Italy · 2026 itinerary
Genoa 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Genoa: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A restored 12th-century city gate with twin towers, marking the start of the old town. Next to it is the cloister of the abbey of Sant'Andrea with Romanesque arches.
🕐 Gate: always open (external). Cloister: Tue-Sun 10:30-18:00 (closed Mon).
Free entry💡 Climb the narrow stairs up the gate tower for a view east over the rooftops—it's free but the staircase can be tight, so go early to avoid queues.
Hotels near Porta Soprana and the Cloister of Sant'Andrea →A panoramic terrace on a hill above the old port, offering a 180-degree view of the city, harbour, and the sea. It's a quiet park with benches and a small children's play area.
🕐 Always open. Lift runs 07:00-20:00 daily.
Free entry💡 Take the public lift from Piazza Portello (€1.50) up to reach it in 2 minutes instead of climbing the steep steps. Best for sunrise—few tourists, more locals with dogs.
Hotels near Spianata Castelletto →La Pineta · ££
Tory Bar · ££
Deeper Into Genoa
Genoa's main square, dominated by the huge bronze fountain and surrounded by historic palaces, including the Doge's Palace and the Ligurian Ducat. The fountain is lit at night.
🕐 Always open. Fountain operates spring to autumn.
💡 Sit on the steps of the Galleria Mazzini arcade (left of the fountain) to people-watch. Free guided tours of the nearby Palazzo Ducale courtyard happen on some Wednesdays—ask at the tourist info desk inside.
A former fishing village with narrow pastel-coloured houses and a small pebble beach. The seafront promenade is lined with cafes and gelaterias, but the walk along the cliffs is free.
🕐 Open 24/7. Shops close by 20:00.
💡 Take bus 31 from Piazza De Ferrari to Boccadasse (€1.50) or walk 30 minutes east along the coastal path. The best free spot is the viewpoint at the top of the steps after the church—sunset is stunning.
Hemingway's Pub
Blunt Beach Club
Final Favourites & Departure
A natural history museum with dioramas of Genoa's regional wildlife and extensive collections of minerals, fossils, and taxidermy. Renovated in 2023, it's cheap
💡 The entrance fee is €5 for adults—free on the first Sunday of the month. Allow 1.5 hours. The insect room has a preserved giant tarantula that kids love.
Scassadiavoli
Alle Volte
Getting Around Genoa
Buy a temporary ticket from the machine (coins/card). The metro is short but useful for avoiding hills. Validate your ticket before boarding.
Official white taxis have meters; expect €25-30. Avoid unlicensed drivers at arrivals. Pay cash or card.
Skip this for airport transfer; use Volabus instead. Only useful if you're already at Sestri for some reason.
Buy ticket from the machine in arrivals or from the driver (exact change). The stop at Piazza della Vittoria is a flat 500m walk to the hotel through the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Genoa?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Porta Soprana and the Cloister of Sant'Andrea and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Genoa?
See our full best time to visit Genoa guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include NH Genova Centro, Novotel Genova Ovest, Hotel Astoria. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.