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Guide to Genoa
GENOA · ITINERARY

Genoa (Liguria, Italy) in 7 days – Complete itinerary

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.

Stops
5 · 5 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
914 m · 11 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 99 m · 1 min
  2. 254 m · 3 min
  3. 368 m · 5 min
  4. 193 m · 2 min
The medieval heart and the squares of the city center
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 1

The medieval heart and the squares of the city center

09:30–20:30 Easy walks

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.

Day 2 – Strada Nuova, Rolli palaces and panoramic views

09:30–19:30 Cultural visits and a scenic climb

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.

Day 3 – Porto Antico and the sea museum

09:00–19:00 Full day, with breaks

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.

Day 4 – Pré, Darsena and the history of the port

09:30–19:00 Urban culture and getting around

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.

The eastern coast: Boccadasse and Nervi
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 5

The eastern coast: Boccadasse and Nervi

09:00–19:00 Relaxed, with seaside walks

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.

Day 6 – Staglieno and the hillside viewpoints

09:00–19:00 Walking visits and bus connections

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.

Market, shops, and Genoese flavors
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 7

Market, shops, and Genoese flavors

09:00–18:30 Flexible, food-focused day

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.

Estimated budget

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.

Practical tips

  • In the historic center, many streets are narrow, uphill, or paved with stone: choose comfortable shoes and plan for breaks.
  • Check museum opening hours, closing days, and reservation requirements; Sundays, holidays, and temporary exhibitions may affect access.
  • For city transport and rail connections, consult official information before you travel and validate your ticket when required.
  • In summer, bring water, sunscreen, and a light layer for the sea breeze; in case of rain, check whether coastal walks are passable.