Genoa 7 Day Itinerary

Genoa 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Exploration

  • 🏨 Accommodation: Check into a centrally located hotel such as NH Collection Genova City or Boutique Hotel Palacio San Giorgio.
  • 🚐 Transportation: Rent a car, use public transportation (Genoa’s bus and tram system), or walk to explore the city.
  • 🏛️ Sightseeing: Visit Genoa’s Old Town (Centro Storico) and its historic sites like Strada Nuova, Palazzo Ducale, Via Garibaldi, and San Lorenzo Cathedral.
  • ☴️ Lunch: Tuck into a filling lunch at Trattoria Vecchione, offering classic Ligurian dishes like pesto genovese.
  • 📸 Photography Spot: Take photos of the colorful houses and narrow alleyways in Boccadasse, a charming fishing district.
  • 💭 Tips: Bring comfortable shoes for walking and remember to try focaccia di Recco, a local delicacy made with fresh cheese between thin layers of dough.

Day 2: Aquarium & Renaissance Art

  • 🎨 Sightseeing: Visit the iconic Genoa Aquarium, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, and admire its impressive collection of marine life. Afterward, head to the nearby Palace of the Doges for an art tour featuring works by Caravaggio, Rubens, and Titian.
  • 🍝 Lunch: Dine at Ristorante Gaja, which offers a mix of traditional and innovative Ligurian cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
  • 🏛️ Afternoon Activities: Explore the historic San Siro district, home to several important religious sites like San Siro Church and the Basilica of Santa Maria di Castello.
  • 🌄 Dinner & Nightlife: Savor dinner at Osteria del Porto Antico, with stunning views of the old port. Then, explore Genoa’s nightlife in the De Ferrari district, where you can find lively bars and clubs.

Day 3: Day Trip to Cinque Terre

  • 🚂 Transportation: Take a train from Genoa Piazza Principe station to the picturesque Cinque Terre villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore).
  • 🎒 Activities: Spend the day exploring these colorful coastal towns, hiking along the Cinque Terre trail, relaxing on the beaches, or sampling local seafood.
  • 🍕 Lunch & Dinner: Enjoy lunch in one of the villages and have dinner at a restaurant with a scenic view, such as Trattoria dal Billy in Vernazza.
  • 🏨 Returning to Genoa: Return to Genoa in the evening for a well-deserved rest.

Day 4: Palace of the Balbi & Bisagno Valley

  • 🏰 Sightseeing: Visit the Palace of the Balbi, an impressive example of Genoese baroque architecture housing a museum and art gallery.
  • 🍔 Lunch: Try street food at Antico Forno del Mare or enjoy a sit-down meal at Ristorante Pizzeria La Lanterna, one of Italy’s oldest pizzerias.
  • 🌲 Afternoon Activities: Head to the Bisagno Valley for some fresh air and beautiful landscapes. You can hike, bike, or simply enjoy a picnic in this peaceful area.
  • 🏙️ Evening Stroll: Take an evening stroll along Via Garibaldi, admiring its historic buildings, before having dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Day 5: Galata Museo del Mare & Aquarium Palace

  • 🏛️ Sightseeing: Visit the Galata Museo del Mare, a maritime museum showcasing Genoa’s rich naval history, and the adjacent Aquarium Palace, which focuses on Mediterranean aquatic life.
  • 🍝 Lunch: Dine at Ristorante Pizzeria La Cantina di Boccadasse, offering delicious seafood dishes with a view of the harbor.
  • 🏖️ Afternoon Activities: Relax on the beach at Nervi or take a boat tour around the port to enjoy the city’s scenic coastline.
  • 🌄 Dinner & Nightlife: Have dinner at Ristorante Il Faro, known for its seafood and beautiful views, followed by drinks at a local wine bar like Enoteca Colline del Genovesato.

Day 6: Christopher Columbus’ House & San Fruttuoso Abbey

  • 🏠 Sightseeing: Visit the House of Columbus (Casa di Colombo) and learn about the explorer’s connections to Genoa.
  • 🍝 Lunch: Lunch at Trattoria dalla Favola, a family-run restaurant specializing in traditional Ligurian dishes.
  • 🚤 Afternoon Activities: Take a boat or ferry from Portofino to the picturesque San Fruttuoso Abbey, nestled between cliffs and surrounded by turquoise waters. Explore the monastery ruins and relax on the beach.
  • 🌄 Dinner & Nightlife: Have dinner at Ristorante Punta Chiappa in Portofino before returning to Genoa for a quiet evening.

Day 7: Farewell & Departure

  • 🏨 Check Out: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport or train station for your journey home, carrying memories of beautiful Genoa with you.