{"id":21325,"date":"2018-01-24T09:00:25","date_gmt":"2018-01-24T17:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=21325"},"modified":"2025-08-27T14:32:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T21:32:46","slug":"genoa-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/genoa-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"10 THINGS TO DO IN GENOA, ITALY"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although Genoa does not rise to the top of most Italy travel itineraries, the underrated birthplace of Christopher Columbus and pesto Genovese offers visitors rich maritime history, refined gastronomical fare, bustling piazzas, and noteworthy medieval architecture.<\/p>\n

Genoa Italy was dubbed \u201cLa Superba\u201d or the proud one by medieval poets and served as the European Capital of Culture in 2004.<\/p>\n

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The wealth and prestige of the influential families who ruled the mercantile Republic during the height of its power can still be seen in the decadent palazzos they constructed.<\/p>\n

Unlike its former maritime rivals Pisa and Venice, Genoa still has a working port that was renovated in 1992 to commemorate the 500-year anniversary of Columbus\u2019 expedition.<\/p>\n

It still serves as the economic heart of the city.<\/p>\n

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1) LEARN ABOUT GENOA’S MARITIME HISTORY<\/h2>\n

The Galata Museo del Mare<\/a> features several immersive exhibitions that trace the history of Genoa\u2019s rise as a maritime superpower in the Middle Ages when it battled with Venice for mastery of the trade links to the East as well as the city\u2019s role as the launchpad for Italian migration to America in the 19th century.<\/p>\n

History buffs will appreciate the museum\u2019s collection of old maritime maps and illustrated globes. The submarine tour is a hit with children, while the rooftop observatory provides panoramic views of the colorful city.<\/p>\n

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2) EXPLORE THE HISTORIC GENOA CITY CENTER<\/h2>\n

Genoa\u2019s city center is best explored on foot with comfortable shoes. It is one of the largest preserved medieval city centers in Europe and boasts a long list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stroll along Via Garibaldi Avenue to view timeless 16th-century residences with lavish gardens. The avenue is aptly nicknamed the \u201cgolden street\u201d by art history lovers for its concentration of museums that house many Renaissance masterpieces.<\/p>\n

The city\u2019s labyrinth of narrow alleys (or Caruggi as locals call them) offer up lots of shopping opportunities.<\/p>\n

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3) TOUR THE OPULENT PALAZZO REALE<\/h2>\n

Travelers partial to glitzy European palaces such as Versailles should head to the Palazzo Reale<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This regal palace, built by the Babli family in the 17th century and owned by the House of Savoy in the 19th century, still contains many of the original furnishings and art. By the end of its rule, the Savoy dynasty reached almost all of the Italian peninsula.<\/p>\n

The opulence of the palace, with its own less-crowded version of the Hall of Mirrors, is a testament to the power the family wielded.<\/p>\n

The pastel passageways and Baroque gilded rooms are filled with artwork by renowned masters such as Van Dyk and Tintoretto. The Palazzo Reale\u2019s terrace overlooks manicured gardens with sea views.<\/p>\n

Related: <\/strong>The Best of Northern Italy in 4 Days<\/a><\/p>\n

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4) VISIT THE LARGEST AQUARIUM IN THE MEDITERRANEAN<\/h2>\n

Genoa boasts the biggest aquarium in the Mediterranean with the largest exhibition of biodiversity in Europe \u2013 600 animal and 200 vegetal species.<\/p>\n

You will need to budget a couple of hours to make your way through the numerous exhibitions<\/a> and go early in the day if you would like to catch one of the dolphin shows. Virtual reality experiences and colorful jellyfish and local coral exhibitions also mesmerize young visitors.<\/p>\n

There is even an Ice Kingdom exhibition that includes penguins from the Antarctic region. I\u2019m a bit partial to penguins, so I was excited. <\/p>\n

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5) ADMIRE THE ARCHITECTURE OF SAN LORENZO CATHEDRAL<\/h2>\n

A short walk from the palazzos is the Romanesque-gothic San Lorenzo Cathedral<\/a> built between the 12th and 14th centuries. The cathedral\u2019s main fa\u00e7ade design alternates black and white stone, a pattern that is commonly seen throughout major cathedrals in the Liguria region.<\/p>\n

The interior is decked out in Byzantine-style frescos, while the underground Treasury museum houses the valuables and religious objects such as the \u201cSacro Catino\u201d believed by some to be the Holy Grail.<\/p>\n

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6) PEOPLE WATCH AT PIAZZA DE FERRARI <\/h2>\n

Located at the crossroads of the historic city center and modern financial district, the Piazza de Ferrari<\/a> and its photogenic fountain make a good stop to rest and grab lunch after exploring the historic center or museums.<\/p>\n

On a sunny day, the fountain is the perfect spot in the middle of the lively piazza to sit and people watch or admire the Art Nouveau architecture of the Palazzo Della Borsa, which houses the stock exchange.<\/p>\n

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Our Top Places To Stay In Genoa, Italy<\/em><\/h4>\n