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Genoa suits a trip that balances palaces with marine life and walks beside the sea. The Palazzi dei Rolli offer a heritage focus, while the Aquarium and the Anita Garibaldi Promenade give the visit a different pace.
Make the Palazzi dei Rolli the focus for architecture, the Aquarium for marine life and the Lanterna for a climb. UNESCO recognised 42 of the 163 palaces listed in Genoa's historic Rolli registers in 2006. Galeazzo Alessi is traditionally credited with the design of Strada Nuova, today Via Garibaldi, and influenced several of its palaces, so the street and its buildings belong in the same architectural visit.
The Aquarium rewards a visit focused on variety: around 12,000 animals of some 400 species live in about 70 tanks. At the Lanterna, the decision is about stairs: reaching the first observation terrace involves 172 steps. The lighthouse tower itself measures 77 metres.
Food can be another focus alongside the sights: Genoese focaccia combines flour, extra virgin olive oil, yeast, sea salt, water and malt extract. The guided food and wine tour in Genoa city centre with six tastings takes 2 hours and includes pesce fritto, focaccia genovese, farinata, Ligurian pesto, olive oil with bruschetta, two regional wine tastings and panera dessert. A licensed local guide in English and Italian and visits to Columbus's birthplace and San Lorenzo Cathedral are also included.
The Ligurian wine tasting at a traditional enoteca in Genoa lasts 1 hour and includes two white and two red Ligurian wines, with local cheese and ham paired with each. It also includes water, grissini, instruction in sommelier tasting techniques and an introduction to Ligurian wine history and producers.
Two days is a practical plan for the palaces, the Aquarium and some time by the sea. Devote the first day to the Palazzi dei Rolli, Genoa Cathedral and Palazzo Ducale. The cathedral was consecrated by Pope Gelasius II in 1118; Palazzo Ducale became the Doge's residence in 1339. Spend the second day at the Aquarium and on the Anita Garibaldi Promenade in Nervi, with the Lanterna as an alternative at weekends, when it usually opens to visitors, if you would rather climb its steps.
July suits a trip focused on outdoor walking if lower rainfall is your priority: it is the driest month, with under 30 mm of rain on average, while October is among the wettest, often with 150 mm or more. For an October visit, leave room to swap a coastal walk for the Aquarium when rain affects your plans. Across the year, Genoa receives roughly 1,000 to 1,300 mm of rain.
For a coastal walk with a defined length, follow Corso Italia or the Anita Garibaldi Promenade. Corso Italia runs for 2.5 kilometres between Foce and Boccadasse, while the promenade in Nervi stretches for two kilometres above the sea. Nervi also has extensive parks between Via Aurelia and the sea, giving a walk there a garden focus as well.
How many days should I spend in Genoa?
Two days allow a plan with the palaces, cathedral and Palazzo Ducale on the first day, then the Aquarium and Nervi promenade on the second.
When should I visit Genoa for less rain?
July is the driest month, with under 30 mm of rain on average, while October is among the wettest.
Where can I walk along the coast in Genoa?
Corso Italia offers 2.5 kilometres between Foce and Boccadasse; the Anita Garibaldi Promenade in Nervi offers two kilometres above the sea.
What can I see at Genoa Aquarium?
Around 12,000 animals of some 400 species live in about 70 tanks.
How many steps are there at the Lanterna?
There are 172 steps to the first observation terrace.
