Looking for the best things to do in Genoa? You’ve come to the right place!
We loved Genoa and, after spending ample time there, can easily recommend it to anyone. We did lots of amazing things and made this list so you can quickly and easily find the right experience for you without the hassle of endless research.
From ancient history tours to cooking classes, scenic boat rides, local food experiences, and everything in between, we have something for every type of traveler below. So don’t waste any more time searching the internet—just keep reading for the best things to do in Genoa!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Genoa was this walking food tour! It took us on a delicious journey through the city, sampling fresh pesto pasta, local pastries, and traditional street food.
Genoa’s food scene can be tricky to navigate alone, so we were SO glad we booked this tour!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Genoa, Italy
- 1. See Genoa’s historic sights on a private rickshaw tour
- 2. Taste your way around Genoa
- 3. Relax on a private sailing trip along the Ligurian Sea
- 4. Cruise around the city on a Segway
- 5. Explore Genoa on a private e-bike tour
- 6. Learn how to make homemade pasta and pesto with a local chef
- 7. Spend a day in Portofino, including a walking tour, boat cruise, and pesto-making class
- Where to Stay in Genoa, Italy
- Thanks for reading!
- Free ebook Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Italy
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Genoa, Italy
1. See Genoa’s historic sights on a private rickshaw tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 9 am to 5 pm
- Highlights: See all of Genoa’s top sights by rickshaw, such as the Piazza Sarzano, Chiesa Santi Cosma e Damiano church, Via Garibaldi, La Casa di Colombo, Palazzo Di San Giorgio, and more
- Inclusions: Local driver guide, private transportation by rickshaw
- Rating: 4.8 (Check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Time machines may seem like science fiction, but I swear, climbing into a rickshaw and exploring Genoa with a private guide is pretty much all you need to be transported back in time.
We adored this Genoa Old Town tour and found that seeing the city by rickshaw was one of the best ways to do it for many reasons. It’s more immersive, you skip the traffic, you still see all of the best sights, and it’s effortless!
We started in the historic Piazza Sarzano, where Genoa’s famous caruggi (narrow medieval alleyways) unfolded like a real-life maze. Some were barely wide enough for two people to pass, yet somehow, our rickshaw glided effortlessly through.
As we rode, our guide, Gabino, pointed out hidden details like ornate doorways from the 12th century and locations where merchants used to sell goods, all while telling us stories of what life was like in ancient Genoa.
But our favorite moments were stopping at architectural gems, like the San Lorenzo Cathedral and a series of grand palazzos that once belonged to Genoa’s wealthiest families. And with Gabinos’ help, we were able to easily understand why these places were so important to Italy’s history.
By the end, we were totally hooked! Whether you’re short on time, not up for tons of walking, or just want to explore the city in a unique way, this rickshaw ride is hands down one of the best ways to see Genoa.
Read all of the glowing reviews and book your spot here!
2. Taste your way around Genoa
- Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Time: 11:30 am or 6 pm
- Highlights: Sample a variety of fresh Italian dishes from pasta to seafood, meat and cheese, pastries, and more while enjoying drinks (if drink card is selected)
- Inclusions: Local guide, all food tastings, lunch, beverages (more if drink card is selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (Check 425+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
You can’t visit Genoa without taking a food tour. Seriously, if you only do one thing on this list, make sure it’s this!
From start to finish, we found this walking food tour to be one of the best (and tastiest) bang for our buck activities. Not only did we sample some of the best food and drinks the city has to offer, but we learned a lot about this region of Italy’s rich culinary history as well.
Our first stop on the tour had us eating pasta with pesto sauce made from fresh basil and pine nuts. Fun fact—pesto was invented in Genoa, so you already know that it was some of the best pasta with pesto we have ever had!
It didn’t stop there, though, and soon we arrived at a quaint eatery specializing in farinata, a savory chickpea pancake. Plus, we had an absolute blast with our guide, Valentina! She didn’t just tell us about the food—she brought it to life with fascinating stories, like how this dish dates back to ancient Roman times when it was a go-to street food for hungry locals.
And since no culinary journey is complete without dessert—we ended our tour at a local gelateria, indulging in artisanal gelato that ranged from classic stracciatella to innovative basil-infused creations while sipping espresso.
We ate so much incredible food that I couldn’t possibly list it all here! But there’s more waiting—so book the tour and taste it yourself!
Book our favorite experience in Genoa here!
3. Relax on a private sailing trip along the Ligurian Sea
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Take a private sailboat along the Liguria coastline with a fully customizable itinerary, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles, pilot whales, and swim in bays along the coast
- Inclusions: Skipper guide/captain, private boat, lunch, drinks, water
- Rating: 5 stars (Check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
What’s better than cruising down the stunning Liguria coastline? Doing it on a private sailboat on this sailing trip that’s not crowded with tourists and has a fully customized itinerary!
After taking this tour, I truly feel bad for anyone who has to take a commercialized experience with less flexibility. From the get-go, Captain Michael greeted us with a big smile and asked what we wanted to see and do—totally setting the tone for an amazing day of beautiful views, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
After setting sail from the marina, we made our way along the stunning coastline to Punta Pedale Beach. We even saw a small group of dolphins as we boated along! Once we anchored at our destination we spent a good while jumping off the boat and enjoying the water as we cracked jokes with Captain Mike.
Between swims, we cruised past the stunning fishing village of Portofino, with its brightly colored homes lining the shore. We didn’t stop, but soaking up those postcard-perfect views was absolutely magical!
But my favorite moment of the day was snorkeling in the emerald waters of Paraggi Bay (don’t forget to bring your gear!). Afterward, we climbed back on board to find a delicious lunch waiting, along with a few cold drinks to wash it all down—the perfect way to wrap up an incredible swim! No wonder this cruise is so highly rated—just read the 5-star reviews here!
Experience the Liguria coastline the right way and book this private tour!
4. Cruise around the city on a Segway
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- Time: 12 pm
- Highlights: Explore Genoa’s highlights and see hidden gems by segway while learning about the lesser-known history of the famous port city with a guide, zoom around historic landmarks, including the Old Port district, the UNESCO-listed Caruggi area, and the Ducal Palace
- Inclusions: Tour leader, use of segway, helmet, and waterproof jacket if needed, driving school, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 (Check 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We loved this Genoa segway tour because it was a fun and easy way to explore the city. Plus it was way easier than a walking or bike tour.
From the start we were super impressed with the itinerary as it stopped at places lots of other tours didn’t. Plus, our guide made each stop unique and engaging.
Our first stop was San Lorenzo Cathedral with its black-and-white striped facade standing out among colorful buildings. A quick pause here allowed us to admire its stunning architecture before continuing down Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the most luxurious streets in Genoa. Lined with grand palaces from the 16th century, it was once home to the city’s wealthiest families.
As we cruised through the city, our amazing guide, Matt, pointed out hidden courtyards, intricate frescoes, and even a secret tunnel entrance once used by the nobility. We never would have noticed half of these details on our own, which made the tour feel like a behind-the-scenes experience.
Genoa is one of the oldest continuously lived cities in the world, so to say that there is history around every corner is an understatement. Luckily, Matt shared stories about the city’s past that even some locals might not know!
By the end, we felt like we had uncovered a new side of Genoa. This was a fun and easy way to spend an afternoon!
You can book your spot for this segway tour here!
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5. Explore Genoa on a private e-bike tour
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Time: 10 am and 2 pm
- Highlights: See some of Genoa’s top sights by e-bike with a private local guide, extended time exploring its medieval caruggi (alleyways)
- Inclusions: Guide, use of e-bike and helmet
- Rating: 4.9 stars (Check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
We’re suckers for private tours because, at the end of the day, there’s no denying they are the best way to get the most out of any travel destination. We especially loved the fun and freedom of this private e-bike tour while we were in Genoa.
What really stood out to us was the extra time spent exploring the legendary caruggi (alleyways) of Genoa. These are easily the top attractions here, and most tours only brush over them. But with this one, we took a deep dive! Of course, we visited other must-see spots like the Cathedral of San Lorenzo as well.
Winding through these ancient alleyways on e-bikes felt like discovering a secret side of the city. We stopped to admire hidden piazzas, peek into tiny local shops, and soak in the medieval architecture without the usual crowds.
Our guide shared incredible stories about the city’s past, giving us a much deeper appreciation of its history. And since this was a private tour we could ask all of our burning questions.
As a bonus, we made a stop in the tiny fishing village of Boccadasse, which felt straight out of a postcard. The colorful buildings, gentle sea breeze, and quiet made it the perfect place to relax after an exciting ride through the city!
Book the perfect e-bike tour of Genoa here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Learn how to make homemade pasta and pesto with a local chef
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:30 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm (depending on class selected)
- Highlights: Learn how to make pasta and pesto and a traditional Geonese dessert with a local professional chef using fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Inclusions: Professional chef instructor, all ingredients to make dinner and dessert, drinks, small-group cooking class
- Rating: 5 stars (Check 190+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Genoa is the birthplace of pesto so it only made sense that we learned how to make this legendary dish while we were there—and this cooking class was the perfect way to do it! From kneading fresh pasta dough to mastering the art of traditional pesto, every step felt hands-on and rewarding.
After meeting our chef, Alberto, and making friends with our classmates, we dove into the art of crafting traditional pesto pasta from scratch. Despite our lack of prior culinary skills, Alberto’s patient instruction made the process both enjoyable and accessible.
The highlight was creating pesto alla genovese, a sauce that originated in this very city. Using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil, we mixed everything together the traditional Italian way, creating a vibrant, aromatic sauce.
The finished product was easily some of the best pasta we had ever tasted! And now, I love wowing friends and family with this recipe whenever I get to make it for them.
The class wrapped up with a sweet finale as we learned how to make pandolce, a traditional Genoese dessert packed with raisins, nuts, and citrus zest. It was the perfect sweet finale to our culinary journey!
We highly recommend this experience for anyone who loves cooking or just wants to have a fun, hands-on experience with a tasty result. But don’t just take our word for it—check out over 190 5-star reviews here!
Secure a spot in the best cooking class in Genoa here!
7. Spend a day in Portofino, including a walking tour, boat cruise, and pesto-making class
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am (dates vary)
- Highlights: Take a scenic boat ride to Portofino from Genoa, explore the town on a walking tour with a local guide and see the town highlights, learn how to make pesto pasta, have free time to explore Portofino on your own
- Inclusions: Professional tour leader, round trip ferry service, pesto cooking class, light lunch, focaccia tasting
- Rating: 4.9 stars (Check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
While Genoa is a stunning city to explore, very few people take the time to see its equally beautiful neighbor, Portofino. We were beyond impressed with this day trip and all that it offered. From incredible views, learning to make pasta, and, of course, some history, this is one of the best all-around tours we took.
The scenic boat ride to Portofino set the tone for a day filled with breathtaking views. Upon arrival, the town’s vibrant harbor and pastel-colored buildings welcomed us warmly as we began exploring with our guide.
Our favorite part was walking up to the Church of San Giorgio, a historic site dating back to 1154. The climb was rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Marina di Portofino and the sea beyond.
Back in town, we indulged in a focaccia tasting session. Sampling this Ligurian specialty, renowned for its light, airy texture and flavorful toppings, was a delightful treat.
However, the highlight of our culinary journey was learning to make traditional pesto pasta. Guided by local chefs, we crafted pesto using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan, then combined it with handmade pasta. I give it the Italian chef’s kiss!
After the class, we had ample free time to wander through Portofino’s charming streets, taking photographs of its beautiful landscapes and colorful homes. It’s an Insta-worthy destination that will have your friends adding it to their bucket list the moment they see your photos!
This tour sells out fast, so book your spot now!
Related Read: Need help planning your trip to Genoa? Check out our expert itinerary that covers all the must-see spots!
Where to Stay in Genoa, Italy
Genoa is a stunning city with so many fantastic accommodations to suit any budget or travel style. Whether you’re after luxury, comfort, or affordability, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.
To make your choice easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to stay in Genoa so you can focus on experiencing all the charm and history this incredible city has to offer!
Luxury – $$$
Set in a stunning historic building, the Hotel Bristol Palace in Genoa is a 5-star luxury hotel with elegance and timeless charm. The hotel’s iconic elliptical staircase, refined décor, and beautifully appointed rooms create an atmosphere of sophistication, making it a perfect choice for those seeking comfort and history. Guests can enjoy spacious suites, an on-site gourmet restaurant, and a prime location just steps from the city’s main attractions.
Room rates vary based on the season and accommodation type, typically ranging from €250 – €400 per night. Explore all the options and secure your luxurious stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
B&B Hotel Genova Principe is a great mid-range option for travelers looking for comfort and convenience in the heart of Genoa. Located right next to the main train station, this modern hotel is perfect for exploring the city with ease. The rooms are spacious, stylishly designed, and equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, and a daily breakfast buffet to start the day right.
Prices typically range from €100 – €200 per night. Check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For budget-friendly accommodation in Genoa, OStellin Genova Hostel is a great choice! Housed in a historic building in the city center, this cozy hostel offers dormitory beds and private rooms with vintage-style decor. Guests can relax in the lounge, cook in the kitchen, or soak up the atmosphere on the balcony overlooking the city’s streets. With free Wi-Fi and a welcoming vibe, it’s a solid option for travelers looking to save without sacrificing comfort or location.
Private rooms start at around €60 per night, while a dorm bed costs about €20. Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of Genoa’s hotels listed here!
Related Read: Want the full breakdown? Read our complete guide to where to stay in Genoa, including the best neighborhoods and hotel picks.
Renting a Car in Italy
Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the cities—think charming Tuscan villages, dramatic Amalfi Coast drives, and hidden gems in the countryside. While Italy’s roads can be a little chaotic (especially in cities), with the right preparation, renting a car here can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience!
We always use Discover Cars when booking our rentals, and highly recommend them. They compare dozens of providers to find you the best rates, include important filters like “automatic transmission,” and offer affordable full insurance coverage. For more info, you can read our in-depth Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Italy
What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy
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That’s our full guide to the best things to do in Genoa! Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or the stunning coastline, this city has so much to offer—we absolutely loved our time here and know you will too. We hope this list helps you plan the perfect trip and make the most of your time in Genoa!
If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out our other Italy guides, or browse the handpicked recommendations below for more incredible destinations nearby!
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