We Spent the Perfect Long Weekend in Genoa. Here’s How It Went

We spent a long weekend in Genoa and quickly fell for a city that doesn’t reveal all its secrets at once. Between grand palazzi overlooking the sea, narrow, atmospheric caruggi, tucked-away squares, and unexpected views that seem to appear out of nowhere, every walk brought a new surprise.

Over 4 days, we explored the historic center, soaked up the energy of the Porto Antico, discovered seaside neighborhoods, and tasted our way through the flavors of Ligurian cuisine. It was a trip filled with history, beauty, and everyday life. And a chance to experience a side of Genoa that felt real, unexpected, and completely different from what we had imagined.

A long weekend in Genoa was all we needed to get under the city’s skin. Four days, with plenty of time to take things at our own pace, gave us the chance to mix the must-see sights with more intimate experiences and a few detours away from the usual tourist trail. 

Our natural starting point was the Old Port, the beating heart and symbolic gateway to the city. From there, we wandered into the maze-like caruggi of the historic center and discovered traditional artisan shops, medieval churches, and the elegant Rolli Palaces.

We then set out to discover 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. Take it from us: 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.

In this guide, we’re taking you along with us: here’s how we spent our long weekend, what we saw, where we stopped, and the corners of the city that stayed with us long after we left.

- Day 1: Porto Antico, Castello D’Albertis, the historic center.

- Day 2: Palazzi dei Rolli, the historic center, Nervi, Boccadasse, Corso Italia.

- Day 3: Righi Funicular, Parco delle Mura, Palazzo Reale, MEI - National Museum of Italian Emigration, and Galata Museo del Mare.

- Day 4: Genoa Aquarium and one last stroll through the city center.

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 our 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 our 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.

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 there, we return toward the city center just as scenically by reaching the nearby Ascensore di Castelletto and the namesake Belvedere, a panoramic terrace from which you can admire the red rooftops of the historic center and enjoy a unique viewpoint that captures Genoa’s “vertical” soul.

It’s time to 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, we 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.

We wander through the caruggi until we 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. We step inside and stroll through courtyards and arcades, discovering exhibitions and cultural activities (until 8 December 2026, it is hosting the winning photographs from the 69th edition of the World Press Photo Contest).

We end the 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.

We start the second day of our 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.

Next we take a stroll along Via Garibaldi, the ancient and fascinating Strada Nuova, to see the extraordinary Rolli Palaces.

They are among the most precious treasures of La Superba, as Genoa has long been known, and 2026 marks an important anniversary: it has been 20 years since the Palazzi dei Rolli were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

We stop at Palazzo Rosso, with its frescoed halls and a collection that includes masterpieces by Van Dyck and Veronese, and at Palazzo Lomellino, admiring 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.

Then, we 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 there, we wind through the caruggi 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, we 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.

The Parks of Nervi are a lush green oasis for slowing down beneath the shade of centuries-old trees. Art lovers can also explore the remarkable 20th-century collections at the Wolfsoniana and the Gallery of Modern Art. Through the end of November 2026, the latter is hosting "Argentina–Genoa Round Trip", featuring the monumental "Portrait of Julia Lavarello Anselmo", a 1907 work by Vincenzo Irolli.

As evening falls, we 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, we stop for an aperitif and light dinner along the scenic Corso Italia, the seaside promenade that connects Boccadasse with the historical center.

We start from the historic center and make our 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, we head back to the center and reach the elegant Via Balbi to visit the Palazzo Reale. We take our 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 bring generations of culinary tradition to the table, and every bite is a taste of Genoa’s local culture.

After lunch, we explore two museums that tell stories of the sea and emigration. We start at 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 we head to the Galata Museo del Mare to 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.

We wrap up our day with some gelato artigianale, the sweetest ending to a Sunday in Genoa.

We choose the Genoa Aquarium for the grand finale of our long weekend. 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.

We take a little time to linger by some of the aquarium’s most impressive tanks: at the Cetacean Pavilion, open-air tanks and a 15-meter underwater tunnel bring us closer to the sea, in a final nod to the element that has always shaped La Superba.

After our visit to the Aquarium, we enjoy a light lunch in the city center to wrap up our 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 the long weekend in Genoa.