What to see in Genova in 2 days
2-day itinerary in Genova: from UNESCO Rolli palaces to the caruggi of the center, from the Old Port to the secret belvederes of the Superb vertical city.
Why visit Genova in 2 days
Genova is a city that doesn't reveal itself immediately: you must enter it, get lost in the caruggi (the extremely narrow alleys of Europe's largest medieval old town), look up at the Rolli palaces, descend to the port and then climb back up by elevators and creuze to the belvederes. It's a vertical, layered city full of contrasts between Renaissance opulence and popular life. Two days are the minimum to grasp its essence.
Day 1: The Rolli, the Caruggi and the Old Port
Morning (9:00 - 13:00)
Start from **Via Garibaldi** (Strada Nuova), the UNESCO World Heritage Rolli palaces street. Visit at least one of three museums: **Palazzo Rosso** (gallery with Van Dyck, Veronese, Strozzi — 1 hour), **Palazzo Bianco** (Rubens, Caravaggio), or **Palazzo Tursi** (with Paganini's violin). Even just walking through the open portals is extraordinary.
Then descend through the **caruggi** toward Piazza Banchi: the medieval commercial heart with the **Loggia dei Mercanti** and the elevated church of San Pietro in Banchi. From here, slip into **Vico degli Indoratori** and parallel streets: fryer shops (farinata, focaccia), historic perfumeries, antique dealers.
Reach the **Cathedral of San Lorenzo** (black-and-white striped facade, Gothic): inside, the **Treasury Museum** holds the Sacro Catino (purported Holy Grail). Time: 40 minutes.
Afternoon (15:00 - 18:30)
Dedicate the afternoon to the **Old Port** (redesigned by Renzo Piano): the **Aquarium of Genova** (if interested, 2 hours) is Italy's largest, but simply strolling among the Biosphere, the Bigo (rotating panoramic elevator), and the Cotton Warehouses is pleasant.
Then ride the **Castelletto elevator** (from Piazza Portello, free): the belvedere on top offers Genova's most iconic view — the port, slate rooftops, and the sea. Continue on foot to **Spianata Castelletto** and the 19th-century residential quarter.
Evening
Aperitivo in the Piazza delle Erbe area (Genova's nightlife hub). Dinner: trofie al pesto (pesto born here is incomparable), cappon magro, focaccia di Recco. Look for restaurants on Via San Bernardo or Sottoripa.
Day 2: Hidden Genova and the Heights
Morning (9:00 - 12:30)
Ascend to **Castello d'Albertis** (Montegalletto funicular or on foot via creuze): the world cultures museum is housed in a neo-Gothic castle with spectacular port views (1 hour).
Descend and reach the **Carmine quarter**: less touristy than San Lorenzo, more authentic, with its namesake church and still-visible public wash-houses. From here, walk the **Salita di San Bartolomeo degli Armeni** to the church holding the **Mandylion**, one of Christianity's oldest relics.
If time allows, the **Royal Palace Museum** (Via Balbi, 1 hour) offers sumptuous interiors with frescoes, mirrors, and a panoramic terrace.
Afternoon (14:30 - 18:00)
Take the **Casella train** (departing Piazza Manin, historic narrow-gauge train) for a panoramic inland journey (45 minutes one way). Or reach **Boccadasse** (bus or 20-minute walk from Corso Italia): the fishing village with colorful houses and a small beach is the perfect finale.
Cultural alternative: the **Staglieno Monumental Cemetery** (bus 34, 1-hour visit) is an open-air 19th-century sculpture gallery with monumental tombs that leave you speechless. Mark Twain called it the world's most beautiful.
Evening
Last Genovese dinner: pansoti with walnut sauce, stuffed anchovies, cima alla genovese (stuffed veal pocket). The Via San Vincenzo area or the Oriental Market (recently revitalized with food venues) are perfect.
Practical tips
- The caruggi are safe by day but dimly lit at night: watch your wallets
- Use the public elevators and funiculars: they're part of urban transit (AMT ticket)
- The Genova Museum Card (48 hours) includes major museums and transport
- Focaccia is eaten hot, fresh from the oven: look for bakeries open from 7am
- Parking: Porto Antico garage or Piazzale Kennedy (waterfront)
Useful links
Practical info
How long do you need to visit Genova?
We recommend setting aside 2 days to visit Genova at a relaxed pace.
What to see in Genova in 2 days?
The first day takes in the Rolli, the caruggi and the Old Port, the second hidden Genova and the heights.
When's the best time to go to Genoa?
We recommend April, May, June, September and October, the period with the smallest crowds.
How touristy is Genoa?
Genoa is not very crowded compared to the more visited destinations.
What's the location of Genoa?
Genoa is found in the area of Liguria, Italy.
Suggested as an alternative to
If you're looking for crowd-free destinations like this one, also see:
How to get there
- 🚆 Nearest station: Genova Brignole ~0 km as the crow flies
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto Internazionale di Genova - Cristoforo Colombo GOA ~8 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
