What are the best things to do in Genoa?
Top picks in Genoa include The Old Harbour, Cathedral of San Lorenzo. See the full list and itinerary on this Genoa travel guide.
Photo: Julian Lupyan · CC0
Why visit Genoa
Travel guide for Genoa, Italy — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Genoa is a stop in Italy, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. If time is short, prioritise The Old Harbour, Cathedral of San Lorenzo instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 100–220 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Genoa
1
The Old Harbour
2
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Budget travel
Free things to do in Genoa
The Old Harbour
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Budget
Genoa trip cost
Budget
USD 45–75
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 100–220
per person / day
Luxury
USD 255–420+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Genoa, Italy. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Genoa
Estimated total (USD)
$2,880
≈ $1,440 per person · $411 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $160/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Genoa mid-range ground costs (budget 45–75 · mid 100–220 · luxury 255–420+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Trattoria Da Maria
Traditional regional cuisine and a practical and crowded atmosphere. Possible opening for lunch only, no reservation.
Il Tempio Dell'Hamburger
Il Masetto
A Hamburger restaurant
Ristorante La Pietra Genova
Osteria La Lanterna
This restaurant offers mainly fish dishes.
Antica Friggitoria Carega
A takeout restaurant
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Nuovo Nord
Completely renewed, in the front of the railways station Porta Principe, all the main attractions are within walking distance.
Columbus Village Accommodations
An agency that rents local bed & breakfast accommodations in Genoa. They also rent accommodations in the surrounding area and short-let apar
Hotel Villa Bonera
Hotel Cairoli
Situated in the historical center of the city and close to Porto Antico. Single room from €5, double room from €60.
- $
Hotel Minerva
The Hotel Minerva is located in Santa Margherita Ligure in a quiet area a short walk from the beaches
Shopping
- Mercato Orientale
Museums & culture
- Cathedral of San Lorenzo
In pictures
Genoa gallery
Photos: Julian Lupyan, patano, JosepBC, Jensens, Alex2015Genova — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Genoa travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Genoa?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Genoa?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Genoa, depending on how many day trips you want in Italy.
Where should I stay in Genoa?
Popular stays in Genoa include Hotel Nuovo Nord, Columbus Village Accommodations, Hotel Villa Bonera. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Genoa cost?
On the ground in Genoa (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 45–75 per person per day, mid-range about 100–220, and luxury about 255–420+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Genoa, Italy. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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