Discover Genoa, a city that surprises you at every turn. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of “caruggi,” the largest historic center in Europe, where ancient alleys open onto unexpected little squares.

Breathe in the history of “La Superba,” the ancient and powerful Maritime Republic, admiring the magnificence of the Palazzi dei Rolli, sumptuous residences listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites that tell of a wealthy past.

The connection to the sea is everywhere: from the Old Port, where the Aquarium offers an exciting journey into the blue heart of the planet, to the Lanterna, the symbolic lighthouse that dominates the horizon.

Take a break to savor authentic pesto or a slice of warm focaccia before reaching the enchanting Boccadasse, an ancient colorful fishing village nestled in the city.

Genoa is a treasure trove of unique contrasts, suspended between the sea, hills, and an invaluable artistic heritage.

Here are the must-see stops on a trip between Genoa and its Riviera:

Genoa: La Superba

The Historic Center (Caruggi): Immerse yourself in the maze of alleys (caruggi) of Europe's largest medieval historic center, discovering hidden squares and historic shops.

Cathedral of San Lorenzo: Admire the imposing Gothic facade with black and white stripes, symbol of the city.
Via Garibaldi and the Palazzi dei Rolli: Walk along the “antica Strada Nuova” (ancient new road), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the sumptuous noble residences that once hosted kings and ambassadors.

Porto Antico & Aquarium: Explore the area redesigned by Renzo Piano, climb the Bigo for a 360° view, and dive into the marine biodiversity of the Genoa Aquarium.

Boccadasse: End your visit in this charming and colorful fishing village, perfect for an aperitif at sunset on the beach.

Riviera di Levante: The Golfo Paradiso and Tigullio

Camogli: Be charmed by the “village of a thousand sailing ships.” Admire the tall, colorful houses overlooking the marina and beach, an icon of authentic maritime life.

San Fruttuoso Abbey: Reach this hidden gem by sea (or via a footpath), set in an unspoiled bay, a place of mystical beauty.

Portofino: Live the dream of the most famous “Piazzetta” in the world. Enjoy the exclusive atmosphere surrounded by luxury boutiques, yachts, and an emerald sea.

Castello Brown (Portofino): Climb from the Piazzetta to the castle for a walk through the vegetation and to enjoy an absolutely unforgettable panoramic view of the bay.

Genoa and its surroundings offer countless wonders to discover for free

🏛️ Genoa: Treasures and Views

The Historic Center and the Caruggi: The first truly free experience is to lose yourself in the labyrinth of alleys (the caruggi), discovering hidden corners, squares, ancient shops, and the authentic soul of the city.

Historic Churches: Most churches can be visited for free and house priceless works of art. Don't miss the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Church of Gesù and Santi Ambrogio e Andrea (with works by Rubens and Reni) and the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata del Vastato.

Atri dei Palazzi dei Rolli: Although there is an admission fee for the museums on Via Garibaldi, many of the atriums, staircases, and inner courtyards of the majestic Palazzi dei Rolli (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are open to the public and can be visited free of charge.

Piazza De Ferrari: Admiring the imposing architecture surrounding the square and its famous bronze fountain is a must for every visitor.

Spianata Castelletto: Accessible on foot or by elevator (there is an entrance fee, but the view is free!), this terrace offers one of the most evocative views of the historic center, the port, and the sea.

Porto Antico: Stroll through the port area redeveloped by Renzo Piano, admiring the sea, the Lanterna (visible from here), and the liveliness of the pier.

Boccadasse: The ancient and colorful fishing village is the perfect end to a walk in the city, with its houses clustered around the small bay.

Staglieno Monumental Cemetery: A veritable open-air museum, famous for its monumental sculptures and funerary architecture.

🏞️ Surroundings and Coastal Walks

Anita Garibaldi Promenade (Nervi): This seaside walkway, carved into the rock overlooking the sea, offers breathtaking views and is completely free. From here, you can also access the Parks of Nervi, a collection of historic villas with gardens open to the public.

Parco delle Mura: For lovers of trekking and panoramic views, this vast park extends over the hills of Genoa, allowing you to walk along the ancient walls and among the historic forts (the forts themselves are generally only visitable from the outside or with paid tours, but the path through the park is free).

Trekking on Monte di Portofino: Access to the Portofino Regional Nature Park is free and offers dozens of kilometers of breathtaking scenic trails through Mediterranean scrub and sea views, ideal for reaching villages such as San Rocco di Camogli or Punta Chiappa without paying.

The history of the LGBT community in Genoa is deeply rooted in the soul of the port city, which has always been a crossroads of cultures and a meeting point for marginalized and “different” people.

Already in medieval and Renaissance times, like many Italian cities, the Republic of Genoa issued severe edicts against sodomy, even though the presence of a clandestine homosexual life was a fact.

The true story of visibility, however, emerges from the charm of the caruggi, immortalized by Fabrizio De André, who gave voice and poetic dignity to the “excluded” and ‘different’ who populated them, including transsexual figures, as evidenced by the story of “Morena” in Via del Campo.

The organized movement has its roots in the 1970s, when the first Genoese group was founded in 1976, affiliated with F.U.O.R.I. (Fronte Unitario Omosessuale Rivoluzionario Italiano, Italian Revolutionary Homosexual Front), often hosted at the headquarters of the Radical Party. This was a period of great ferment and openness, in which the nascent Genoese gay movement connected with the realities of Milan and Turin.

Today, the Arcigay “L'Approdo” association (founded in 2002) and the Coordinamento Liguria Rainbow (CLR) are the pillars of the community, committed to the fight for rights and acceptance, in line with the legacy left by figures such as Don Gallo, the street priest who made the acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community his banner.

The city regularly celebrates Liguria Pride, an event that attracts thousands of people and highlights the anti-fascist and inclusive identity of the local community.

If you visit Genoa, the culinary experience is a fundamental and totally unmissable part of your trip.

The undisputed queen of specialties is, of course, Genoese pesto, to be enjoyed strictly with trenette or trofie pasta, perhaps with the addition of potatoes and green beans.

You can't start the day or have a snack without Genoese focaccia (fügassa), perfectly oiled and crispy, a true city ritual. Don't miss farinata, a thin savory cake made with chickpea flour, cooked in a wood-fired oven, and mattonella genovese, perfect for a quick taste at the bakery.

For a more substantial lunch, try pansoti in walnut sauce, ravioli stuffed with wild herbs and served with a velvety sauce.

For a main course, try cima alla genovese, a stuffed veal roll, or stoccafisso accomodato. Every bite encapsulates the flavor of Liguria, a perfect balance between land and sea.

Genoa is considered a relatively safe and welcoming city for LGBT people, especially visitors, thanks to its long tradition as a port city open to diversity.
As a large university city with a strong history of tolerance (linked to figures such as Don Gallo), Genoa offers a generally relaxed environment. The nightlife includes several clubs, themed evenings, and an ARCO sauna club, which make the community visible and active.

The presence of strong associations such as Arcigay Genova – L'Approdo (which also runs an Anti-Discrimination Center) and Coordinamento Liguria Rainbow (CLR) is a great indicator of safety. These organizations offer legal support, meeting spaces (Rainbow Lab), and are very active politically.
Liguria Pride is a heartfelt event that involves the entire city, strengthening the sense of community and the demand for rights.
However, as in several other large Italian cities, there are incidents of homophobic or transphobic aggression, especially in the historic center at night, evidence of a “hidden discrimination” that associations are trying to bring to light.

In summary: Genoa is welcoming and offers support infrastructure, but it is always advisable to exercise normal caution, especially in less crowded areas or late at night, as in any large city.