Best things to do in Genoa

Aquarium of Genoa includes 70 tanks housing more than 600 different species of sea creatures, including dolphins, seals, sharks, and tropical fish. In the old harbor area of the city, the aquarium covers more than 3,100 sq m (33,000 sq ft) and welcomes more than 1 million visitors each year. Opened in 1992, the venue was built to celebrate the 500th anniversary of local sailor Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New World. Designed by Genoese architect Renzo Piano, the structure resembles a ship ready to head out to sea. Advance tickets are available online.

Uncover the city’s special relationship to the sea at Galata Museo del Mare. The narrative starts on the ground floor with the story of native son Christopher Columbus. The evolution of the sailing ship is explained in detail through paintings, charts, and handmade scale models. Next, high-tech exhibits trace the history of the city’s reign as a medieval maritime power. The second floor houses a vast collection of old maps and globes, while the third floor narrates the story of the more recent Italian emigration to America. For a hands-on experience of this part of the country’s history, grab your own immigrant passport and ticket and become a third-class passenger aboard a White Star liner, in a simulation of a transatlantic journey to New York. The arrival in Ellis Island is recreated with stunning accuracy, complete with surly immigration officials. The topmost floor of the building offers sweeping views of the cityscape, so be sure to bring your camera.

Boccadasse, an old mariners' neighborhood, is popular with tourists but retains a traditional charm. Wander its streets and admire the colorful buildings. Sit on the small, rocky beach and watch the fishing boats. This area is also home to a medieval-style castle. Stroll along the Corso Italia for some local atmosphere. Sample the catch of the day at one of the area's seafood restaurants.

See the sacred bowl that's rumored to be the chalice Christ used in the last supper at Cattedrale di San Lorenzo - Duomo di Genova. Most of this grand, historic cathedral was built in the 14th and 15th centuries, but a church has been on this site since the fifth or sixth century. Gaze up at the ceiling frescoes, admire the statues of St. John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary, and discover other religious artworks. Visit the Museum of the Treasury under the cathedral to see the vast collection of jewelry and silverware from 9 CE to the present.

Soaked in history and rich in local color, Old Port houses museums, movie theaters, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Renowned architect Renzo Piano redeveloped this area in the 1990s, restoring the historic buildings, like the old cotton warehouse, and creating new landmarks that have become the city’s biggest tourist draws. Take a long walk along the seafront promenade and be sure to visit the harbor’s biggest attractions, which include a museum dedicated to the city’s special relationship to the sea and a modern aquarium. Genoa remains an important port on the Mediterranean, and this busy harbor is filled to the brim with yachts, ferries, cargo ships, and boats of all sizes. Stop by for a bit of sightseeing, shopping, and fine dining.

A 2 km (1.2 mi) seafront walkway cut into rocky cliffs, Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi offers panoramic views of the sea. Stretching along a rugged part of the coastline, this popular waterfront promenade was built over an ancient footpath, once used almost exclusively by local fishermen and farmers. The promenade was constructed in two stages over the last decades of the 19th century, and is named after Anita Garibaldi, the Brazilian-born wife and comrade-in-arms of revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi. Use this walkway to access a 16th-century tower, once an important part of an extensive coastal defense system, now one of the region’s most recognizable symbols.

Ride the elevator to the top of the tower at Spianata Castelletto. You also can climb the 80 m (262 ft) on foot. Admire the old city port and the area's many gardens, as well as the antique architecture of the elevator facility. Originally part of a fortress, this site is in one of Italy's most pleasant residential areas.

Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is made up of five medieval towns filled with winding streets, pastel houses, and a thriving fish industry. After viewing the hilltop vineyards and terraced farms, head down to the beach or take walk through the wildlife preserve. The area is perfumed by rosemary and thyme and filled with gulls and martens. Wear comfortable shoes.

In the historic heart of Genoa, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi is one of the more ornate and grandiose streets in all of Italy, complete with stonework and vivid colors. Sixteenth- through 18th-century palaces with hidden courtyards and gardens line the 250 m (820 ft) long road. While some of these palazzos are private property, you can visit the ones with museums, galleries, and civil organizations. Antique shops and gift stores also dot the street.

As the main square of Genoa, Piazza De Ferrari contains a renowned, recently restored fountain in its center. You’ll find the historical and modern city centers nearby. The Palace of the Doges, the Carlo Felice theater, and the architect-designed early 20th-century stock exchange building surround the square. If you take any foot tour of Genoa, you’ll likely pass through here multiple times. If you have a chance, stop in a bar or restaurant and really take in the views.

Museo di Palazzo Reale is a popular palace in Genoa built for the Balbi family in 1618. The decor wows most visitors, with antique furniture and impressive frescoes. There are paintings by Giovanni Battista Carlone, Angelo Michele Colonna, and Agostino Mitelli. Be sure to find the king’s balcony, where you can admire the view of the sea. After you’re finished touring the interior, head to the garden for calm surroundings.