As a cool coastal city in northwest Italy, Genoa holds significant historical value near the sea. Once a former maritime republic, the city maintains its popularity through its restricted streets while presenting beautiful architectural features.
Genoa possesses the biggest port in Italian territory along with serving as Christopher Columbus' birthplace. The city offers both pesto delicacies and fresh seafood options.
Here is the list that presents plenty of things to do in Genoa:
1. Visit The Aquarium of Genoa
The is one of Genoa Italy top attractions resembling a ship standing in the Old Harbour. The aquarium maintains 70 holding tanks with 12,000 animals representing 600 different species.
The aquarium showcases dolphins as well as sharks alongside seals and penguins. A visit to the Cetacean Pavilion allows guests to watch dolphins swimming above them through glass tunnel displays.
Visitors can interact with stingrays through a sensory display tank. The experience delivers both an appreciation of coastal landscapes and exploration opportunities in nearby communities.
2. Enjoy Boat Tours from Porto Antico
This is a fun way to see the beautiful coastline and nearby towns. You can find boats to board at the famous aquarium's location. Guests can pick from multiple tour options but the journey to Portofino takes five hours to complete.
From your seafront viewpoint, you can see the Ligurian Sea and the beautiful village colors in the distance. After arriving at Portofino you must spend about two hours experiencing everything that the place has to offer.
Visitors can eat their meals during harbor hours snap pictures or spend time lounging at the waterfront.
3. View Interactive Exhibits At Città dei Bambini e dei Ragazzi
The child-focused establishment welcomes visitors from 2-year-olds to young twelve-year-olds. More than ninety interactive educational displays can be found throughout the facility.
Children actively participate with their vision and their hands to experience multiple educational activities. They can enjoy two interactive zones at the museum: a foam block zone and a hard hat zone for constructing things in the miniature construction site.
A unique display lets boys and girls view ants in their natural habitat. A specialized interactive exhibition enables children to learn by experiencing taste along with touch, sight, sound, and smell.
4. Learn About Genoa’s Rich Seafaring History
Also known as Sea Museum, Galata Museo del Mare operates as Genoa Italy things to do. The building that houses the museum stands at an old dock site where shipbuilding activities formerly took place.
The four-story exhibition shows maritime artifacts alongside Genoa's sailing heritage and stunning sea displays. The museum features large models showing historic vessels including an authentic Genoese ship replica.
Through interactive screens, people can experience living on a boat during that period.
5. Take The Bigo Panoramic Lift
Old Port houses this attraction just steps from the popular aquarium. This lift resembles historic ship-loading cranes used in maritime operations.
Riding this attraction will lift you 40 meters into the air at an equivalent height of 13 stories. A rotating cabin takes passengers to a panoramic view of the harbor and city. Riders can complete the full journey in between 10 to 15 minutes.
The audio guides within the cabin alongside picture-oriented panels deliver information about everything you observe from your vantage point. People can purchase entrance tickets both online and directly at the Bigo because it remains open daily.
6. A Scenic Walk Through Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi
Families who admire scenic majesty will find this route delightful. You will see the reflective waters of the Mediterranean Sea beside the verdant parks through this path.
People from every walk of life now visit the trail which was originally built in the 1800s to serve local fishermen and farmers. You will experience the Riviera's magnificent colors during your walk which might feature Corsica if you have clear enough visibility.
Everyone can walk easily across the promenade due to its flat design. The installation resides in the Italian port city of Genoa alongside the coastal area.
7. Dine In At Bagni Medusa
It is a cool spot in Genoa, Italy, right by the sea. The promenade occupies Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi Street in Genoa. Everyone stops by this eating spot mainly for the new seafood collection and fantastic Neapolitan pizza selections.
Enjoy your food with ocean air in your face while soaking in panoramic scenery. A large number of guests find comfort in the welcoming staff together with the laid-back environment.
Immediately following the meal you can either take a path along the promenade area or sit and relax on the sandy beach. Genoa visitors create lasting memories with their loved ones at this wonderful seafront location.
8. See Exotic Animals At Biosfera
The glass structure provides an intimate forest setting beside aquatic areas. The large domed glass structure contains more than 150 plant and animal species.
Visitors can spot various bird species including the scarlet ibis and Moluccan cockatoo in addition to seeing turtles and butterflies at the park. The environment buzzes with vibrant colors combined with many interesting sounds that surround visitors throughout the space.
The area features educational exhibits that inform guests about the need to defend these precious ecosystems.
9. Stop For Picnic or Outdoor Play At Parks of Nervi
These parks situated by the seashore contain spacious lawns together with lovely flower arrangements and numerous beautiful trees. These lands originally belonged to grand villas since they have accumulated centuries of historical significance.
The garden features numerous park areas and a special rose showcase containing over 200 different varieties. It's especially pretty in spring! Families choose this location because children can utilize its expansive area to play while moving about freely.
The playgrounds serve kids as their playing spaces while palm trees create a shaded environment for adult relaxation.
10. Explore Old Harbor
The Old Harbor district called Porto Antico draws families with its active atmosphere. The site's central location allows quick access for all visitors. From massive vessels to small vessels you can witness them all gathered in the same area.
Formerly used as a port the spot now serves as a trendy tourist destination featuring diverse upcoming activities. Striking the waterfront pathway should be included in every itinerary.
A range of restaurants and cafes let you relax while having your meal during a sea-view experience.
11. Stop By Villa Grimaldi
Built during the 18th century this stunning villa maintains a breathtaking rose garden. The space functions as a museum today allowing people to learn about its past and see the artworks it contains.
The villa park spans over a substantial ground that is suitable for both walking and enjoying picnics. Residents find great value in coming to this spot due to its tranquil surroundings as they also appreciate its oceanfront vistas.
Add this to your list of things to do in Genoa Italy.
12. Visit The Replica of A 17th-Century Pirate Ship
The Galeone Neptune offers a chance to experience a replica of a 17th-century pirate ship in a waterfront position. Roman Polanski constructed the pirate vessel which entered service in 1985 to film his "Pirates" movie.
You can find this ship at the Genoa Aquarium in reverse of the Old Port zone. The entire ship presents itself authentically as a real pirate vessel regarding its ropes cannons and sails.
The small fee for ship exploration has two payment tiers: adults must pay 6 euros but children can enter for 4 euros. The ship features engaging exhibits that mix pirate insights with the authenticity of the authentic nautical life of previous eras.
13. Wander Through Genoa's Historic Alleys
The historic streets known as caruggi maintain both charm and historical essence throughout them. Constructed during the Middle Ages these paths form a complex web that provides continuous discovery while you explore.
The surrounding buildings reach a tall height and provide you with a protected ambiance. While walking through these alleys discover small businesses that operate from unexpected locations.
There are wonderful markets in these streets where visitors can buy delicious focaccia. Beautiful old churches and small squares decorate both sides of the streets enabling visitors to pause for a leisurely scene-savoring experience.
14. Relax At Spianata dell’Acquasola
This green park space creates lots of open space, plentiful green grass, and elegant trees surrounding it. Paths throughout the area provide lovely walking paths while friends and family can enjoy a picnic.
The many playgrounds within the park provide convenient recreation for children which ensures families find this destination ideal. Sports lovers can enjoy table tennis courts within the scenic park space.
The park is free to enter and open every day from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Take your camera because this park delivers spectacular municipal vistas.
15. Take The Submarine Nazario Sauro Tour
The Submarine Nazario Sauro is an authentic Italian Navy submarine that stands different from any mock-up display. Visitors get the chance to study the inside layout to understand the daily routines of sailors.
The submarine entered service in 1976 before becoming part of Italy's largest maritime museum at Galata Museo del Mare. Upon entering the submarine you will experience engine and sonar sounds that create an authentic submarine mission atmosphere.
The kitchen zone is particularly exciting because it maintains its original crew-style appearance enhanced by a meal-prepared dining area.
16. Engage With Nature At The Natural History Museum
The museum represents the city's earliest establishment during its 1867 opening. The collection contains more than 4 million specimens that come from all corners of the planet.
Animal specimens, plant samples, fossil discoveries, and mineral collections are among the thousands of objects displayed within this institution. Visitors can enjoy 6,000 curated exhibits throughout 23 different display areas in the museum.
You can explore different sections. Mammals dominate the ground floor displays and birds, reptiles, and fish fill the first floor exhibits. The museum displays an enormous cell representation in one of its halls.
17. Offer Prayers At Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
The site attracts visitors who wish to pray while contemplating. The cathedral preserves its daily opening hours from 8 am to 12 pm and then continues from 3 pm until 7 pm daily.
People who visit feel calm as soon as they step inside. The building's special architectural design features its unique combination of black and white stripes. Visitors can either pray at the altar or choose to spend time listening quietly during their visit.
The site showcases unique artistic pieces among its various sculptures and works of art. Remember to stop by the museum's interior section when you visit it as they preserve historical treasures.
18. Engage With Fantasy Cinema At Fantacinema
This location exclusively exhibits fantasy and scientific fiction movies. The museum displays both life-size sculptures alongside authentic props including original costumes alongside movie posters.
You can spot the famous DeLorean car featured in "Back to the Future" together with "Star Wars" and "Alien" character costumes. From its inception, the Fantacinema Museum provides a chronological overview of how fantasy movies have evolved.
Regardless of age people find equal enjoyment at this incredible spot. Listen to popular movie soundtracks as you discover your way through the museum.
19. Attend A Performance At Teatro Carlo Felice
As the central opera house in the city, it holds an extensive historical timeline. The theater schedules different performances which combine opera productions with ballet performances and concerts.
Two notable operas called "Carmen" and "La Traviata" can be witnessed at this place. Visitors will find aesthetic pleasure in seeing the building's beautiful architecture. The upcoming show dates can be checked before you arrive at the venue.
You can easily get your tickets through the Internet. Between the lively surrounding air, you can feel the growing excitement once the show starts.
20. Experience Local Culture At Mercato Orientale
Experience local culture by visiting this vibrant market that exists in Genoa. About 80 stalls at the market sell fresh produce alongside fish and meats combined with various spices.
People here can purchase traditional locally grown basil and a wide array of spices from around the world. You can also experience a variety of culinary traditions at MOG which sits on an elevated spot within the premises.
Overall, it is a wonderful place to obtain either lunch or a snack. Shoppers can easily visit this market throughout most weekdays because it remains open.
21. Try Outdoor Fun At Righi Adventure Park
The Zecca-Righi funicular will take you to your destination in an interesting ride back and forth. Every age group from children to grown-ups gets something enjoyable to do in this entertainment complex.
Ten distinctive routes within the activity center provide testing challenges for both your agility and fortitude. The kids' section with playground equipment and its pulley system targeting cartoon characters Cip and Ciop welcomes children between 3 to 6 years old.
Visitors of all ages discover thrilling rope obstacles, zip lines, and climbing nets throughout the facility.
22. Hop On A Double-Decker Bus For An Easy Tour
The City Sightseeing Bus provides transportation to all major city attractions. You can choose between two routes: the red line and the blue line. The route includes stops at the Aquarium of Genoa and the picturesque Boccadasse village among many others. The best part?
The bus system allows passengers to start and end their trips at any time. The transportation system allows you to experience a site before continuing to the following stop.
Buses operate with a 30-minute interval during service times. The tour provides an audio guide system in multiple languages.
