10:00

Walk along Porto Antico

Start from the waterfront redesigned by Renzo Piano and make your way among piers, boats, and historic port structures. Set aside about an hour for the walk: the outdoor area is freely accessible.

For the port attractions, check in advance whether combined tickets are available.

11:00

Aquarium of Genoa

Allow about 2.5–3 hours for the visit, which takes you through Mediterranean and tropical marine environments and is home to species such as manatees, penguins, and sharks. Admission can cost roughly €27–35 for an adult, depending on the date and how you buy it.

Booking a time slot can help reduce waiting during busy periods.

14:00

Lunch at Porto Antico

Stop at one of the waterfront venues, or choose a focaccia for a quicker meal. Budget around €10–20 for a simple lunch, and keep in mind that prices vary considerably between bars and restaurants.

15:15

Galata Museum of the Sea

Reach the museum on foot in about 10–15 minutes and allow 1,5–2 hours for the galleries dedicated to navigation and Genoa’s maritime history. Admission is roughly €14–18; check the museum website for prices and opening times for the Nazario Sauro submarine.

Visiting the submarine may require a separate ticket or booking.

18:00

Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the caruggi

Head back toward the historic center on foot, in about 15–20 minutes, and visit the cathedral if it is still open to the public. Then spend an hour wandering the surrounding lanes, admiring doorways, shops, and facades: entry to the church is generally free, but there may be restrictions during services.

In the lanes, keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially on the busiest streets.

20:00

Dinner in the historic center

Choose a trattoria around San Lorenzo or in the caruggi and try Ligurian dishes such as trofie al pesto, pansoti, or farinata. For a sit-down dinner, budget roughly €25–40 per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the restaurant.

09:30

Piazza De Ferrari

Reach the square on foot from the center and take in the fountain, the Teatro Carlo Felice and the buildings that define its perimeter. The outdoor visit is free and takes about 20–30 minutes.

10:00

Doge's Palace

Spend about 1,5–2 hours in the areas open to visitors and any temporary exhibitions; the palace also has cafés and exhibition spaces. Exhibition prices vary, roughly €8–15, while access to certain areas may be free: check the day’s schedule.

The times depend on the current exhibitions.

12:15

Break at the Mercato Orientale

Head over to Via XX Settembre and visit the covered market, where you'll find Ligurian produce, gourmet stalls, and tables for an informal stop. For a light lunch or a tasting, plan on around €10–18; check the opening days and hours.

14:00

Walk along Via Garibaldi

Head back toward the historic center and stroll along the street of noble palaces, part of the Rolli and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The outdoor walk is free; with the gateways, accessible courtyards, and facades, set aside at least 45 minutes.

15:00

Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco

Visit the museums of Strada Nuova, which house paintings and historic furnishings in decorated rooms: allow a total of 2–2,5 hours to see both at a relaxed pace. Ticket prices and entry methods may vary, so check for any combo tickets and the opening calendar before you go.

Some civic museums may be closed one day a week or have seasonal changes.

17:45

Spianata Castelletto

Get to Piazza Portello and take the public elevator up, or tackle the uphill walk if you prefer to go on foot. From the lookout, you get sweeping views over the rooftops, the port, and the hills; access to the esplanade is free, while the elevator follows urban transport fares.

19:00

Aperitif and dinner in the center

Walk back toward Via Garibaldi or Piazza De Ferrari and stop for an aperitif, often around €8–15. For dinner, you can choose a trattoria in the center: expect about €25–40 per person, depending on the menu.

09:30

Breakfast and heading to the coast

Have breakfast near your accommodation and make your way to the Brignole area or another convenient stop for the coast. A coffee and a focaccia cost around €4–8; for the journey, factor in the AMT city ticket, according to the current fares.

10:30

Stroll along Corso Italia

Walk along the seafront toward Boccadasse, choosing the stretch you like best and taking breaks to look out over the sea and the buildings facing the promenade. From the city center, the area can also be reached by public transport; check routes and timings based on your starting stop.

12:00

Boccadasse

Explore on foot this small village of colorful houses, go down to the pebble beach, and watch the boats hauled up on shore. The visit is free and can take an hour or more; the ground is uneven and not all parts of the village are accessible without steps.

13:00

Lunch by the sea

Stop at a trattoria or a focacceria in the neighborhood, choosing according to availability and the season. For a simple meal, expect around €12–20, while a seated seafood lunch can cost roughly €30–45 per person.

15:00

Afternoon between the beach and gelato

Spend the afternoon taking a break by the sea or on a second stroll around the area, without going too far from the village. If you prefer to head back by public transport, bus 31 connects the area with the city center and Brignole station: check the updated route, frequency, and ticket.