Always bestprice Travel · Travel itinerary
7 days / 6 nights · Historic center, palaces, port, sea, Ligurian cuisine
Genoa, Italy
Always bestprice Travel · Contents
7 days / 6 nights · Historic center, palaces, port, sea, Ligurian cuisine
The itinerary is planned by area to reduce travel time and leave more time for sightseeing: from the medieval alleys and the palaces of Strada Nuova, you move on to the Old Port and the Genoa of Pré and the historic harbor. The eastern coast, with Boccadasse and Nervi, offers a more relaxed day by the sea, while Staglieno and the viewpoints reveal a different side of the city. The last day is devoted to flavors and the commercial streets of the city center. Indoor visits can be adjusted based on seasonal opening hours and your own energy.
Day 1 · Walking · 914 m · 11 min · Source: Mapbox · walking
Get your bearings in the historic center and discover the main civic and religious landmarks of medieval Genoa.
09:30
Piazza De Ferrari
Start from the large central square, easy to reach on foot or by metro. Take in the fountain, the Carlo Felice Theatre, and the palaces that define the city’s monumental face; free exterior visit.
The square is a good place to meet up and get your bearings.
10:15
Doge's Palace
Spend about 1.5–2 hours on the exhibitions and historic spaces, checking which show is on. Entry to the exhibition areas is ticketed, typically €8–15 depending on the exhibition; the courtyard and some areas may have different access rules.
Check opening hours and tickets on the official website before your visit.
12:30
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Make your way to the Duomo with a short walk through the narrow caruggi. Admire the bichrome façade, the interior, and the works on display; entry to the church is generally free, while any museum areas may require a contribution.
13:30
Lunch in the alleyways
Stop at a trattoria or a fried-food shop between San Lorenzo and Piazza delle Erbe. For a simple lunch, budget around €10–20 per person; try focaccia, farinata, or a plate of pesto pasta.
15:00
Church of San Matteo
Continue on to the small square associated with the Doria family, among dark-stone façades and marble details. The visit is brief and often free, but opening hours may depend on religious services.
16:30
Piazza delle Erbe and the caruggi
End your visit with a stroll through the maze of alleyways around the square, stopping in the shops and cafés. The area is lively in the late afternoon; aperitivo is typically €6–12 per person.
Discover the noble residences of Via Garibaldi and end the day with a view over the rooftops and the port.
09:30
Via Garibaldi
Take your time along the Renaissance street, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, pausing to admire the portals and the facades of the palaces. The walk is free; allow about 20–30 minutes without stops.
10:00
Palazzo Rosso
Spend about an hour on the art collections and historic rooms, if open to the public. Tickets for the Strada Nuova museums may have varying prices and combo options, roughly €9–15.
11:30
Palazzo Bianco
Visit the painting collections and notice the contrast between the exhibition spaces and the historic structure. Plan for 60–90 minutes; check in advance for any closures or route changes.
13:15
Lunch break in the city center
Stop between Via Garibaldi and Piazza Fontane Marose for a sit-down lunch or a sandwich. Estimated cost: €12–25 per person, depending on the venue and menu.
14:45
Palazzo Doria Tursi
Complete the route through the Strada Nuova Museums, among reception halls and civic collections. Allow about an hour and check which sections are accessible on your chosen day.
17:00
Spianata Castelletto
Reach the viewpoint on foot uphill or by the public elevator from Piazza Portello; the elevator ride is normally included in the urban fare system. Stop for a sweeping view over the city center and the port, ideal around sunset.
Explore the restored waterfront and spend time at the city's main maritime attractions.
09:00
Aquarium of Genoa
Arrive at opening time to explore the tanks and areas dedicated to marine ecosystems at a relaxed pace; the visit can take 2.5–4 hours. Admission is charged and varies according to date, ticket type, and booking, typically €25–35 for an adult.
Buy in advance during peak periods.
13:00
Lunch at Porto Antico
Choose one of the waterfront venues or a quick option nearby. Allow around €12–25 per person; take a break without straying far from the attractions.
14:15
Biosfera
Visit the transparent structure on the water and observe plants and small organisms from tropical environments. The visit is short, about 20–40 minutes; admission is charged, around €5–8.
15:00
Bigo
If the system is operating, ride the panoramic cabin for a view over the harbor and the rooftops of the historic center. Allow about 10–20 minutes and an estimated cost of €5–7; service and opening hours may vary.
16:00
Galata Museo del Mare
Set aside at least 2 hours for the museum, with the navigation route, the reconstruction of a galley, and the sections dedicated to migration. Admission is typically €15–20, with possible variations for discounts and combined tickets.
18:30
Stroll along the waterfront
Head back toward the Porto Antico basin for a relaxing walk and some time outdoors. It’s a free and easy finish, with plenty of bars for an aperitivo for about €6–12.
Read the relationship between Genoa and the sea through palaces, historic settlements, and port infrastructure.
09:30
Royal Palace
Visit the state rooms, furnishings, and the gallery overlooking the garden. Allow about 1.5 hours; admission is ticketed, typically €6–10, and opening hours may vary by season.
11:30
Commenda di Pré
Walk to the medieval complex, near Genova Piazza Principe station. Set aside 30–45 minutes for the visit and the historical context of pilgrims and travelers; check opening times and entry arrangements, which may vary.
12:30
Lunch between Pré and the Darsena
Stop at a neighborhood spot or choose a quick lunch before continuing along the waterfront. Estimated cost: €10–22 per person; stay on the main streets and check the opening hours of individual venues.
14:00
Villa del Principe
Visit Andrea Doria’s residence and its decorated rooms; allow 60–90 minutes. Entry is ticketed, around €9–12; the villa is a short uphill walk from Principe station.
16:00
Lanterna of Genoa
To get there, take a bus toward the ferry terminal and continue along the marked pedestrian route, checking the route’s accessibility beforehand. The museum and lighthouse visit is ticketed, around €6–10, and depends on the days it is open.
18:00
Darsena
Head back toward the historic port for a stroll among boats, quays, and city views; from the Lanterna terminal, a stretch by bus or taxi may be necessary. The walk is free; allow €6–12 for an aperitif.
Alternate between the fishing village of Boccadasse, the coastal promenade, and the gardens of Nervi.
09:00
Corso Italia
Reach the seafront by city bus or with a walk from the center, allowing extra time if you’re starting from farther away. Walk east past beach clubs, sea views, and pedestrian stretches; the walk is free.
10:30
Boccadasse
Explore the old village on foot, among the colorful houses, the small beach, and the scenic viewpoints. The visit is free; plan for a coffee or focaccia for around €4–10.
12:00
Transfer and lunch in Nervi
Reach Nervi by regional train from Genova Sturla or Genova Brignole station, depending on your starting point; check the schedule and ticket, typically just a few euros. Have lunch near the station or the park, with an estimated cost of €12–25 per person.
13:30
Nervi Parks
Spend the early afternoon among the historic gardens, lawns, and tree-lined avenues, all within walking distance from the station. A stroll through the parks is generally free; bring water and allow about an hour.
15:00
Modern Art Gallery
Visit the collection housed in Villa Saluzzo Serra, within the park complex. Allow about an hour; admission is charged and may be included in city museum passes, so it’s worth checking opening times and prices.
16:30
Anita Garibaldi Promenade
Walk the scenic stretch overlooking the cliffs, choosing the length based on sea conditions and the weather. The route is free and takes about 45–90 minutes with stops; return to Nervi by train.
Discover the sculptural heritage of Staglieno and a panoramic museum on the hills near the center.
09:00
Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno
Reach the cemetery by city bus from the center and set aside at least two hours for the porticoes and monumental tombs. Admission is generally free; respect the quiet areas and check opening hours, access points, and map availability.
11:30
Route among the galleries and monuments
Continue inside the complex along the main avenues and choose a few highlights rather than trying to cover the entire area. Wear comfortable shoes: the distances are considerable and the ground can be uneven.
13:00
Lunch in the Staglieno area
Stop at a café or a trattoria near the main stops. Budget around €10–22 per person; check opening times, as some neighborhood businesses close for an afternoon break.
14:30
Castello d'Albertis
Head back toward the center and reach the castle by bus and, if operating, the public lift from Principe. Set aside 1.5–2 hours for the Museum of World Cultures and the rooms of the residence; admission is roughly €6–10, to be verified.
17:00
Scenic return to the center
After your visit, walk down if the route is open and conditions allow, or use the lift and bus. End with a stop in the center: a drink or aperitif costs roughly €4–12.
Savor the local cuisine and round off the trip between the market and the central streets.
09:00
Mercato Orientale
Visit the covered market in the morning, when the stalls are liveliest, and browse Ligurian produce, fish, and seasonal specialties. Admission is free; purchases depend on the stall and the product, while a snack can cost around €4–10.
10:30
Via XX Settembre
Stroll under the arcades and admire the decorated facades and floors, making stops in the shops if you like. The route is free and self-guided; allow about an hour, not including shopping.
12:00
Ligurian lunch
Choose a trattoria in the city center to try trofie al pesto, pansoti, or farinata. For a full meal, budget roughly €15–30 per person, with drinks included or depending on the restaurant.
14:00
Basilica of Santa Maria delle Vigne
Head to the basilica in the historic center and take in the facade, the interior, and the medieval bell tower. Admission is generally free; check opening hours and do not enter during services unless you are attending.
15:00
Caruggi shops
Spend the afternoon in the streets between the Vigne and the port, looking for grocery shops and small stores without sticking to a fixed route. For a simple tasting of focaccia or local sweets, plan on about €3–10.
17:00
Last stroll in the center
Head back to your favorite spot from the trip for a walk and a final break. Leave some time in reserve to pick up purchases or catch missed visits; for aperitivo, budget roughly €6–12 per person.
| Accommodation for 6 nights, per person in a double room | €300–900 |
| Meals and drinks for 7 days | €210–420 |
| City transport and local connections | €25–60 |
| Museum and attraction entry fees | €75–150 |
| Extras, coffee, and small purchases | €40–120 |
Approximate amounts in euros per person, excluding round-trip travel and major purchases. Hotel, museum, transport, and dining rates vary depending on the season, booking, promotions, and availability: check the updated prices before you leave. The local currency is the euro; any conversions from other currencies depend on the exchange rate applied at the time of payment.

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