What to See in Genoa: A City Guide to the Ligurian Capital in a Day or Two

In short (TL;DR): Genoa (Genova) is the port capital of Liguria, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and of the famous pesto sauce. It has one of Europe's largest medieval old towns — a labyrinth of narrow caruggi alleys — the UNESCO Rolli palaces on Via Garibaldi, a vast Old Port with an aquarium, and the picturesque fishing quarter of Boccadasse. In a day or two you can see the highlights: Piazza De Ferrari, San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Palazzi dei Rolli, the Porto Antico and the seaside Corso Italia. And if you're visiting a loved one or planning a surprise, a fresh bouquet delivered across Genoa easily adds a touch of romance.

Genoa is unfairly overshadowed by Milan, Rome and the nearby Cinque Terre — quite unjustly. This is a city with character: a maritime republic that rivalled Venice for centuries, rich merchant palaces, steep lanes climbing the hills, the smell of focaccia from the bakeries and views over the port from above. This guide will help you plan a route and understand what's truly worth seeing.

A Little About Genoa: Why It's Worth Visiting

Genoa is the capital of the Liguria region and one of the Mediterranean's major ports. In the Middle Ages it was the powerful Republic of Genoa — La Superba, the Proud — whose merchants and bankers traded across the world. Christopher Columbus was born here, the classic pesto alla genovese was invented here, and the local focaccia is considered among the best in Italy.

The city stretches along the coast and climbs the hills, so there are views at every turn, with historic funiculars and public lifts to handle the changes in height. Genoa works well both for a short one- or two-day trip and as a base for excursions to Portofino and the Cinque Terre.

The Old Town and the Caruggi

The heart of Genoa is its old town (Centro Storico), one of the largest medieval centres in Europe. It's a dense labyrinth of narrow lanes — the caruggi — where tall houses almost meet overhead and the ground floors hide craft shops, bars and tiny trattorias.

Start at the main square, Piazza De Ferrari, with its large fountain — a handy point to set off in any direction. Nearby are the Carlo Felice opera house and the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale). Be sure to step into San Lorenzo Cathedral, with its striped black-and-white marble facade.

Via Garibaldi (Strada Nuova) deserves special attention, with the Palazzi dei Rolli — the sumptuous palaces of the Genoese nobility from the 16th–17th centuries, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three of them — Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria-Tursi — form the Strada Nuova Museums route.

The Old Port: Porto Antico and the Aquarium

Head down to the sea — to the Old Port (Porto Antico), which the architect Renzo Piano (a Genoa native) transformed into a modern public space. Here you'll find the Genoa Aquarium — the largest in Italy and one of the biggest in Europe, a must for anyone travelling with children.

Nearby are the Bigo panoramic lift, the galleon-museum Neptune, the Galata maritime museum and a Ferris wheel. In the evening the port promenade comes alive with restaurants, lights on the water and pleasure boats. Sightseeing boats along the coast also depart from here.

Boccadasse and Seaside Genoa

One of the most atmospheric spots is the fishing quarter of Boccadasse in the east of the city. Colourful little houses cling to a small cove, boats rest on the shore, and you can eat gelato on the rocks with a sea view — this is postcard Genoa. You can walk here along the beautiful Corso Italia promenade, a favourite stroll for locals.

A little further on is the green district of Nervi, with a seaside promenade among the cliffs and parks. If you have a spare half-day, a walk along Corso Italia to Boccadasse and back is a wonderful way to feel the city's maritime character.

Palaces, Museums and Panoramas

Genoa is a city of palaces, and beyond the Palazzi dei Rolli there's plenty for art lovers. Palazzo Ducale, the former residence of the doges, now hosts major exhibitions. The Strada Nuova Museums hold works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Caravaggio.

For a panorama, climb to the Spianata Castelletto hill — reached by a historic lift — for the best view over the old-town rooftops and the port. Those who like the unusual will enjoy the Staglieno Cemetery, with its monumental sculpture — a genuine open-air museum.

What to Eat in Genoa

Food is a reason in itself to visit. Be sure to try:

• Focaccia alla genovese — soft, salty and rich with olive oil; locals eat it even for breakfast.
• Pesto alla genovese — the classic sauce of basil, pine nuts, garlic and parmesan, usually with trenette or trofie pasta.
• Farinata — a thin flatbread made from chickpea flour.
• Seafood — fresh fish, anchovies and octopus from the Ligurian Sea.

Wash it all down with a local white wine from the Liguria region. Step into an old bakery in the caruggi — you won't forget the aroma of fresh focaccia.

Romantic Genoa: How to Add a Little Mood

With its sea views, palaces and cosy lanes, Genoa is a very romantic city. Many people come here as a couple or to visit loved ones, and a great way to make the trip special is a fresh bouquet. Whether you're meeting your partner at a hotel by the Porto Antico, celebrating an anniversary with a view of Boccadasse, or simply want to cheer up a mother or friend living in Genoa, flowers say more than words.

YUCCA Flowers delivers fresh bouquets across all of Genoa the same day: to hotels, apartments, old-town restaurants and the Corso Italia seafront. We work in Russian and English, accept payment by card from any country and send a photo of the bouquet before hand-over — convenient even when you order a surprise from abroad. Here are a few popular arrangements with delivery in Genoa (prices in euros):

Practical Tips

• When to go. The best time is spring and early autumn: warm, but without the summer heat and crowds. In summer the city comes alive thanks to the sea; in winter it's calm and atmospheric.
• Getting around. The old town is best explored on foot; for the hills there are funiculars and public lifts. The port, the caruggi and Piazza De Ferrari are within walking distance of one another.
• How much time to allow. One full day is enough for the main sights; with two days you can add the museums, Boccadasse and unhurried walks.
• Where to go nearby. From Genoa it's easy to reach Portofino, Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and the Cinque Terre — perfect day trips along the Ligurian coast.

Day Trips from Genoa

Genoa is a convenient base for excursions along the Ligurian coast. Just half an hour to an hour away by train or boat lie some of Italy's most scenic spots:

• Portofino — the legendary fishing-village resort with yachts, colourful houses and a pretty harbour; the symbol of Ligurian glamour.
• Camogli and San Fruttuoso — a quiet seaside town and a secluded abbey reachable only by sea or on foot.
• Santa Margherita Ligure — an elegant resort with palms and Belle Époque villas.
• The Cinque Terre — five colourful cliffside villages, a UNESCO site and every photographer's dream.

All of these pair easily with a base in Genoa: a morning walk through the city, an afternoon by the sea. And if you're visiting someone on the coast, a delivered bouquet makes a lovely start to the reunion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must I see in Genoa in one day? Piazza De Ferrari, San Lorenzo Cathedral, the old-town caruggi, Via Garibaldi with the Palazzi dei Rolli, and the Old Port with the aquarium. If time remains, walk along Corso Italia to Boccadasse.

Is Genoa worth visiting for just a day or two? Yes. It's one of Europe's largest historic centres, a port city with character and excellent food, and a handy base for trips to Portofino and the Cinque Terre.

What should I eat in Genoa? Focaccia alla genovese, pesto with trenette or trofie pasta, farinata and fresh seafood. The focaccia here is considered among the best in Italy.

Can I order flower delivery in Genoa? Yes. YUCCA Flowers delivers fresh bouquets across all of Genoa the same day — to hotels, apartments and restaurants. Pay by card from any country, cryptocurrency or transfer, with a photo of the bouquet before hand-over. Prices are in euros.

When is the best time to visit Genoa? Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable: warm weather without the summer heat and the biggest tourist crowds.

Where to Next

• Planning a surprise? Open the Genoa flower catalogue and choose a bouquet with same-day delivery.
• Travelling on around Liguria — see the guide to neighbouring Portofino.
• Useful: "How International Flower Delivery Works".

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YUCCA Flowers — flower delivery in Genoa: across the whole city, to hotels, apartments and restaurants. Fresh bouquets same-day, payment from any country, a photo before delivery.