Experiences in Genoa: Tours, Tickets and Useful Info

Quick Guide to Activities

This page guides you through the best experiences 🏆 we have selected to help you discover Genoa through its history, sea and culture.

📌 For a more complete overview of some attractions, click on the links to the dedicated pages +🔗.

Historic Centre
Porto Antico +🔗
Aquarium of Genoa +🔗
Galata Maritime Museum +🔗
Lanterna of Genoa +🔗
Boat Trips and Cruises
Useful Info and Tips

Historic Center

In the heart of Genoa, you’ll find some of the most interesting experiences in the historic centre, among narrow alleyways, historic squares and noble palaces that tell centuries of history and tradition.

Genoa: 2-hour guided walking tour of the historic center – A complete introduction to the city, perfect for discovering the main landmarks with an expert guide.
Genoa: private customized tour with a local guide – A tailor-made experience for those who want to explore hidden corners and curiosities through a personalized itinerary.
Genoa: panoramic city tour with funicular and snack – Admire Genoa from above and enjoy a scenic itinerary with the comfort of the funicular and a snack included.
Genoa Rolli Palaces: guided tour of the UNESCO site – Discover Genoa’s magnificent historic palaces, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Genoa: traditional food tour – Taste traditional Genoese dishes accompanied by local drinks on a guided journey through authentic flavors.
Genoa: City Pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours – The ideal solution for getting around the city freely and easily accessing its main attractions.
Guided tour of the Rolli Palaces and Royal Palace – Discover the Rolli Palaces and Royal Palace with a guide, exploring the history, architecture and stories of Genoa’s aristocratic heritage.
Genoa: private Royal Palace, Rolli Palaces and walking tour – A private tour exploring the Royal Palace and Rolli Palaces, delving into the history and aristocratic heritage of Genoa.

Porto Antico

Porto Antico of Genoa is one of the city’s liveliest and most characteristic areas, home to some of the main attractions along Genoa’s waterfront.

Genoa: Biosfera admission ticket – An original experience in the heart of Porto Antico, discovering a tropical environment rich in plants and animal species, housed in the distinctive glass structure designed by Renzo Piano.
Genoa: Aquarium and FantaCinema combined ticket – An ideal way to combine a visit to the Aquarium of Genoa with FantaCinema, from large marine environments to a journey dedicated to the world of fantasy and cinema.

🔗 Learn more: Porto Antico of Genoa: Tickets and Useful Info

Aquarium of Genoa

Aquarium of Genoa, one of Genoa’s most iconic attractions, offers a journey through marine habitats, tropical environments and species from around the world.

Genoa Aquarium: timed-entry ticket – The simplest and most convenient way to visit the famous Aquarium. Choose your preferred time slot and access the exhibition path directly, avoiding long waits.
Genoa Aquarium: entry ticket and lunch – A perfect experience for those who want a worry-free visit: includes the entrance ticket and a full lunch in one of the partner restaurants in the Old Port area.

🔗 Explore: Aquarium of Genoa: Tickets and Useful Info

Galata Maritime Museum

The Galata Maritime Museum is one of the most interesting places in Porto Antico to learn about the history of navigation and Genoa’s relationship with the sea.

Aquarium of Genoa and Galata Sea Museum: Admission Ticket + Submarine Visit – A complete experience combining two of the main attractions in Porto Antico, also including a visit to the submarine, to discover Genoa through the marine world, navigation and history.
Galata Maritime Museum: Skip-the-Line Ticket + Nazario Sauro Submarine – A convenient way to visit the museum and step aboard the Nazario Sauro, exploring one of the most important Italian submarines open to the public.

🔗 Learn more: Galata Maritime Museum: Tickets and Useful Info

Lanterna of Genoa

The Lanterna of Genoa is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols and one of Italy’s most important historic lighthouses.

Genoa: combined ticket for the Aquarium and the Lanterna – An interesting way to combine a visit to two of Genoa’s best-known attractions, from exploring the Aquarium’s marine environments to discovering the city’s historic lighthouse.
Genoa: admission ticket to the Lanterna – The simplest way to visit one of Genoa’s symbols, reach the Lanterna complex and learn about the history of the lighthouse along the visitor route.

🔗 Learn more: Lanterna of Genoa: Tickets and Useful Info

Excursions and Boat Cruises

Genoa is an ideal starting point for exploring the Ligurian coast by sea. Boat trips from Genoa allow you to discover Portofino, Camogli, San Fruttuoso and the Cinque Terre. Below you’ll find a selection of the best activities for enjoying the sea and the landscapes of Liguria.

Genoa: Full-day tour to Camogli, San Fruttuoso and Portofino – A full day along some of the most iconic destinations on the Ligurian Riviera, with free time to explore charming villages and spectacular bays.
Genoa: whale-watching cruise with marine biologist guide – A unique experience in the Pelagos Sanctuary, accompanied by marine biologists who will help you spot dolphins and other species.
From Genoa: boat tour to Portofino with free time to explore – A pleasant boat trip with the chance to visit Portofino with all the time you need.
From Genoa: Full-day tour of Genoa and Portofino – A complete experience combining the discovery of the city with a beautiful boat trip to Portofino.

Useful Info & Tips

Visit duration: Activities in Genoa range from 1.5 to 4 hours for Porto Antico, the Aquarium, and nearby museums (Biosfera, Galata, Submarine, FantaCinema, Città dei Bambini). Walking tours in the historic center last 2–3 hours, while panoramic tours with funicular or Hop-on Hop-off buses last about 1.5–2 hours. Boat trips to Portofino, Camogli, San Fruttuoso, and the Cinque Terre can take half a day to a full day; whale watching lasts about 4–5 hours.

Accessibility: Porto Antico, the Aquarium, Galata, and Biosfera are fully accessible. In the historic center, some sections have uneven paving, but tours are generally suitable for everyone. Panoramic tours are easy to enjoy. Boat excursions are usually accessible, although boarding may involve small steps: check according to the chosen tour.

Temperature and clothing: In summer, light clothing, a hat, and water are recommended; indoors, a light layer is useful. On a boat it can be windy: bring a sweatshirt or windbreaker. In winter, dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for the historic center.

Available services: Porto Antico offers full services: bars, restaurants, restrooms, shops, and relaxation areas. The Aquarium and museums are also well-equipped. Boarding points are easily reachable. Booking is recommended, especially on weekends and during peak season.

Hours, prices, and reservations: Major attractions require timed-entry tickets. Boat trips should be booked in advance during high season. Combo tickets (Aquarium + museums or Lanterna) offer good savings.

Recommended time slots: Early morning or late afternoon for the Aquarium and Porto Antico. Historic center tours preferably in the morning. Boat trips are best in the morning, while sunset cruises offer spectacular views. Whale watching is ideal around midday.

Photography: Porto Antico, the Aquarium, Bigo, Biosfera, and Lanterna offer excellent photo spots. The historic center is perfect for evocative shots. Boat excursions provide unique views of Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Camogli, and Cinque Terre; during whale watching, you can photograph dolphins and whales while respecting safety rules.

Other Destinations

Milan, the capital of style innovation, art and tradition come together in a city that is always on the move.

Turin, Savoy elegance a capital of culture, historic cafés and grand squares framed by the Alps.

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance masterpieces, artisan workshops and panoramic views make every experience unique.

🔐 Some images on this page are used under Creative Commons licenses:
By https://www.pexels.com/u/ghostpresenter/ – Milan, Porta Nuova skyline – CC0 – Public Domain – Wikimedia Commons
By Hpnx9420 – Turin, view from Monte dei Cappuccini – Own work – CC BY 3.0 – Wikimedia Commons
By PROPOLI87 – Florence, panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo – Own work – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons
By Andreasspot – Genoa, Panoramic view of the city of Genoa – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons