Discovering Genoa on a cruise: what to do in a day (2024)

December 3, 2022

Genoa, located in beautiful Liguria, is one of the most frequent ports of call on Mediterranean cruises, here’s what to see and do during the port of call in Cruising Journal‘s tips!

Genoa offers a lot to see, but you can also easily reach many other destinations! So it is also good to go back several times!

Let’s start with the city! Attraction suitable for both children and adults is definitely the Aquarium! The Genoa Aquarium can be reached from the maritime station either on foot, with a distance of about 20 minutes (1.5 km), or by metro reaching Principe station about 200 meters from the port, and then reaching the San Giorgio stop with a total distance of about 10 minutes. The opening hours of the Aquarium vary according to season, as do the ticket prices according to age groups but also according to the time of purchase (i.e., whether the ticket is purchased first online or at the time at the ticket counter).

Adjacent to the Aquarium also are the Biosphere, which houses a portion of the tropical rainforest, and the Bigo, the panoramic elevator designed by architect Renzo piano that provides amazing views of the city. (A combined ticket for the 3 attractions can also be purchased).

Another attraction on the coast is the Galata Museo del Mare, located 700 meters from the port and within walking distance. Opening hours and prices vary for this attraction as well, depending on season and age group. Here it is also possible to visit the Nazario Sauro submarine.

But now let’s devote ourselves to the city center!
In about an hour it will be possible to discover the old part of Genoa! Obviously, you cannot miss a walk to the Old Port, full of attractions, stalls and even little kiosks where you can taste something typical, and then right there you will find the Aquarium, the Biosphere and the Bigo. Also in the center of the square is Palazzo San Giorgio, one of the most important and well-known historical buildings in Genoa, which currently houses the headquarters of the Port Authority.

From the Old Port you can head to Piazza Banchi and stroll through the streets to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. From there you can continue to Piazza Matteotti where you will find the Gesù Church and the Ducal Palace. Continuing further you will arrive at Porta Soprana, one of Genoa’s original gateways, and just nearby you will also find the House of Christopher Columbus. Finally head to Piazza de Ferrari where you will find the great fountain of Genoa and where the most important shopping streets, such as Via Roma or Via XX Settembre, are located.

Once you have seen the main attractions you can decide to take a walk back to the starting point and head to the ship or if you want to enjoy a view of the city from above there is one more place to visit! Head to Piazza del Portello which is at the end of Via Garibaldi, 700 meters from Piazza de Ferrari, from there you can take an elevator to the Castelletto Esplanade!

After the stop is over, all you have to do is go back down and, with a walk of about 600 meters, return to the San Giorgio metro stop to get back to the ship!

On the other hand, if you have already visited Genoa and would like to go elsewhere, you can opt for a visit to Portofino!
To reach Portofino, just outside the Maritime Station there are stairs leading down to the station! From there, Genoa Piazza Principe station, you can take a train to Santa Margherita Ligure, which takes about 50 minutes. When you arrive at your destination you will find a bar at the station exit that sells tickets for the bus to Portofino, which takes about 20 minutes. In Portofino highlights are the church of San Martino, the Church of San Giorgio, the Brown Castle, the Portofino Park, and of course the Piazzetta where elegant stores, restaurants, and bars are located.

Finally, if there is time left, I recommend you go for a dip in Baia Cannone, which is about 550 meters from the Piazzetta of Portofino. It is really worth it!
To return, simply take the bus back to the exact point where it left you to return to Santa margherita ligure and take the train back to Genoa Piazza Principe!

Finally, another alternative, but only if you have plenty of time (otherwise you risk missing the boat), is San Remo. Also from the Genoa Piazza Principe station, you can take the direct train to Sanremo, which takes 2 hours each way, to see the famous Ariston Theater, the San Siro Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Sanremo casino, and the beaches! The closest to the old town, and therefore within walking distance, is between Porto vecchio and Portosole, with beautiful scenery! (Remember to check train schedules first!).

So all that remains is to choose your favorite destination!

You can find updates, more port of call tips and news on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer.

Giorgia Lombardo

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