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Italy > Genoa

5 ideas for guided tours in Genoa

• Corso Italia

  The most beautiful promenade in Genoa is located in the residential area of Albaro. Stretching over two kilometers, this scenic walkway takes you from the Foce district to the charming village of Boccadasse.

  Corso Italia was built in the early 20th century, running along the steep cliffs that overlook the sea. In 1935, it underwent a renovation, adding elegant flower beds, palm trees, and small fountains.

  Lined with municipal beaches, cafés, and restaurants, it is also home to some of Genoa’s most notable landmarks, including the Abbey of San Giuliano, dating back to 1282, the Punta Vagno lighthouse, the San Giuliano fortress, and the famous Nuovo Lido seaside resort, where the Miss Italy selections were held in the 1950s. This vibrant area remains a popular gathering place for the people of Genoa.

• Via Garibaldi

  Formerly known as Strada Nuova, Via Garibaldi is one of the most iconic and popular avenues in the city. This street was built in the mid-16th century to create a prestigious northern entrance to the city, welcoming wealthy merchants and distinguished visitors.

  Here, the system of Palazzi dei Rolli was introduced, requiring aristocratic families to offer their palaces as lodging for esteemed guests. Along this street, you’ll find twelve magnificent Renaissance buildings, each competing in grandeur with stunning facades and intricate decorations. The most famous ones include the Palazzo Doria Tursi, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Rosso.

  To fully appreciate the history behind these landmarks, consider hiring a tourist guide in Genoa. They will bring the legendary stories of these sites to life through the centuries.

• Boccadasse

  Boccadasse is a former fishing village located just on the outskirts of Genoa. You can reach it with a 3 km walk along Corso Italia. The origins of this district date back to the Middle Ages, when a group of fishermen, after nearly shipwrecking, decided to settle and build a small village.

  Here, you’ll discover a splendid little bay with charming pastel-colored houses clinging to the cliffs. The village is filled with picturesque cobbled alleys and historic buildings, and even has a small pebble beach where you can relax.

  The atmosphere is absolutely magical, making it a delightful place to explore. In the evening, when the heat subsides and the sun sets, take a seat on a terrace facing the sea and enjoy the Italian dolce vita.

• Port

  The Port of Genoa is the largest maritime and industrial hub in Italy, spanning over 20 kilometers.

  It features two lighthouses, six marinas, a massive aquarium, several maritime museums, bars, restaurants, ferry terminals, shipyards, and thousands of shipping containers.

  Make sure to visit the Old Port, which has been beautifully renovated and is now one of the city’s most popular sites. Along a large esplanade, visitors can stroll while discovering various attractions, including former customs warehouses dating back to the 17th century, which have been completely restored.

  You can also admire a replica of a 16th-century galleon, Le Neptune, which was used in the filming of Roman Polanski’s *Pirates*. No visit to the Porto Antico is complete without exploring the largest aquarium in Europe. Right next to it, the panoramic lift offers a breathtaking view over the Genoese metropolis.

• Palazzo Ducale

  The Palazzo Ducale, whose construction began in 1298, became the seat of government and the residence of the Doges from 1339 until the late 18th century.

  It is located in the old town, facing Piazza de Ferrari. Throughout its history, it has been restored, renovated, and expanded multiple times, transitioning from Renaissance to Neoclassical style.

  After a devastating fire in 1777, its majestic marble elements were prominently showcased. In the 1980s, an extensive architectural restoration project lasting over ten years transformed the palace, making it the country’s leading cultural center.

  Today, this venue hosts a variety of events year-round, including multicultural exhibitions, art displays, concerts, festivals, and fairs.