Holiday in Genoa
City in Italy — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇮🇹
Country
Italy
Type
City
Best time to travel
April–June, September–October
Budget/day
80–140 €
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights to Genoa from Munich in about 1.5 hours. By car via Milan or along the coast.
Deals for Genoa:
What makes Genoa special as a destination?
Genoa, the proud port city on the Ligurian coast, was once one of the most powerful maritime republics in the Mediterranean and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Today, the capital of Liguria surprises with a fascinating mix of winding old town, magnificent Renaissance palaces, and one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The Via Garibaldi, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, features splendid noble palaces: The Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Doria-Tursi house paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Caravaggio. The old town (Centro Storico) is one of the largest medieval areas in Europe — a labyrinth of narrow alleys (Caruggi), where authentic Genoa thrives: Focaccia bakeries, pesto factories, and fish restaurants. The Porto Antico, redesigned by star architect Renzo Piano (a Genoese), houses the impressive Acquario di Genova with dolphins, sharks, and penguins — perfect for families. The city's panoramic elevators and funiculars offer spectacular views over the harbor. Genoa's cuisine is purely Ligurian: Pesto alla Genovese (only with a mortar!), Focaccia di Recco with Stracchino cheese, Trofie al Pesto, and fresh fish. From here, you can reach the Cinque Terre in an hour and Portofino in 40 minutes. Genoa is Italy's most underrated major city.
What are the top highlights in Genoa?
The top highlights in Genoa include Palazzi dei Rolli, Acquario di Genova, Old Town (Caruggi), Boccadasse, Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Palazzi dei Rolli
The UNESCO-protected noble palaces along the Via Garibaldi testify to Genoa's glorious past as a maritime republic.
Acquario di Genova
Europe's second-largest aquarium at Porto Antico houses sharks, dolphins, penguins, and jellyfish.
Old Town (Caruggi)
The labyrinth of narrow medieval alleys is the largest contiguous historical center in Europe.
Boccadasse
The colorful former fishing village on the eastern outskirts is a romantic spot for gelato by the sea.
Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno
The monumental cemetery with its impressive marble sculptures is an open-air sculpture museum.
Hotels in Genoa
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Genoa?
The best time to visit Genoa is April–June, September–October. Warm, 26–32 °C, Mediterranean In winter: Mild, 7–13 °C, rainy
Recommended travel time
April–June, September–October
Summer
Warm, 26–32 °C, Mediterranean
Winter
Mild, 7–13 °C, rainy
How much does a holiday in Genoa cost?
Budget travellers: 40–65 €/day, mid-range: 80–140 €/day, luxury: 180–350 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
40–65 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
80–140 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
180–350 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Genoa?
Direct flights to Genoa from Munich in about 1.5 hours. By car via Milan or along the coast.
Book a package holiday to Genoa
Compare thousands of package holidays to Genoa and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Genoa?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Genoa is a perfect starting point for the Cinque Terre (1 hour by train).
The Focaccia di Recco (with Stracchino cheese) in nearby Recco is a must.
Take the lift to Castelletto – free and with panoramic views over the harbor.
Avoid the old town in the evening and explore it during the day – some alleys can feel unsafe at night.
Ferries from Genoa go to Sardinia, Corsica, and Sicily – also interesting for short trips.
What should you eat in Genoa?
Typical specialities in Genoa: Pesto Genovese, Focaccia Genovese, Trofie al Pesto, Farinata, Cappon Magro, Cima alla Genovese.
These specialties you must try!
