Genova City Guide

Bustling, vibrant and colourful, modern day Genova offers a city break of unrivalled variety.

The compact historic centre, with its intriguing passageways, is easy to get around on foot and offers an eclectic mix of palaces, frescoed, art filled churches, museums and art galleries.

Alongside modern designer stores you will discover historic shops and cafes from past centuries, and the revamped port area and promenade has plenty of space to stroll whilst admiring the luxury yachts glistening in the harbour.

Just a short distance from central Genova, are the delightful seaside suburbs of Nervi and Boccadasse, and both are well worth a visit.

Genoa has a huge number of good eating places and a fine cuisine with many delicious specialities, based on a unique mix of sea and mountain foods.

The hotels, personally selected for our Genova City Break Programme, offer distinct Italian character and excellent standards of accommodation and service.  Choose to stay either in the heart of the city or relax in the seaside suburb of Nervi.

Your Genova City Break will be tailor made to your own personal requirements and we offer the option to add a few days at the seaside, in the mountains or the delightful wine producing areas of Piedmont – all within easy reach of Genova.

Guide to the City of Genova

Genoa is a grand old city, one time city state, of huge historical significance.

In the 14th century the city’s wealth was built on the seafaring exploits of its mariners, the most famous of whom is Christopher Columbus, and the trading that developed around its strategically located natural harbour.

As its maritime influence faded, diversification into banking and the expansion of trade ensured its continued prominence.  In the 16th century, great dynastic families enriched the city with their new homes, parks and works of art.

The famous Via Garibaldi, with its splendid 16th century palaces, is considered by many to be the most beautiful street in Italy.

The revamped port area and promenade features the light house, La Lanterna, which is the symbol of the city, and maritime museums, as well as plenty of space to stroll whilst admiring the splendid frescoed Palazzo di San Giorgio and the luxury yachts glistening in the harbour.

The Historic Centre of Genova

The Piazza De Ferrari, with its large fountain is at the heart of the city, and a good place to start a tour of the historic centre.  The splendid Carlo Felice Opera House, faces the square.

The adjoining Piazza Matteotti, one of the larger squares, is dominated by the Palazzo Ducale.  Also on this square you will find the Chiesa del Gesu, which was a Jesuit church with its origins in the 16th century.  It is home to some fine paintings.

Genoa’s magnificent cathedral, Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, is a few steps away.  The cathedral houses many religious artifacts, including a 13th century sarcophagus which is said to have concealed the remains of St John the Baptist, and a glass bowl said to have been used during the last supper.

Just north of San Lorenzo stands Piazza San Matteo, one of Genoa’s prettiest squares and to the south lie the best of Genoa’s many churches. 

The Palazzi and Museums of the Via Garibaldi

Via Garibaldi was largely built between 1551 and 1558 and is described by many as the most beautiful street in Italy.  Many of its palaces now house banks and prestigious offices, but the facades, fountains, frescoes and half hidden interior gardens remain as impressive as ever.

Historic Shops

There are many historic shops to discover in Genoa, whilst exploring the narrow streets.  These include the splendidly restored art nouveau barbers shop and Klainguti, a baroque style pasticceria which was frequented by Giuseppe Verdi.

Aquarium and Port Area

The revamped port area and promenade features the light house, La Lanterna, which is the symbol of the city, and maritime museums, as well as plenty of space to stroll whilst admiring the splendid frescoed Palazzo di San Giorgio and the luxury yachts glistening in the harbour.

There is a huge modern aquarium, The Genova Aquarium, a Children’s City - which offers interactive games and activities for children up to age 14, and many other attractions.

Genova’s Seaside Suburbs

Just a short distance from central Genoa are the delightful seaside suburbs of Nervi and Boccadasse.

Nervi  has a panoramic sea front walk, the Passegiata Anita Garibaldi, which winds around the headland, as well as splendid parks, villas, museums and art galleries.

Boccadasse has a pretty cove and a colourful, typically Ligurian harbour.

Excursions by Boat

Travelling by boat is an unbeatable way to enjoy the coastal scenery.

An organized harbour tour will show you the modern port of Genoa, or travel slightly further afield to the magnificent 11th century abbey of San Fruttuoso, or the famous seaside towns of Camogli, Santa Margherita or Portofino.

The Genova-Casella train

This narrow guage railway from Piazza Manin will take you on a delightful journey by historic train into the mountainous hinterland of Genoa.

We will supply you with our comprehensive guide to the city of Genova and surrounding area which will give you all the guidance and information that you need to make the most of your time in Italy.

We include maps, local information and well researched sightseeing itineraries, as well as indications as to the best places to eat and drink.