Genoa Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Italy’s busiest port is in a city with a rich maritime history. Genoa was once the capital of the influential Republic of Genoa, and consequently was once one of the wealthiest cities in the world. This can still be seen in the magnificent architecture on display in the old town. Genoa is also the birthplace of may notable historical figures such as Christopher Columbus. The city earned the title as a European Capital of Culture for its rich history in art, music and cuisine. Be sure to try some deliciously fresh seafood while you’re there as well as local specialties such as pesto and Genoese focaccia. In this Genoa destination guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your next Genoa trip.

Short on time? Here are our Genoa Italy top recommendations:

Highlights: discover the opulent Palazzi dei Rolli, explore the fascinating Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno and savour delicious Genoese food.

Activities: book your Genoa Italy Tours with Get Your Guide.

Accommodation: we use Booking.com to find the best hotels.

Transport: TrainLine for trains and FlixBus for intercity buses.

Flights: find cheapest flights with cashback on WayAway.

Airport Lounge Access: start your holiday the right way with Priority Pass.

Travel Medical Insurance: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the ideal choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

What is Genoa Italy famous for?

Genoa is a historic port city that was once the capital of one of the world’s most powerful maritime republics. Its role as a major port continues to this day, as it remains one of the busiest seaports in Europe. During Genoa’s long and storied history, it birthed famous figures like Christopher Columbus. Once one of the richest cities in the world, Genoa is known for its gorgeous historical center which is filled with relics of this bygone era such as the UNESCO listed Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli. Genoa is also known for its contributions to the culinary world with famous dishes like pesto. Additionally, Genoa is famous for being a European Capital of Culture due to its contributions to art, music and food.

Why you should visit Genoa Italy

One of Italy’s most underrated cities is Genoa on the Italian Riviera. Italy’s premier port city has a long and interesting history as a powerhouse maritime capital. It is an easy city to get around with the added benefit of free citywide transport during certain hours. In particular, the city’s funiculars and elevators provide easy access to great vantage points overlooking the city.

Genoa’s waterfront location provides access to deliciously fresh seafood. There’s nothing better than getting takeaway seafood from a local friggitoria and enjoying your meal overlooking the harbour. Genoa’s habourfront is also home to the largest aquarium in Europe, which is a fantastic place to spend a couple of hours admiring the marine life on display.

This city in northern Italy is also a place of culture and history. In particular, the Palazzi dei Rolliis a UNESCO world heritage site that is a must visit in Genoa. Apart from this important display of architecture, Genoa is also home to many museums, beautiful public squares, interesting narrow laneways and of course many statues and sculptures. The city comes alive in its many festivals throughout the year, such as the celebrations for Genoa’s patron saint, San Giovanni Battista.

Genoa Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Genoa Italy

• City name in Italian – Genova
• Language – Italian. Genoese is the main Ligurian dialect spoken in Genoa. This dialect is also known as zeneise or zeneize. Many people in hotels, restaurants and other tourist businesses will be able to speak English, but not everyone will be able to speak English.
• Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Italy since 2002. Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are available widely throughout the country.
• Population – 584,000 (2017)
• Area – 243 km²
• Province – Genoa
• Region – Liguria. Genoa is the capital of this region.
• Emergency number – 112 or 114 (sms or fax)
• Police number – 17

Utilities in Genoa Italy

• Electricity – Italy uses Types C, F and L power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in Italy. However in some places you need to be careful not to use too many appliances at once or you’ll overload the system.
• Water – the tap water in Italy is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country. However there are a some very rural areas may not have water that’s safe to drink. In particular, if you see a sign that says “acqua non potabile”, that means the water is not safe to drink.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Italy. You can flush your toilet paper directly into the bin. Additionally, bidets are a common feature of many bathrooms. Public toilets are common in Italy. However many public toilets charge a fee anywhere from 50 cents to 1 euro to use.
• Telephone country code: +39

Where is Genoa Italy?

Genoa is in the province of Genoa in the Liguria region of northern Italy. It is a port city on the Mediterranean Sea in the Italian Riviera.

The closest major Italian cities to Genoa are Milan, Turin, Bologna as well as Florence. Genoa is 1.5 hours by train from Milan, 2.5 hours by train from Turin, 3 hours by train from Bologna and 4 hours by train from Florence.

How to get to Genoa Italy

Genoa destination guide: Arriving by land

Genoa Italy intercity land transport

The main transport options for travelling overland to Genoa Italy are:

• Private vehicle
• Private transport operator
• Shuttle Bus – Volabus is a shuttle bus service between Genoa Airport and the city. A one way ticket costs 6 euro or 5 euro if purchased online (prices as at 2024). The journey time is 30 minutes. There is also a shuttle bus between Sestri Ponente railway station and Genoa Airport called Genova Airlink.
• Train
• Bus
• Bike

Driving to Genoa from within Italy

If you are driving to Genoa from within Italy, here are the travel times and distances:

• Milan – 1 hour 54 minutes (145km) with tolls or 3 hours 17 minutes (158km) without tolls
• Turin – 2 hours 9 minutes (171km) with tolls or 3 hours 28 minutes (199km) without tolls
• Bologna – 3 hours 18 minutes (297km) with tolls or 4 hours 53 minutes (286km) without tolls
• Florence – 2 hours 53 minutes (230km) with tolls or 5 hours 13 minutes (262km) without tolls
• Rome – 5 hours 36 minutes (501km) with tolls or 8 hours 21 minutes (522km) without tolls

Intercity trains to Genoa Italy

Trains are a cheap and efficient way to get to Genoa Italy. Genoa has 26 stations in use. 4 are operated by AMT Genova (Azienda Mobilità e Trasporti), the local transport company of Genoa. The rest are operated by RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana). The main train station in Genoa is Genova Piazza Principe railway station.

The following train brands service Genoa:

• Frecciabianca – this is one of Italy’s high speed services. It is operated by Trenitalia. This line runs from Turin to Livorno.
• Intercity – this is a non-high speed rail service which is run by Trenitalia. These services travel between the major towns and cities in Italy and make more frequent stops than the high speed rail services.
• Treni Regionali Liguriani – regional trains in the Liguria region.
• Eurocity services (Trenitalia) – this service connects cities across different countries in Europe. This line runs from Marseille France to Milan Italy. It stops at a number of cities in France, Monaco and Italy along the way.
• EuroCity service (SBB) This line runs from Genoa Italy to Zurich Switzerland. It stops at a number of cities in Italy and Switzerland along the way.
• Night services (Russian Railways) – this runs from Nice France to Moscow Russia.

The main railway company in Italy is called Trenitalia.

We recommend using the app and website TrainLine to book intercity train tickets in Italy. This is the app we used. We found it very easy to use with great functionality. Another great feature is that you can see days ahead to see what times of the day were the cheapest rates.

Intercity buses to Genoa Italy

A common way to get around Italy is by using intercity buses. These are a budget friendly alternative to trains, but are generally a slower option. Intercity bus companies in Italy include Marino Autolinee, Itabus, Autolinee Federico, Interbus as well as FlixBus. Popular bus destinations from Genoa include:

• Milan Italy – travel time 2 hours. Tickets start from 9 euro one way.
• Rome Italy – travel time 6.5-8.5 hours. Tickets start from 12 euro one way.
• Florence Italy – travel time 3-5 hours. Tickets start from 5.5 euro one way.
• Nice Côte d’Azur (Airport) – travel time 3 hours. Tickets start from 8 euro one way.

Genoa destination guide: Arriving by air

The nearest major airport to Genoa is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (Airport code GOA). This international airport is 8km west of the city.

Other nearby airports include:

• Riviera Airport (Airport code ALL). This airport is 76km away.
• Cuneo International Airport (Airport code CUF). This airport is 106km away
• Parma Airport (Airport code PMF). This airport is 117km away.

The national airline of Italy is ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo).

Genoa destination guide: Arriving by boat

The city of Genoa is on the Mediterranean Sea. The Port of Genoa is the most famous and one of the largest seaport in Italy. It has 4 main entrances:

• The eastern inlet
• The Western (Cornigliano) inlet
• The Multedo entrance
• The Pra’ entrance

In terms of Passenger transit, the port has 5 cruise docks and 13 ferry berths.

From Genoa, there are ferries to Corsica, Sardinia, Tunisia, Spain, Sicily as well as Morocco. There are up to 13 ferry crossings from Genoa per day. However availability may vary depending on the season. The ferry companies that operates out of Genoa include Moby, Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), CTN Ferries as well as Tirrenia.

Genoa destination guide: How to get around Genoa Italy

Walking in Genoa Italy

By far the easiest and cheapest way to get around Genoa is to walk. Furthermore, most of the main attractions in the city area are within easy walking distance.

Funiculars in Genoa Italy

There 2 funiculars in Genoa. These provide access to the higher areas of Genoa. The two funiculars are Sant’Anna and Zecca-Righi. From 2021 the funiculars in Genoa are free to use. These services are operated by the city’s public transport service, AMT.

Elevators in Genoa Italy

Due to the hilly terrain of Genoa, public lifts have been installed to improve pedestrian movement around the city. The are currently 14 lifts throughout Genoa which are all free to use. These services are operated by the city’s public transport service, AMT.

Local buses in Genoa Italy

Local buses service Genoa. These services are operated by the city’s public transport service, AMT.

Trolleybuses in Genoa Italy

The Genoa trolleybus system currently has one route:

• 20 Foce (Via Rimassa) – Sampierdarena (Piazza Vittorio Veneto)

This service is operated by the city’s public transport service, AMT.

Trams in Genoa Italy

Genoa does not have a tram system.

Local trains in Genoa Italy

Local trains service Genoa. These services are operated by the city’s public transport service, AMT.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Genoa Italy

Genoa has one underground train line. It runs from Rivarolo, in the Polcevera Valley, to the city centre. This service is operated by the city’s public transport service, AMT. It is free to ride on the Genoa Metro between 10am and 4pm as well as between 8pm and 10pm.

Genoa Casella railway

A scenic railway system connects Genoa to Casella. The route spans over 25km and passes by fortresses, valleys, woods, ancient villages as well as a historic Aqueduct. This service is operated by the city’s public transport service, AMT.

On demand bus service in Genoa Italy

Drinbus is a service that provides on demand minibuses. To book a Drinbus call 800 085302 and choose origin and destination bus stops for your journey as well as the start time for your journey. This service is operated by the city’s public transport service, AMT.

On demand taxibus service in Genoa Italy

Taxibus is a service that provides on demand taxis in a number of low coverage areas. To book a Taxibus call 800 085302 and choose origin and destination bus stops for your journey as well as the start time for your journey. There are 9 routes that this service operates on. This service is operated by the city’s public transport service, AMT.

Mobility bus service in Genoa Italy

Genoa provides on demand mobility buses for registered mobility impaired people. Firstly you must register that you have special requirements in advance with the Municipality of Genoa in order to get authorisation to access the service. Once you have registered, call Mobility Bus on 800 085302 to book a service. This service is operated by the city’s public transport service, AMT.

Vehicle hire in Genoa Italy

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Italy. This includes:

• Bicycles – There are self-service bike share services available in the city from companies such as nextbike. Alternatively you can hire a bike from a bike hire shop such as Bike Fever.
• Cars
• SUVs
• Campervans
• Boats

The Italian drive on the right side of the road.

Taxis in Italy

Taxis are common in Italy. Fares are regulated and are usually metered. The exception to this will be standard journeys such as airport trips. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. Taxi rates are usually displayed inside the vehicle as well as at taxi ranks. In general your fare will include the following costs:

• The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle
• There may also be an additional fee for extra people or heavy luggage
• Price per kilometre – this price can vary depending on the time of day
• Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic. The price also varies depending on the time of day

It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers in Italy. At most, Italians may round up the fare to the nearest dollar as a tip.

To ensure you are charged the correct amount, be sure to only use official taxis that have a taxi sign on the roof. Also check that the taxi driver resets the metre before taking off and that the metre is working. In particular, if your trip is inside city limits “Tarrifa 1” on the metre should be lit up. Note that this is the lower and correct rate. Conversely, Tarrifa 2 and 3 should only be used for trips outside the city walls or to the airport.

Ride-share services in Genoa Italy

Genoa does not have any ride-share services.

Genoa Italy destination guide: Is Genoa worth visiting?

While Genoa is often overlooked in favour of more glamorous Italian tourist destinations like Venice, Rome and Florence, it is certainly worth visiting. The city has a rich history, an abundance of beautiful architecture and landmarks to explore as well as a fantastic food scene which includes fresh seafood and local dishes like pesto and focaccia. Additionally, as a major seaport, Genoa is easy to get to and is also the gateway to the Cinque Terre region of Italy. Some of the top tourist attractions in Genoa include the Royal Palace which has frescoes, stuccos, sculptures, furniture and paintings by Anthony van Dyck; the Genoa Aquarium which is the largest in Italy and one of the biggest in Europe; the Cathedral of San Lorenzo which is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture; and the Monumental Cemetery Of Staglieno which is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe.

Genoa destination guide: How long to spend in Genoa Italy

Genoa is a great place to come for a weekend. It is a lively port city with great food and a wide variety of museums and other attractions. We spent 5 days in Genoa and enjoyed taking time to enjoy the various activities available in this vibrant city.

Genoa destination guide: What to do in Genoa Italy

The beautiful Italian city of Genoa has many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Genoa destination guide: Free things to do in Genoa Italy

There are enough free activities in Genoa Italy to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

• Boccadasse neighbourhood
• Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi
• Spianata di Castelletto
• Via Giuseppe Garibaldi
• Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
• Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno
• Palazzi dei Rolli – free only on the Rolli Days. The dates for Rolli Days are variable but are generally 3 days in early May and early October. On other days entry is included in the Genova Museum Pass, which costs 15 euros for adults (as at 2024).
• Old Port of Genoa
• Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari
• Chiesa e convento di Santa Maria di Castello
• Via XX Settembre
• Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
• Chiesa del Gesù e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea
• Mercato Orientale Genova
• Genoa funiculars and elevators

Additionally, rides on Genoa funiculars as well as elevators throughout the city are free.

For more details, see our Genoa travel guide on the 15 Best Free Things To Do in Genoa Italy.

Genoa destination guide: Paid activities in Genoa Italy

A number of attractions in Genoa Italy charge an entry fee:

• Galata Museo del Mare – entry fee is 17 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• Museo di Palazzo Reale – entry fee is 10 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• Aquarium of Genoa – entry fee starts from 25 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• Castello D’Albertis – entry fee is 6 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• Palazzo Ducale – price varies depending on exhibition
• Musei di Strada Nuova – entry fee is 9 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• Villa Durazzo Pallavicini – entry fee is 11 euro for adults (as at 2024)

Other paid activities in Genoa Italy include:

• Whale watching tours
• Fishing charters and tours
• Sailing
• Watersports

Genova Museum Card

The Genova Museum Card is a ticket that gives you access to 28 museums in Genoa (including some of the Palazzi dei Rolli) plus the local public transport for a 24 hour period. Public transport that is included in the ticket includes bus, metro, lift and funiculars. It does not include Navebus, Volabus or Trenitalia trains. Tickets cost 15 euro for adults (as at 2024).

Genova City Pass

The Genova City Pass is a city card that allows you to explore many of the attractions in Genoa for free. Additionally free transport on the local public transport is included and you can get discounts and special offers for a selection of shops and activities in the area. Public transport that is included in the ticket includes bus, metro, lift and funiculars. It does not include Navebus, Volabus or Trenitalia trains. There are 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour passes are available as well as different types based on the activities that are included.

The types of Genoa City Pass are as follows:

• Seize the Moment! Genoa in 24h – 20 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• 48h Genoa Weekend Card – 35 euro for adults (as at 2024)
• Genoa in 48h – 40 euro for adults (as at 2024). Choose from Be Active, Culture & Heritage or Edutainment
• Genoa in 72h – 55 euro for adults (as at 2024). Choose from Be Be Active, Culture & Heritage or Edutainment

For more information on the Genoa City Pass, visit this website: https://www.genovacitypass.it/

Weather in Genoa Italy

Genoa enjoys a warm temperate climate. Its climate is heavily influenced by the nearby Mediterranean area. During the winter it is cold with average temperature range between 6°C and 11°C in the coldest month of January. Summers last from June to September and are hot and sunny, with the average temperature range between 21°C and 27°C in the hottest month of August. It is a windy city and experiences frequent and sometimes powerful winds. Snow is rare but not unheard of in Genoa. The month with the most rainfall is October with 3.9 days of rain on average and the driest month is July with an average of 1.8 rainy days.

Best time to visit Genoa Italy

If you can time your Genoa trip to coincide with a Rolli Day, we highly recommend doing so. Rolli Days are held on two weekends a year during which time the Palazzi dei Rolli are open to the public. The actual dates change each year but are generally in Spring and Autumn. Rolli days are a great time to explore these UNESCO listed historical sites.

Genoa is also host to a number of events and festivals throughout the year which you may want to consider attending. The major Genoa events to look out for are Holy Week which is typically in March or April, the Suq a Genova cultural festival in June, the San Giovanni Battista patron saint festivities in June and the Circumnavigando clown festival in December.

In general, the best time to visit Genoa is between late May and mid September, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities. The peak tourist season is between June and August, so expect higher prices at that time.

Internet and mobile phones in Italy

Since June 15th, 2017, Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules came into force for European Union countries. As such, people with European Union mobile numbers are no longer charged temporary mobile roaming fees if they travel within the European Union. This means that if you have a European Union mobile number, you can use that number anywhere within the European Union and you will be charged for calls, texts and data in the same rates as if you were in your home country. There are limits to this in order to prevent abuse of these rules.

The main internet and phone companies in Italy include TIM, Vodafone, Wind, 3, Iliad.

5G has been in Italy since June 2019. However 2G is expected to continue in Italy until 2025.

The average internet speeds in Italy are reasonably fast. Italy is ranked 55^th fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 73^rd fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 81mbps and upload is 20mbps (as at April 2024).

The best place to buy cell phone SIM cards in Italy are in phone stores. They can be found in shopping malls and city centres. We recommend not buying a SIM card at the airport as prices are generally higher at the airport. You will need to present photo ID in order to purchase a SIM card.

How much to budget for Genoa Italy?

Is Genoa expensive?

Genoa is an inexpensive Italian city which has a lot to offer. It has a great range of affordable accommodation and plenty of free or budget-friendly attractions. Some of the top free things to do in Genoa include visiting Piazza de Ferrari which is the city’s main square; exploring the Palazzo Ducale which is one of the most iconic buildings in Genoa; strolling along the narrow streets and enjoying the historic buildings of Genoa Old Town, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; visiting the Cathedral of San Lorenzo which is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture; and exploring the Monumental Cemetery Of Staglieno which is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe123. Additionally, many of its most iconic foods such as focaccia and pesto can be enjoyed for a reasonable price. Furthermore getting around the city for free is a breeze thanks to its free vertical lifts (which includes its elevators and funiculars) as well as its Metro being free between the hours of 10am-4pm and 8pm-10pm.

Genoa destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Genoa Italy

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city and free or cheap activities.
• Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and some paid activities.
• Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities and eating at high end restaurants.

Genoa destination guide: Accommodation in Genoa Italy

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Genoa Italy. Airbnb operates in Italy and Genoa has a number of apartments for rent.

Where to stay in Genoa Italy?

We recommend the following accommodation in Genoa Italy:

• Best hostel in Genoa Italy – Ostello Bello Genova offers spacious and clean rooms and a large kitchen area. It is conveniently close to the train station and has a great social vibe. One thing to keep in mind is their wifi is slow and doesn’t work in the rooms.
• Best 3 star hotel in Genoa Italy – B&B Hotel Genova City Center is a modern and clean hotel in a central location. The staff are kind and helpful and the breakfasts are very good.
• Best 4 star hotel in Genoa Italy – Hotel Astoria is a stylish and newly renovated hotel with very comfortable beds. They have kept the original lift, which is plush and adds a lot of character. It is conveniently located close to the train station and many amenities. The staff are very welcoming and the breakfasts are delicious.
• Best 5 star hotel in Genoa Italy – Grand Hotel Savoia is a beautifully preserved hotel that exudes old world luxury. The rooftop bar has panoramic views of the city. Breakfasts and service are excellent. Additionally it is in a very convenient location close to the main train station.

How much is accommodation in Genoa Italy?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – 20-30 euro for a dorm
• Mid-range accommodation – 50-130 euro for a private room
• Luxury accommodation – 150-300 euro a night for a luxury hotel
• Rental property – 150-650 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home

City tax on accommodation in Genoa Italy.

Most cities in Italy charge a city tax, which must be paid to your host and is an additional charge on top of your nightly rate. Genoa introduced its city tax on 2 April 2012. It is a per person per night charge for all guests over the age of 14. The charge varies depending on the star rating of the accommodation. The prices as at 2024 are as follows:

• 1 star = 1.50 euro
• 2 stars = 1.50 euro
• 3 stars = 1.50 euro
• 4 stars = 3 euro
• 5 stars = 4.50 euro

Genoa destination guide: Food in Genoa Italy

Being on the water, seafood is very popular in Genoa.

How much does food cost in Genoa Italy?

Our price guide for your food budget in Genoa Italy is as follows (prices as at 2022):

• Restaurant meal – 15-20 for a main dish
• Bakery food – 3.50 for arancini, 1-4 euro for a slice of pizza
• Glass of wine – 4-7 euro
• Coffee – 1-4 euro

Coperto charge for restaurants in Italy

Most restaurants will charge a coperto charge for dining in. This cover charge is usually around 1-3 euro, but may be higher in touristy areas. It is a fixed per person charge and is meant to cover things like table linen, tableware and may also cover bread. It’s a non-negotiable charge and must be listed on the menu. If you can’t find it listed on the menu, ask your waiter if there is a coperto charge.

Servizio charge for restaurants in Italy

Some restaurants charge a servizio charge. This service charge is generally a percentage of your bill and must be listed on the menu. It is usually charged in restaurants in touristy areas as well as for groups of 8 or more.

Regional dishes in Genoa Italy

• Pesto
• Genoese Focaccia
• Genoese Cima
• Pansoti with walnut sauce
• Tripe
• Ravioli alla genovese
• Farinata di ceci
• Pandolce

Cheap Eats in Genoa Italy

• Panetterias or focaccerias (Italian bakeries) are great places to get cheap as well as delicious food. Slices of pizza are around 1-4 euro. Arancini are around 3.50 euro each. Other common food in Italian bakeries include panini, canoli as well as fritole.
• Pizzerias are unsurprisingly abundant in Italy and are also perfect for a cheap quick meal. Prices will vary depending on size and ingredients, but expect to pay around 5-10 euro for a pizza.
• Gelato in Italy will satisfy your sweet tooth but without breaking the budget. Expect to pay around 3 euro for a single scoop cone.

Fine dining in Genoa Italy

Genoa is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

1 star Michelin restaurants in Genoa Italy (2024):

• The Cook
• Il Marin
• San Giorgio

Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Genoa Italy (2024):

• Rosmarino

Michelin Plate restaurants in Genoa Italy (2024):

• Hostaria Ducale
• Santa Teresa
• 20Tre
• Le Rune
• Il Michelaccio
• Soho
• Voltalacarta
• Le Cicale in Città
• Spin Ristorante-Enoteca
• Ippogrifo
• Osteria della Foce
• Santamonica
• Capo Santa Chiara
• La Pineta

Genoa Italy culture

Genoa public holidays

• New Year’s Day – 1 January
• Epiphany (Epifania or Befana) – 6 January
• Easter Sunday (Pasqua) – typically in March or April
• Easter Monday (Pasquetta) – the Monday after Easter Sunday, typically in March or April
• Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) – 25 April
• International Workers’ Day (Festa del Lavoro) – 1 May
• Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) – 2 June
• Midsummer’s Day – 24 June
• Nativity of Saint John the Baptist – 24 June (patron saint holiday for Genoa)
• Assumption Day (Ferragosto) – 15 August
• All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti or Tutti i Santi) – 1 November
• Day of the Immaculate Conception (Immacolata) – 8 December
• Christmas Day (Natale) – 25 December
• Saint Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano) – 26 December

National symbols of Italy

• Italy flag – a tricolour flag featuring three vertical bands coloured green, white and red from left to right.
• Italy coat of arms – this features a Roman wreath, a white 5-pointed star with a red border on a 5-spoked cogwheel, an olive branch, an oak branch as well as a red ribbon with the words “REPVBBLICA ITALIANA”.
• National flower – lily
• National bird – Italian sparrow
• Italian national animal – Italian wolf

Italy pastimes

• National dish – Ragu alla Bolognese
• Popular drinks – Aperitivo, Negroni, Campari, Aperol Spritz, Prosecco, Limoncello, Italian wine
• National sport – football
• Religion – 79.2% Catholic, 3.5% Eastern orthodox, 7.5% agnostic, 4.1% atheist (as at 2021)

Famous people from Genoa Italy

• Famous people born in Genoa Italy – explorer Christopher Columbus, violinist Niccolò Paganini, progenitor of House of Grimaldi Grimaldo Canella, revolutionary figure Balilla, author of the Italian national anthem Goffredo Mameli, Saint Catherine of Genoa, astronaut Franco Malerba
• Sports stars from Genoa Italy – footballer Federico Chiesa, sprinter Francesca Carbone, footballer Fabio Valente

Is Genoa Italy Safe?

Italy travel guide: Safety in Italy

We travelled through Italy for two weeks and generally found the country to be very safe. However as with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers particularly in Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan and Naples. Beware that bag snatchers can even use cars as well as scooters for drive by bag snatching. Milan also has an issue with counterfeiters selling fake goods. Additionally, Naples and Florence have a reputation for scams. Theft is the most common crime in Italy, so never leave your belongings unattended. Be particularly vigilant in crowds as well as on public transport. Also, make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase.

General safety considerations in Italy

Other general safety considerations for travel in Italy:

• Drinking water – Tap water in Italy is safe to drink almost everywhere. However some very rural areas may not have water that’s safe to drink. In particular, if you see a sign that says “acqua non potabile” the water is not safe to drink.
• Nightlife – never leave your drink unattended because there have been reports of spiked drinks in bars and nightclubs.
• Mosquitoes – the tiger mosquito has been in Italy since 1991. It spreads diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikunguya.
• Altitude sickness – Italy has areas of high altitude and consequently risk of altitude sickness. Therefore allow sufficient time to acclimatise if visiting high altitude areas. Additionally, if you experience signs of altitude sickness (headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath) get help immediately.
• Road safety – Italy has one of the highest road death tolls in Europe, due to driver behaviour as well as road conditions. Robberies from cars are not uncommon, particularly around gas stations. Always lock your vehicle, roll up windows and never leave valuables unattended in your vehicle. Ignore anyone who tries to flag you down – even if they are telling you you have a flat tyre. Carjackings are a risk in some parts of the country such as Sicily.
• Taxis – only use official taxis designated by a taxi sign on the roof. Moreover, don’t take a ride from a driver that approaches you.
• Water safety – take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect.
• Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term as well as long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Wear sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

Italy Blogs

You can find our Italy travel blogs below.

Affiliate Links

This website contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission on any purchases at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue our travels and make more travel blogs and travel videos, thank you!