Italy · 2026 itinerary
Genova 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Genova: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The old harbour, redeveloped by Renzo Piano, with cobbled piazzas, the Bigo lift, and views of historic ships. Walk the waterfront for free; the aquarium and museums charge entry.
🕐 Daily 24h; lighthouse open 10:00-18:00
Free entry💡 Climb the spire of the San Giorgio lighthouse (free) for panoramic city and sea views, especially at sunset.
Hotels near Porto Antico →A small, austere Gothic church built in 1278, part of the Doria family complex. The adjoining square has a striking black-and-white striped marble facade. Inside, see the tomb of Andrea Doria and medi
🕐 Church: Mon-Sat 8:00-12:00, 15:00-18:00; Sun 9:00-12:00
Free entry💡 The adjacent cloister is free and often quiet. Follow it to the attached Doria palace courtyard for another free peek at Renaissance architecture.
Hotels near San Matteo Church and Square →Tory Bar · ££
Britannia Pub · ££
Deeper Into Genova
A UNESCO-listed street of 16th-century palazzi, many with ornate facades. Some open parts of their courtyards free of charge; others house banks or offices you can enter during weekday hours.
🕐 Courtyards generally Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00; check individual palaces
💡 Palazzo Rosso's ground-floor shop and courtyard are free. Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry to several palace museums (Palazzo Rosso, Bianco, Doria-Tursi).
The main square, dominated by a huge bronze fountain. Surrounded by grand palazzi: the Ducal Palace, Teatro Carlo Felice, and the Stock Exchange. A good meeting point and place to people-watch.
🕐 Daily 24h
💡 Check for free concerts or events in the square, especially in summer. The Ducal Palace often has free ground-floor exhibitions.
Berto
Il Barbarossa
Final Favourites & Departure
A 10-hectare seaside park with terraced gardens, subtropical plants, and a clifftop path. Includes free public gardens and the Gropallo Castle grounds. The Pass
💡 Take the 15-minute train from Genova Brignole station to Nervi station (€2). The park is a 5-minute walk downhill.
Nuovo Le Corbusier
Mentelocale
Getting Around Genova
AMT ticket valid for 100 mins across metro + bus. Validate in metro turnstile first, then on bus. Villa D’Albertis is uphill from the bus stop – a 5-min walk with no pavement on the final bend, so not ideal with heavy suitcases.
Drivers often drop you at the lower gate on Corso Dogali – saves the steep walk up from the bus stop. Tip €2-3 if they help with luggage.
Get off at Principe, then switch to bus 93 or 94 (direction via Fanti d’Italia). Get down at 'Vittorino' stop – Villa D’Albertis is a 2-minute walk uphill.
Cheaper if you buy a combo ticket at airport newsstand – includes Volabus + 1 regional train leg. Not much faster than direct bus, but useful if bus is full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Genova?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Porto Antico 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 Genova?
See our full best time to visit Genova 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 Holiday Inn, Ostello SuGenova, Villa per vacanze "Villa D’Albertis". See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.