Long Weekend in Genoa: 4-day itinerary approved by locals

Have you ever truly explored a city that welcomes you with the outline of its palaces facing the sea, confuses you with its narrow, picturesque alleys, and then suddenly reveals beautiful views that seem to open out of nowhere?

Genoa is special for exactly this reason: it doesn’t reveal itself all at once, but invites you to lose yourself in its caruggi, linger in hidden squares, admire elegant buildings that tell centuries of history, and pause at breathtaking viewpoints that open onto spectacular horizons.

A long weekend in Genoa is not just a trip, but an immersion in authentic atmospheres. In 4 days, you’ll walk streets that whisper tales of sailors and merchants, savor a cuisine rich with the flavors of both sea and land, and discover a magical place where the past coexists with the vibrant energy of a city that is alive, surprising, and always different from what you imagined.

A long weekend in Genoa calls for four full days, from Friday to Monday – the perfect amount of time to soak up the city’s spirit, exploring its iconic landmarks as well as its more intimate and hidden corners.

The natural starting point is the Old Port, the beating heart and symbolic gateway to the city, from where you can dive into the maze-like caruggi of the historic center and discover traditional artisan shops, medieval churches, and the elegant Rolli Palaces.

Then, live the “vertical Genoa”: elevators and funiculars will carry you up to enchanting terraces, where the city unfolds on the surrounding hills, its red rooftops blending with the green of the parks and the blue of the horizon beyond.

The beauty of Genoa is that it is best explored on foot. Distances are short, but every corner deserves attention: don’t rush, allow yourself unexpected detours, step inside medieval churches, and admire the details of the palaces. Public transport is useful for moving along the coast, for example to reach the unmissable villages of Boccadasse and Nervi.

Spending 4 days in Genoa means alternating between urban moments and natural vistas, art and everyday life, without forgetting the local cuisine, which in Liguria is an integral part of the experience: every bite is a way to discover the most authentic soul of a truly unique city.

The Old Port: a fascinating and unique place where you can experience the authentic maritime atmosphere of La Superba, combined with the energy of modern Genoa.

This is where your long weekend in Genoa begins. From Piazza Caricamento and the old piers, you can breathe in the energy of a port that tells tales of centuries of voyages and trade. But today the Old Port is also an extraordinary square overlooking the Mediterranean, redesigned by Genoese architect Renzo Piano as a modern hub of culture and entertainment, featuring the Aquarium, the Galata Maritime Museum, the Bigo panoramic lift, and much more. If you gaze toward the horizon, you’ll spot the Lanterna in the distance, the iconic lighthouse that almost seems to greet you and invite you to continue your itinerary. 

From the Old Port, just a short walk away from the sea takes you into the narrow alleys climbing inland, leading you to the Monte Galletto Elevator — a hidden masterpiece of urban engineering that lifts you to the heights in a matter of moments, with an unusual route that moves first horizontally and then vertically, turning the ride into a small journey through the most authentic side of Genoa.

Once you step out of the elevator, you find yourself just a few steps from the Park of Castello D’Albertis, a place suspended between adventure and tranquility. The castle, a neo-Gothic dream, overlooks a panoramic garden where the sea reappears between the trees, offering a spectacular view. The Castle also houses the fascinating Museum of World Cultures, built around the collections of explorer Enrico D’Albertis and reinterpreted through a contemporary lens: a journey through distant civilizations, remarkable objects, and memories of adventurous travels.

From here, you can return toward the city center just as scenically by reaching the nearby Ascensore di Castelletto, where you’ll find the namesake Belvedere — a panoramic terrace from which you can admire the red rooftops of the historic center, enjoying a unique viewpoint that captures Genoa’s “vertical” soul.

It’s time to let yourself be won over by Genoa’s street food. A warm piece of focaccia or farinata, or the crispness of panissa enjoyed while strolling along the waterfront has a flavor all its own!

Then, venture into the caruggi, the charming narrow alleys of Genoa’s historic center that form a labyrinth of picturesque corners, hidden squares, and historic shops—true treasure troves preserving centuries-old craftsmanship and timeless atmospheres. The historic shops are protected and promoted by the Municipality and the Chamber of Commerce through an official Register, a pioneering project in Italy that safeguards and enhances an ancient culture of craftsmanship.

Wander through the caruggi until you reach the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its striking black-and-white marble façade and elegant Gothic naves inside. You can also climb the Towers for a stunning view over the rooftops of the city center.

Not far from the cathedral, Piazza Matteotti opens up, where the majestic Palazzo Ducale rises with its imposing columns and dramatic staircase. Step inside and stroll through courtyards and arcades, discovering the exhibitions and cultural activities hosted in the frescoed halls.

End your day with dinner at one of the typical city-center restaurants, savoring the signature dishes of Ligurian cuisine. Anchovies, trofie al pesto, stockfish, and torta pasqualina: flavors that speak of the sea, the land, and generations that have shaped Genoa’s rich culinary tradition.

Start the second day of your long weekend in Genoa with breakfast in one of the historic cafés in the city center, where freshly baked Genoese focaccia pairs perfectly with cappuccino: a simple and genuine way to soak up the city’s atmosphere from the very morning. Continue with a walk along Via Garibaldi, the ancient and fascinating Strada Nuova, where you can admire the extraordinary Rolli Palaces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most surprising treasures of the Superba’s artistic heritage.

Among the palaces along the street, stop at Palazzo Rosso, with its frescoed halls and a collection that includes masterpieces by Van Dyck and Veronese, and at Palazzo Lomellino, with its stucco-decorated façade, the frescoes by Bernardo Strozzi, and the enchanting 18th-century nymphaeum leading to the refined hanging gardens, a green oasis in the heart of Via Garibaldi.

In the winter of 2026, the two palaces will host two remarkable exhibitions dedicated to 19th-century art in Genoa: at Palazzo Lomellino, the works of Divisionist painter Plinio Nomellini, and at Palazzo Rosso, the charming scenes of Genoese life illustrated by Pipein Gamba.

Then, continue towards Piazza De Ferrari and reach Porta Soprana, an ancient stone sentinel that for centuries welcomed those entering Genoa. Its twin towers remain enchanting today, seemingly guarding the stories of travelers from long ago. Just a few steps from the gate, in the garden behind the House of Columbus, lies the Chiostro di Sant’Andrea, the surviving remnant of a Benedictine monastery demolished in 1904.

From here, you can wind through the caruggi of the historic center to reach the Church of San Donato, easily recognizable by its octagonal tower rising above the rooftops. Not far away, Santa Maria di Castello is a hidden gem among the alleys: behind its modest facade lie cloisters, chapels, and frescoed rooms that reveal centuries of history.

In the afternoon, take the train like the locals do and reach Nervi, a charming corner of the Ligurian Riviera on the eastern edge of Genoa.

Once an independent village devoted to fishing and maritime trade, today it is renowned for its parks, its picturesque Porticciolo that still preserves the authentic soul of the past, and the Anita Garibaldi Promenade — a scenic coastal path that winds between the cliffs and the parks, perfect for a relaxing walk.

The Parks of Nervi offer a green oasis where you can rest in the shade of centuries-old trees, while art lovers can explore the Wolfsoniana and the Gallery of Modern Art, both home to valuable 20th-century collections. The Gallery of Modern Art, until the end of March 2026, is hosting a major exhibition dedicated to Genoese artistic culture of the nineteenth century, showcasing the artists, patrons and collectors who were active in a city that, even then, was elegant, lively and cosmopolitan.

As evening falls, take a bus to the fishing village of Boccadasse, one of the most poetic spots in Genoa. The colorful houses clustered around the small beach create a suspended, intimate, and enchanting atmosphere. Every corner offers postcard-worthy views, perfect for a romantic stroll or simply for savoring a timeless beauty.

To end the day, stop for an aperitif or light dinner along the scenic Corso Italia, the seaside promenade that connects Boccadasse with the historical center.

Start from the historic center and make your way to Largo Zecca, the departure point of the Righi Funicular: in just a few minutes, the cabin lifts you above the city, offering a stunning view of the slate rooftops, the port, and the sea stretching to the horizon. It’s a true moment of suspension, where everything seems to slow down, and Genoa reveals itself from a fresh, almost secret perspective.

A short walk from the funicular’s upper station lies the Parco delle Mura, a natural area full of trails leading to the remains of the historic forts that once protected the city.

After this excursion in Genoa’s upper district, head back to the center and reach the elegant Via Balbi to visit the Palazzo Reale. Take your time strolling through the glittering rooms, admiring the gilded stuccoes, frescoes, perfectly preserved furnishings, paintings, and the magnificent Hall of Mirrors.

On Sundays, Genoa invites you to slow down. It’s the perfect moment to sit down and enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the trattorie where the scent of basil and the sea blends with the warmth of family traditions.

Pasta with pesto, cappon magro, and traditional desserts: these iconic dishes of Ligurian cuisine tell the story of recipes passed down through generations, with each bite offering a small journey into the local culture.

After lunch, explore two museums that tell stories of the sea and emigration. Start with the MEI – National Museum of Italian Emigration, where the routes of Italians who left the country come to life through engaging multimedia installations, reflecting courage, hope, and connections between past and present.

Then head to the Galata Museo del Mare, where you can discover the ancient galleys of the Maritime Republic, the secrets of Christopher Columbus, and interactive exhibits that make the history of Genoa’s port and sea captivating for all ages.

End your day with an artisan gelato, the perfect way to sweetly conclude your Sunday.

For the grand finale of your last day, the Genoa Aquarium offers a truly unique experience. With its 27,000 m², around 70 tanks, and over 12,000 animals across 600 species, it is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, showcasing an incredible variety of marine life to discover. Inside, you can wander through marine and tropical habitats, get up close to sharks, manatees, penguins, colorful fish, jellyfish, and many other species, in a fascinating and surprising journey.

Take some time to linger at the most impressive tanks: the Cetacean Pavilion, with open-air tanks and a 15-meter underwater tunnel, provides an immersive and engaging experience, perfect for a final glimpse of the element that has always defined La Superba: the sea.

After your visit to the Aquarium, enjoy a light lunch in the city center. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your long weekend in Genoa: the maze of alleys, the Old Port, the viewpoints, the charming neighborhoods, and the local culinary traditions—4 truly unforgettable days in a magical city that becomes familiar little by little, step by step, until you realize you carry it with you wherever you go.

Four unforgettable days in Genoa to experience the city through an itinerary through the spots most loved by locals, discovering hidden corners, breathtaking views, charming neighborhoods, and the most authentic traditions. Here’s a day-by-day recap of the journey:

- Day 1, Friday: morning at the Porto Antico to soak up the lively atmosphere and stroll along the docks, before taking the Ascensore di Monte Galletto and visiting the Castello D’Albertis Park. Return to the city center via the Ascensore di Castelletto, after enjoying the view from the Belvedere. Afternoon exploring the alleys of the historic center, the ancient workshops, and the splendor of the Cathedral.

- Day 2, Saturday: exploring the elegant Rolli Palaces on Via Garibaldi, followed by a stop at Porta Soprana and the churches in the medieval heart of Genoa. Afternoon in Nervi along the seaside promenade and parks, and evening in Boccadasse and Corso Italia with a sea-view aperitif.

- Day 3, Sunday: discover the upper part of the city via the Righi Funicular, offering spectacular views near the Parco delle Mura and the historic Forts. Return to the city center to visit Palazzo Reale, with the afternoon dedicated to the museums: MEI – National Museum of Italian Emigration, and Galata Museo del Mare.

- Day 4, Monday: Morning at the Aquarium of Genoa, among sharks, penguins, and interactive tanks, for a surprising and immersive experience. After the visit, enjoy a light lunch in the city center to perfectly wrap up your long weekend in Genoa.