giorgio is one of the most beautiful and striking buildings in Genoa with a beautiful facade that houses the port office. The history of the palace began in the 13th century. This palazzo consists of two different parts: one part is older, typical of medieval urban architecture, and the other is in Renaissance style.

Lanterna is one of the symbols of Genoa, a 16th-century lighthouse 117 meters high. To see the port and the historical center of the city from its height you need to climb 172 steps.

The fishing village is an ancient and picturesque seaside enclave located within Genoa. This is an area of ​​cute pastel houses and cozy restaurants with terraces.

Genoa has virtually no beaches, although the capital of Liguria is located close to beach resorts. A small, nice pebble beach can be found right in the fishing village.

Genoa is a small city in Italy; the attractions here are so concentrated that tourists who decide to explore them on their own are at a loss. For example, where to start sightseeing in Genoa - go down to the Old Port or go up the streets to palaces, squares, museums?

Genoese are proud when, when speaking about Genoa, the word “most” is often added: the largest port and water park in Italy, the world’s first bank and stock exchange, the oldest lighthouse in the world - La Lanterna, the most beautiful street in the world - Via Garibaldi, the most The first indigo-colored fabrics, created by the Genoese back in 1500, became the basis for jeans. And Italy is deservedly proud of that beautiful pearl in its necklace of cities, which is Genoa.

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Genoa on the map of Italy

A city in northwestern Italy, stretching out in a narrow 30-kilometer strip along the Gulf of Genoa and running up the slopes of the Apennine Mountains. There is no exact date of foundation, but it has been established that already in the 5th century BC there was already a Ligurian settlement here, hence the Ligurian Sea and the Liguria region, the center of which is Genoa.

Centuries have left their mark on the appearance of the city, which has experienced periods of power and defeat. His golden time was the 16th century, which historians call the century of the Genoese: wealthy merchants, bankers and fearless sailors.

Sights with photos and descriptions

Here, in this Italian town, everything is possible - a beach holiday, active excursions and long healing walks through beautiful parks and gardens. What to see in Genoa - today we will tell you about the most interesting things, and the photos will help you get an idea of ​​the northern city of Italy. If your time in Genoa is limited and you want to see as much as possible in 1 day, you can look at local attractions on a map on the Internet and create a sightseeing route yourself. And don’t forget to take your camera with you, because when you return home it’s so nice to look at photos from your travels!

Palace of San Giorgio

The Palace of San Giorgio (13th century) is located next to the Old Port, which was very convenient for merchants arriving by sea: this building served as a bank in the 15th century. Before that, it was the seat of the government of the Genoese Republic, and for some time it was a prison (its most famous prisoner was Marco Polo).

Now this elegant building, decorated with ancient frescoes and elegant decor, is occupied by port employees.

Cathedral of San Lorenzo

The main cathedral of the city, built in the 12th-17th centuries. This Gothic striped temple (alternating layers of light and dark marble) with the arched design of the entrances, window openings and loggia, and the openwork ornament of the facade, gives a feeling of airiness.

The temple houses the chapel of the city’s heavenly patron, John the Baptist, and his relics are kept. The cathedral is decorated with statues of famous sculptors, the walls are painted with frescoes and paintings by famous artists. There is a museum in the basement. Inside the temple there is a shell that pierced the roof but did not explode - a trace of the Second World War.

Doge's Palace

The Doge's Palace (13th-16th centuries), also called the Ducal Palace, was once the residence of the rulers of Genoa and adorns Piazza Matteotti.

The palace unites several buildings, combines different styles, consists of many galleries, courtyards, towers, and is decorated with columns, arcades, and bas-reliefs. At one time there was a prison here, where the genius Genoese, Nicolo Paganini, was a prisoner. Now the palace is a museum.

Church of Jesus

The Church of Jesus (16th century) is dedicated to Saints Andrew and Ambrose.

The temple, unassuming in appearance, amazes with its rich interior and paintings inside, including two paintings by Rubens: “The Circumcision” and “The Miracle of St. Ignatius.”

Note: in the church there is a working organ from the 17th century, made by a famous master of that era.

Ferrari Square

It can be easily found on a map of Genoa with attractions. Ferrari Square is the main square of the city, named after the famous philanthropist, diplomat and financier.

The square is decorated with a large fountain, the jets of which, directed towards the center of the structure, describe an arc and, breaking, form amazing waterfalls around the circumference of the central bowl of the fountain.

The facade of the Doge's Palace overlooks the square. Here are:

• the austere building of the Ligurian administration, where the headquarters of the Italian Shipping Company used to be located;
• the elegant Palazzo della Borsa, which recently housed the first Italian stock exchange, and now hosts exhibitions and conferences;
• Teatro Carlo Felice - the main theater of Genoa, accommodating up to two thousand spectators;
• in front of the theater there is a bronze monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, a hero highly revered by the Genoese; there are always fresh flowers here;
• Museum of the Academy of Ligurian Art with a rich collection of paintings, ceramics, sculptures.

Garibaldi Street

Its construction began in the 15th century and was intended for the richest and most noble people of the city. This is a quarter of the most beautiful palaces. The interior decoration of the buildings is amazing: antique furniture, unique tapestries, paintings and statues. Three palaces (Turzi, Red and White) are open to visitors as museums.

From the terrace of the Red Palace you can look at the city from a different angle. In the Turzi Palace there is the Paganini Hall, where the musician’s belongings are kept, including a violin made in the 18th century, which one participant in the annual festival named after the great Genoese has the honor of playing.

Palazzo Reale

This palace is also called the Royal Palace (17th century), where the richest and most influential people of the city lived for several centuries.

Now there is a museum here, and the decoration of the palace, not inferior in luxury to the residences of royalty from other states, is available for viewing.

Everything here delights: the interior, especially the Throne and Ballrooms, the antique mirrors of the Hall of Mirrors, the unique paintings of the art gallery, the view of the city and the sea from the terrace, the Hanging Garden with exotic plants, where animal figures are lined with two-color pebbles on the paths.

Old Port of Genoa (Italy)

Genoese are proud of their fellow countrymen. First of all, Christopher Columbus, whose house was turned into a museum where two dates are celebrated: the birthday of the famous navigator and the discovery of America. The genius born in Genoa is musician, composer, violinist Nicolo Paganini. Our contemporary architect Renzo Piano, who created amazing structures in many cities around the world, modernized the Old Port in his hometown, turning it into a favorite vacation spot for tourists and local residents.

The transformations were made for the international exhibition Expo’92, dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus.

It was then that the Piano Aquarium, the Biosphere, the panoramic elevator Il Bigo, and the Cultural and Exhibition Center appeared, which harmoniously fit into the picture of the port.

Aquarium

The Genoa Aquarium is located in buildings stylized as ship hulls and connected by a bridge. Its volume is six million liters.

The exhibitions reproduce the route of Columbus: the Ligurian Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea. Here you can observe various inhabitants of the deep sea, rivers, reptiles, and you can pet stingrays and dolphins if you wish.

Biosphere

Next to the Aquarium, attention is drawn to a huge glass ball - the Biosphere botanical garden, in which a corner of the tropical forest is recreated, birds fly, butterflies flutter, fish splash in the stream.

Ile Bigo

The Il Bigo attraction resembles port cranes; the elevator car slowly rotates, allowing you to admire the port, the bay and the city going up to the mountains from a 40-meter height.

Cultural and Exhibition Center

Piano turned the abandoned cotton warehouses into a wonderful Cultural and Exhibition Center, which housed a museum, a congress center, several cinema halls, shops, restaurants, bars, as well as a children's playground.

Maritime Museum Galata

Since 2004, the port has housed the unique Galata Maritime Museum, where you can see models of ships from different eras, including modern ones, get acquainted with ancient navigation maps, instruments, globes, weapons, and learn the history and traditions of seafarers.

Galleon "Neptune"

Tourists are delighted with the opportunity to explore the ship, look into all the holds and cabins, and examine the bas-reliefs and weapons of the pirates.

Lighthouse La Laterna

You can spend the whole day in the Old Port without noticing the time. From here you can admire the La Laterna lighthouse, built in the 12th century and reconstructed and restored more than once after battles, wars and attacks.

It is important that the lighthouse previously existed due to taxes levied on ships entering the port.

What to see in the vicinity of Genoa

In the 20s of the 20th century, several resort towns became part of Genoa. The suburbs of Genoa contrast with the old city, where narrow streets up to 1.7 meters wide and the famous Via Garibaldi are devoid of greenery, only small islands can be seen in window containers, in courtyards, and in squares.

The suburbs are surrounded by gardens and attract with the aroma of flowers, birdsong, and the proximity of the sea with comfortable and wild beaches.

Artists and poets find inspiration here, just as the bells of Genoa inspired Dickens and a painting in the church inspired Flaubert to write novels.

Nervi

Nervi is a suburban resort of Genoa with the Anita Garibaldi promenade leading to a platform from where you can admire the view of picturesque cliffs, the blue sea, almost merging with the blue sky. The villas here are surrounded by greenery, and a park created from several gardens attracts attention.

Many villas have been turned into museums, galleries, libraries: in Gropalo there is now a city library, in Serra - the Gallery of Modern Art, in Grimaldi sculptures of the 19th and 20th centuries are collected, in Gianettino-Luxoro - a museum of decorative arts. In Nervi, tourists flock to music festivals in the summer.

Baccadasse

Near Nervi is the picturesque sailors' village of Baccadasse with the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, where you can see unique creations. In the church you can see small models of ships hanging in niches - the sailors’ gratitude for returning home. The village is memorable for its bright multi-colored houses, narrow streets, overturned fishing boats on the shore, and a line of fishermen casting long fishing rods into the sea.

Edoardo Firpo Square, decorated with original sculptures, offers stunning views of the sea, Genoa, and surrounding villas. There is an art gallery in the village where you can buy paintings not only by local artists. Bakkadasse is famous for its sea bay with amazing corals and rare fish species. Important: to preserve the unique nature and marine life, the bay is placed under state protection.

Pegli

Another suburb of Genoa, Pegli, which has long been known as a favorite vacation spot for the aristocracy, even today attracts the elite: famous actors, musicians, and politicians. Luxurious villas still adorn the coast, two are given over to museums. The National Archaeological Site is located in the Villa Durazzo Pallavicini, built in the 17th century.

The beautiful building is located in a large park with amazing corners, numerous statues and a variety of fountains.

The museum has many artifacts from different eras, a unique collection of antique vases.

Another villa, Centurione Doria (16th century), houses the exhibition of the Maritime Museum; you can study the history of navigation from numerous exhibits. Genoa of the 15th century can be seen in an amazing painting by the artist Christopher Grassi.

Genoa in one day - mini-program

If you only have one day to explore the city, then it is best to spend it in the old town, where the most beautiful sights of Genoa are concentrated.

• This part of the city is a pedestrian zone, but all the architectural monuments are located close to each other, which allows tourists to see many of them in one day:
• Palace of San Giorgio;
• Cathedral of San Lorenzo;
• Doge's Palace;
• Church of Jesus;
• Ferrari Square;
• street Garibaldi;

Palazzo Reale - Royal Palace.

After visiting the Royal Palace, you should go down to the Old Port and spend the evening in one of the many cafes - open or with panoramic windows - to admire the sunset over the bay and the mesmerizing lights of the night port, reflected in long multi-colored stripes on the water.

I want to return here to discover other corners, to look at Genoa from above, taking the funicular to one of the observation platforms. Explore the remains of the ancient fortress, preserved in different places of the city, walk along the narrow (very narrow) streets of the old city, where ancient stucco moldings or frescoes, or fancy decor appear through the later layers on the facades of houses.

Watch the video, which offers a description of an interesting route around Genoa in one day:

“Oh, Genoa, you are wonderful!” I exclaimed, looking out of the window of a taxi on the way from Christopher Columbus Airport one crisp autumn evening.

Genoa (Italian Genova), once a great maritime power, and now a most beautiful port city, is the capital of the region located in northern Italy.

From the very first steps I felt that the city was magical, unusual, different... It conceals many secrets and is fully revealed only to especially curious travelers. The alluring narrow streets of the Old Town, multi-level colorful houses that seem to be climbing the mountain slopes towards the rays of the gentle Italian sun, the luxury of palaces and medieval cathedrals, amazing panoramic views, the largest port... this is all Genoa, mysterious, enchanting.

After visiting Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Florence and other large and small cities in Italy, it seemed that nothing in Italy could surprise me. How wrong I was! Don't believe me? Then it's time to buy tickets to Genoa and pack your suitcase! Get ready for an exciting journey in a time machine!

Short video about Genoa

How to get there

The first question that a traveler faces after choosing a city is how to get to the desired place.

Getting to Genoa is not difficult at all. Air, land, sea route? It's up to you to decide, because you can get to Genoa using any of the listed methods.

So, ciao Genova!

By plane

• You can also see convenient flights with transfers in Munich, Rome and other cities. A long layover in another country can be a real adventure and a great start to an exciting journey! Also, connecting flights are an economical option for those planning a trip at the last minute when prices for direct flights are already too high.

As you approach Genoa airport, the plane window offers stunning views of the endless blue sea and mysterious mountain peaks.

Cristoforo Columbus Airport is located very close to the city, so getting to the center of Genoa is not difficult.

From Genoa airport to the city You can get there in the following ways:

By train

• For those who are already in Italy or France. In general, the train system in Italy is quite convenient: you can quickly get to Genoa using Trenitalia trains. For example, if you nevertheless flew with Pobeda to Milan airport (), trains depart from Milan Central Station daily from 6 am to 21 pm and arrive in Genoa at Piazza Principe. The journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on the type of train, and tickets cost from 13.45 EUR one way. From Pisa and other cities you can also use the services of this carrier.

There are different types of Trenitalia trains:

• high-speed “arrow” trains – Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca;
• Intercity and night InterCityNotte trains making significantly more stops;
• international Eurocity trains;
• "Electric trains" Regionale.

Depending on the type of train, ticket prices, travel time, and degree of comfort vary. The schedule and all the necessary information can be checked.

A novice tourist may face some dangers and unpleasant “surprises”. Therefore, observe the following rules:

• after purchasing, do not forget to validate the ticket in a special machine at the station or when exiting the station, otherwise it will be invalid;
• check the board every minute for the platform number from which your train departs, as it can change literally at the last moment, and the information will most likely be provided only in Italian;
• When making connections or arriving/departing, be sure to take tickets with plenty of time, as:

1. in Italy they love strikes;
2. sometimes it is difficult to quickly find a ticket composting machine;
3. Trains do not always arrive at their destination at the scheduled time.

There are two main train stations in Genoa:

• Genova Piazza Principe - the main station, located in Piazza Acquaverde (2 km west of Piazza de Ferrari);
• Genova Brignole is the second most important, located in Piazza Verde (1 km east of Piazza de Ferrari).

In addition to the convenient location of the stations, they are relatively clean and safe.

By bus

There are no buses from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Genoa.

However, once you are in Europe, you can take a bus, which will serve as a good alternative to traveling by train. The journey by bus will take longer, but you can save significantly. Therefore, when I’m not in a particular hurry, I confidently book a ticket on the website of the German company FlixBus, which in 2016 became the most popular and economical carrier in Italy, creating a network of bus routes throughout Italy from north to south and from west to east.

Thanks to a developed network of bus routes, Genoa can be reached from different European countries and Italian cities. For example, comfortable buses, equipped with wi-fi and sockets, depart daily from 8 am to 20:30 from Milan and arrive in Genoa in 2 hours either at the Principe Fanti d'Italia bus station or at Piazza della Vittoria. Ticket price - from 5 EUR.

By car

The route from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Genoa by car is not long - the distance between Russian cities and the city located on the Ligurian coast is almost 3 thousand km. Thus, traveling by car only makes sense if you are planning a tour of other European cities.

From Moscow:

From Saint-Petersburg:

Motorways to get to Genoa:

• A7 – () - Genoa
• A10 – Vertimiglia (7 km from the border with France, west of San Remo) - Genoa
• A12 – (Lazio) - Genoa
• A26 – Gravellona Toce () - Genoa

Motorists need to be prepared for numerous tunnels dug into the rocks (hopefully you are not claustrophobic), narrow and winding roads, as well as stunningly beautiful views from the car window.

Disadvantages of a car to Genoa:

• expensive - toll roads and high cost of gasoline;
• dangerous - difficult mountain roads;
• long - traffic jams and difficulties with parking (before your trip, check the website for the addresses of parking lots in Genoa, including underground ones).

GRANDI NAVI VELOCI ferries operate in the following directions:

• Porto Torres () - Genoa, travel time 12 hours;
• () - Genoa, travel time 20.5 hours;
• - Genoa, travel time 21 hours;
• - Genoa, travel time 17.5 hours;
• - Genoa, travel time 49.5 hours with a stop in the port of Barcelona.

Flights to these destinations depart several times a week. You can find out the schedule, cost and purchase a ticket online on the website.

Clue:

Genoa - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

If you are going to stay longer, rent an apartment; you can familiarize yourself with the options as follows.

I stayed at the Hotel Bristol Palace (Via XX Settembre, 35) and highly recommend it!

It has an excellent location - 100 meters from Piazza De Ferrari and 3 minutes from the House of Columbus (you couldn't imagine a better place!), but this is not its main advantage.

When staying at Bristol Palace, in addition to a good view from the room window, you get the feeling that time has suddenly turned back and transported you several centuries into the past.

Ancient luxury, bas-reliefs on the ceilings, carpets, a stunning spiral staircase allow you to feel the whole atmosphere of the medieval city.

Here you will feel like a real aristocrat!

What are the prices for holidays?

The official currency of Italy is the euro, so before your trip, make sure to buy euros from one of the Russian banks.

In Genoa, you can pay by card in almost all hotels, bars and restaurants. The exception is usually newspaper and other kiosks, sometimes ticket offices, and some souvenir shops set a minimum amount with which you can pay by card (about 15 EUR, or 900 rubles). Thus, it is better to always carry cash with you.

The average salary in Genoa is approximately 1,500 EUR (90,000 thousand rubles), and therefore, in general, prices here are higher than in Moscow and other Russian cities. First of all, this concerns prices for cigarettes (about 5 EUR per 1 pack), for travel on public transport (1.5 EUR per 1 ticket) and taxis, for gasoline (more than 1.5 EUR per 1 liter), prices in restaurants and for food in supermarkets.

However, for example, prices for clothes, accessories, shoes, and leather goods in Genoa are not very different from prices in Moscow stores, and the quality of “Made in Italy” items is usually higher. It is especially profitable to buy clothes during sales months (January-February and July-August).

Genoa has high prices for utilities. Heating fees in old Italian apartments with high ceilings can reach 1000 EUR per month (60,000 thousand rubles), so if you are going to rent an apartment in winter, be sure to check whether utility bills are included in the rent.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

In Genoa, attractions are literally at every turn! The city will appeal to everyone and absolutely everyone, regardless of the weather.

In warm and sunny weather, lovers of long walks and fresh air can spend hours wandering through narrow medieval streets, a beautiful long embankment, observation decks and parks.
On a rainy and windy day, you can take refuge in museums, cathedrals, palaces and numerous shops.

Top 5

MUST SEE! What you simply cannot pass by in Genoa:

1. Genoese lighthouse La Lanterna (La Lanterna di Genova). The symbol of the city, lighting the way for ships for almost nine centuries (since 1128). The path from the center and from the nearest metro to the lighthouse is not long, but be sure to take a walk on a pleasant sunny day and take a few photos against its background. On weekends and holidays from 14:30 to 18:30 you can climb the lighthouse (though only to its middle) and admire the wonderful panoramic view of Genoa by purchasing a ticket for 6 EUR, the price includes admission to the museum and park. All information can be checked at.
   
2. Columbus House (Casa di Colombo). Don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo against the backdrop of the main pride of any Genoese - the house in which Christopher Columbus himself was born. Although there is still debate about the place of his birth, there is a mysterious and majestic atmosphere of history near the Columbus House. If you find yourself in Genoa on October 12 - Columbus Day - be sure to visit inside. Although the museum is open on other days, you can check the schedule. Address: Via di Porta Soprana. Next to the Columbus House is the largest moped parking lot imaginable. It looks especially interesting against the backdrop of the Porta Soprana gate, the entrance to medieval Genoa. By the way, you can climb the towers; there is a wonderful view from there.
   
3. Cathedral of San Lorenzo (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo). One of the most beautiful and majestic cathedrals in Italy, a religious and historical center. Open daily from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00.
   
4. Palazzi dei Rolli is a complex of grandiose ancient palaces of the Genoese aristocracy, stunning buildings with amazing architecture, located on Via Garibaldi and Via Balbi. The complex includes 42 multi-storey palaces built on a small area. The most popular among tourists are Palazzo Bianco (White Palace), which houses an art gallery inside, Palazzo Rosso (Red Palace) with an art gallery, stunning interiors and the opportunity to go to the roof, Royal Palace Palazzo Reale (Palazzo Reale) ), Ducal Palace Palazzo Ducale. Everything inside is amazing - the luxury, the size of the stairs, mirrors, magical courtyards. The location of the palaces can be viewed using. Two or three times a year, the palaces of Genoa open their doors to tourists completely free of charge on the so-called “rolli days”, which last two days (Saturday and Sunday). In 2017, “rolli days” will be held on April 1-2 from 9:00 to 19:30, as well as on October 14 and 15. More detailed information on the palaces can be found.
   
5. Aquarium of Genoa (Acquario di Genova). A place where adults will feel like big kids! For 2-3 hours (which is how much it takes on average to visit the aquarium), visitors are immersed in a wonderful world. Although the pleasure is not cheap (entrance ticket for adults will cost 25 EUR, for children 4-12 years old - 15 EUR, it is undoubtedly worth it. A visit to the largest aquarium in Italy and the second largest in Europe (after L'Oceanografic in Valencia) is a mandatory item on the program of many tourists coming to Genoa, so in order not to waste time in line to purchase tickets, it is better to purchase them online on the official website. In addition, there are sometimes discounts and special offers for tickets purchased online. Opening hours - from 9. :00 to 20:00, last entry at 18:00, address – Area Porto Antico (Ponte Spinola).
   

Beaches. Which ones are better

The picturesque Italian Riviera is conventionally divided by Genoa into the Western Riviera di Ponente (from the border with France) with sandy beaches and the rocky Eastern Riviera di Levante (to Tuscany) with pebble beaches.

Genoa stretches along the coast of the Ligurian Sea for about 30 km; people usually don’t go to the city to swim. This is due to the following reasons:

• Genoa is a port city, and therefore, depending on the number of ships, the water may be dirty;
• there are practically no convenient entries into the water, since the coast is rocky;
• in the immediate vicinity of Genoa there are more equipped and picturesque places for a beach holiday.

If you're in Genoa and want to take a dip, check out the full list of city beaches and their locations. On the city beaches of Genoa, located in the areas of Vesima, Voltri-S Ambrogio, Pegli-Giardini Peragallo, Multedo, Punta Vagno, Via Forte di S Giuliano, Priaruggia and Quinto, from June 15 to September 15, swimmers can use the changing room free of charge, shower, toilet. The best of them are the small beaches of the Quarto, Quinto Sturla and Nervi areas. You can also visit the Bagni Scogliera di Nervi (Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, 10) and Bagni San Nazaro (Corso Italia, 5) complexes, be sure to check their opening hours before visiting.

However, I advise you to choose a place for swimming not in the city, but 30 km from it, where you can get there by train in 40-50 minutes. For example, in Recco (20 km), Camogli (24 km), Rapallo (28 km), in the Gulf of Tigullio (30 km), in (40 km), Lavagna (45 km), Sestri Levante ( 50 km).

The most beautiful beaches of the Italian Riviera are:

• Balzi Rossi beach - on the border with France, 170 km from Genoa;
• Finale Ligure beach - 76 km west of Genoa;
• Baia dei Saraceni beach - 70 km west of Genoa;
• Levanto beach - 80 km east of Genoa.

Parks

Nervi Parks (Parchi Nervi) is a historical natural complex with exotic and tropical plants. Palms, cedars, maritime pines, olive trees and olianders are just a few of the trees that can be seen in this lovely botanical garden.

On its territory there are Villa Gropallo, Villa Serra, Villa Grimaldi, Villa Luxoro, a delightful rose garden, museums, and a zoo. A visit to the green island of nature of the city of Genoa is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and the crowds of tourists and allow you to enjoy peace and quiet.

By the way, on the territory there is an excellent children's playground with all kinds of slides, so the children will be delighted!

It can take a whole day to explore the park, so you can have a picnic on the grass, basking in the gentle Italian sun.

How to get to the Nervi Parks, as well as the location of the villas and other things can be seen on the map:
Also worth a visit:

• Durazzo Pallavicini Park in Peglia (Parco di Villa Durazzo Pallavicini)

All information about opening hours, costs and travel can be found on, translated even into Russian.

• City Park of the Walls and Fortress (Il Parco Urbano delle Mura e i Forti)

What to see in 1 day

One day, of course, is not enough to fully enjoy the beauty of Genoa. If there is no opportunity to stay in the city, I suggest you the following route:

• We look at the Casa di Colombo located 5 minutes from the square (*4), pass through Porta Soprana into the medieval part of the city and go to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (*5).
• Until 12:00 we wander through the tiny streets of the Old Town, called “vicoli” in Italian and “caruggi” in the local dialect (*6);

• by 13:00 we go up to the observation deck with a 360-degree view of Belvedere Montaldo (Spianata Castelletto) (*8);

• or take the funicular to Monte Riga (Funicolare Zecca-Righi) (*9);

• Next stop is the Genoese lighthouse La Lanterna (*10). It is located far away (about 1 hour on foot), so it is better to order a taxi, which will take you about 15 minutes. We take a photo with the lighthouse in the background and try the whole variety of Genoese cuisine in a trattoria nearby.
• Around 17:00 we reach the old port of Porto Antico with the pirate ship Galeone Neptune (*11). The journey on foot will take 40 minutes, by taxi – 10 minutes;

• If you are still full of energy for a further walk, the promenade of Genoa - Corso Italia (*12) awaits you;

• Corso Italia leads to the fishing district of Boccadasse (*13) with colorful houses and wonderful views of the bay. However, you can also get there by taxi in 20 minutes, or walk in about 1.5 hours.

• There, watch the sunset with an aperitif in a bar with stunning sea views or dine in a seafood restaurant. Then order a taxi to the station and set off on your journey towards new emotions and impressions!

What to see in the area

Genoa is located close to such magical places as:

• fishing town of Portofino – 35 km from Genoa

• National Park (Cinque Terre) - 80 km from Genoa

Other modes of transport

• Genoa has 10 elevators that run up the hills and connect the city center with the picturesque hilly countryside.
• Another important means of transport connecting the center with the Genoese hills is the funicular. There are 2 of them in Genoa: Sant’Anna and Zecca-Righi.

• There is 1 sea line in Genoa called Navebus, which literally translates as “ship-bus”. It connects the Old Port (Porto Antico) and the Pegli area (Ponente) by sea. Navebus allows you to reach the city center from the west in less than 30 minutes, avoiding traffic jams and enjoying stunning views of the city.

Buying tickets

Take care in advance to purchase a ticket at newspaper or tobacco kiosks, or at special machines at bus stops, since you cannot buy them from the driver.

A one-time ticket costs 1.50 EUR and is valid for 100 minutes on the entire city network, while a ticket for 1.60 EUR will allow you to use the city railway network. The fine for traveling without a ticket is 40 EUR.

There are also tourist tickets that can be purchased at special tourist information offices (IAT) or vending machines: Genova Pass - a ticket that is valid for 24 hours and costs 4.50 EUR, “Genova Pass x 4”, weekly and monthly passes.

Genoa - holidays with children

Genoa is a good place to relax with children: it is safe to walk on the streets and in green parks and villas, and the weather is comfortable in any season.

The aquarium (which I talked about above) will definitely not leave your child indifferent, and the “City for Children” (La citta` dei bambini e dei ragazzi) will make his stay in Genoa unforgettable! In the complex, 50 interactive and multimedia stands are open for children from 2 to 13 years old, where young visitors, while playing and having fun, study science and technology. Detailed information about the “City for Children”, cost of visiting and opening hours of the complex can be found on the website

Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉

Flights- You can compare prices from all airlines and agencies here!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?