Free walking tours in Genoa and what to see

Must-sees

Genoa is the capital of Liguria and a great port between the sea and the mountains. Its old town is a maze of narrow alleys, the caruggi, running down to the sea between palazzi, churches and old-fashioned shops. Here you will find the cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its black and white striped façade, and the Doge's Palace, which faces Piazza De Ferrari, the hub of the modern city.

Via Garibaldi and the surrounding streets are lined with the Palazzi dei Rolli, Renaissance and Baroque noble residences declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Three of them make up the Strada Nuova Museums, with paintings and decorated halls. In the Old Port, redesigned by Renzo Piano, are the aquarium and the Bigo, a panoramic lift. For a change of air, head down to Boccadasse, a little fishing quarter, or stroll by the sea in Nervi.

Free tours and guided visits

There are free walking tours of Genoa, covering the caruggi and the palazzi, as well as tuk-tuk and e-bike routes to cover more ground, welcome in a city with so many hills. There is a version designed for cruise passengers, an aquarium ticket with a focaccia tasting and a bus that takes you to Portofino for a day on the coast.

How long to spend

Allow at least two days. The first for the old town, the cathedral, Via Garibaldi and the Strada Nuova Museums. The second for the Old Port, the aquarium and a walk to Boccadasse at sunset. With a third day you can go to Nervi or take a trip to Portofino or Camogli. Try the focaccia and the pasta with pesto, which are at home here.

Where to stay

To get around on foot, the most practical choice is to stay between Piazza De Ferrari, Via XX Settembre and the Old Port, where there are classic hotels and apartments. Inside the caruggi the atmosphere is authentic, but some streets are poorly lit at night, so check the location carefully. If you want the sea and some peace, Albaro or Nervi are good options, well connected with the centre.