Guide to Genoa
A virtual tour of Genoa
Christopher Columbus is said to have come from here. You will encounter mentions of him at every turn — Genoa has a house where he is believed to have been born (though this fact is unproven), a monument to Columbus, and a large part of the maritime museum's exhibition is dedicated to his discoveries. Many hotels and restaurants in Genoa are named after the great explorer.
For believers, the Genoa Cathedral will be of interest, as it houses the relics of John the Baptist, brought here by merchants in 1098. However, you won't be able to touch them, as the sarcophagus is inside the chapel's altar.
Be sure to take a walk around Genoa's main square — Piazza di Ferrari. At its center is a fountain, surrounded by beautiful buildings such as the Palazzo della Borsa (the stock exchange building). The Teatro Carlo Felice, where you can listen to opera, is also located here.
Porto Antico (the Old Port) is also attractive to tourists. Nearby, you'll find two landmarks — the Aquarium (the second largest in Europe) and the galleon "Neptune," a replica of a 17th-century Spanish ship created for Roman Polanski's film "Pirates." The ship later appeared in the American TV series "Neverland."
Photos of Genoa
Tours to Genoa
The bustling crossroads of European roads, Genoa offers a vibrant and active vacation. You can alternate between lively activities and tranquil sightseeing walks, as well as indulge in cafes and restaurants, ensuring everyone finds something to their liking.
All port cities have a special charm. They possess a certain pirate-like, bustling, and market-like atmosphere. And in this Italian port, there are also interesting places to explore. For example, the brick lighthouse Lanterna, located in the harbor, attracts the attention of tourists.
The best tours in Genoa include visits to all the old streets, starting from Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. Explore the harbor and the market, admire the numerous palaces of the Italian beauty.
You can stay in budget hotel rooms or hostels in the city. You'll be able to make great purchases and take away a multitude of colorful impressions. Genoa's beauty is ever-changing and captivating throughout the year.
If you're looking for last-minute deals, you can save up to 200 EUR or more. On average, tours to Genoa start from 300 EUR. The cost of the trip decreases if you purchase all the necessary tickets in advance or, conversely, right before departure.
If you've decided to explore Genoa, it's recommended to choose a good guide, as it would be challenging to see everything on your own. Generally, the price of a guided tour is not excessively high, and you'll gain more knowledge. On the other hand, self-guided tours can also be fantastic.
Many visitors prefer to opt for affordable last-minute tours. This is a common practice and remains relevant for vacations in Genoa. By the way, Italy is wonderful to visit both in winter and summer. However, experienced travelers claim that May or September are the best times to go.
Interesting places in Genoa
The most affordable way to see sights Genoa - sightseeing excursion (bus or pedestrian). However, you can go for a walk on your own, having previously compiled an interesting route and armed with a map. The main goal of shopping lovers is located about 30 km from Genoa Serravalle Designer Outlet, where discounts reach 90%! And for those who cannot imagine their vacation without music, bars anddiscos in Genoa.
Flight ticket prices
Flight prices from Europe to Genoa vary depending on the season, departure city, and airline. Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo International Airport is served by Ryanair, Wizz Air, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Vueling, and easyJet. From Warsaw, tickets with layovers start at 65 EUR, from Paris — at 80 EUR, from Madrid — at 85 EUR, and from London — at 75 EUR. Flights are also available from Berlin, Vienna, and Amsterdam.
During the summer, when tourist demand is higher, ticket prices tend to rise. To get the best deals, it’s advisable to book in advance. The airport is located just 7 km from the city center, making it easy to reach Genoa by bus, taxi, or train.
The best hotels in Genoa
The most affordable housing option is a hostel, a place in a common room costs from 13 EUR per night, a room can be rented for 25 EUR. The most positive reviews from guests are at Manena Hostel and Abbey Hostel. It is convenient and profitable for families with children to rent an apartment, the cost of which starts from 30 euros, depending on the location. The best Genoa hotels are located in the Old Town and the port area, a 3*-4* hotel room costs from 80 EUR, 5* - from 150 euros per day. Inexpensive accommodation can be found in the train station area.
Travel budget
Genoa is a relatively inexpensive city, you can relax here even with a modest budget. To save on tickets, buy them in advance and follow the promotions of airlines. Instead of a hotel, choose a hostel or affordable apartments in an area far from the center (you can easily get there by transport). Buy the Card Musei di Genova, which entitles you to visit 25 attractions for free and is an unlimited ticket. A card for 24 hours costs 13.5 EUR, for 48 hours - 20 EUR.
| The budget for a trip to Genoa | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | from 240 EUR | Accomadation | from 13 EUR |
| Average bill in a restaurant | from 25 EUR | Transport fare | from 0.8 EUR |
| Excursion | from 4 EUR | ||
| Total: around 545 EUR for four days | |||
Genoa: tips for tourists
Visa to Genoa
For European citizens a visa is not required to travel to Italy if they possess a valid biometric passport.
The maximum duration of stay for tourists is 90 days within a 180-day period.
Genoa Airport
The Cristoforo Colombo International Airport is located on an artificial island, 6 km from the city center. It serves over a million passengers annually. The airport receives flights from airlines such as Air France, Ryanair, Lufthansa, S7, Iberia, and others.
Transfer to Genoa from the airport
The cheapest way to get to the SESTRI PONENTE railway station is by shuttle I24. A ticket costs 1.6 EUR (valid for 100 minutes), you can buy it from AMT machines at the exit from the arrivals area. Travel time is about 12 minutes. A taxi to the center will cost at least 21 EUR.
Public transport in Genoa
The most convenient form of transport is the metro, there are also buses, trolleybuses and funiculars in the city. A trip by metro or bus costs 1.6 EUR, by funicular - 0.8 EUR. The price of a ticket for 24 hours is 4.5 EUR. Card Museidi Genova holders ride for free.
Car rental in Genoa
Renting a car costs from 20 EUR per day. Please note that many companies charge young drivers (18-25 years old) an additional fee of around EUR 15 per day. Also, a deposit (500-1000 EUR) will be blocked on your card until the car is returned.