Often overshadowed by Rome, Florence, and Venice, Genoa (Genova) is one of Italy’s most underrated cities. As one of the Mediterranean’s busiest cruise ports and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa offers visitors a fascinating mix of medieval streets, grand palaces, impressive maritime history, and incredible Ligurian cuisine.
I visited Genoa during two of my Mediterranean cruises, and this itinerary is based on exactly how I spent my day in the city.
The best part? Most of the city’s highlights are within walking distance from the cruise terminal, making Genoa an ideal destination for travelers with only one day to explore.
That’s one of the reasons I really like Genoa as a cruise stop. Everything I wanted to see was within walking distance, so I didn’t have to worry about transportation or rushing around. Instead, I could simply enjoy a relaxed day exploring this beautiful Italian city at my own pace.
Whether you’re arriving on a Mediterranean cruise or planning a short city break, here’s how to make the most of one unforgettable day in Genoa.
Morning: Start at Porto Antico
Begin your day at Porto Antico (Old Port), the heart of Genoa’s waterfront.
Once one of Europe’s busiest trading ports, it has been transformed into a lively area filled with museums, cafés, restaurants, and panoramic viewpoints.
Highlights include:
- The famous Bigo panoramic lift
- The beautiful marina
- Street performers
- Waterfront cafés
- The Aquarium of Genoa
Take your time walking along the waterfront, watching the boats come and go, and soaking up the atmosphere before heading deeper into the city.
Visit Piazza De Ferrari
No visit to Genoa is complete without stopping at Piazza De Ferrari.
The city’s main square is instantly recognizable thanks to its impressive central fountain, elegant architecture, and lively atmosphere.
Surrounding the square you’ll find:
- Palazzo Ducale
- Teatro Carlo Felice
- Historic government buildings
- Shopping streets
It’s the perfect place for a coffee break before continuing your exploration. If shopping is more your thing, this is also one of the best areas in Genoa, with plenty of shops just a short walk from the square. I actually visited during the Christmas season, and there was a lovely Christmas market set up around the fountain, which made the whole area feel even more magical.
Walk into Europe's Largest Medieval Old Town
From Porto Antico, step into Genoa’s famous Centro Storico.
This UNESCO-listed maze of narrow streets – known locally as caruggi – is one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in Italy.
You’ll discover:
- Tiny hidden squares
- Historic churches
- Family-owned bakeries
- Boutique shops
- Beautiful old palaces
- Local cafés tucked away from the crowds
Getting slightly lost here is part of the experience.
Lunch: Taste Authentic Ligurian Cuisine
One of the best reasons to visit Genoa is the food.
After all, this is the birthplace of pesto alla Genovese.
Don’t miss:
- Fresh pesto pasta
- Focaccia Genovese
- Focaccia di Recco
- Seafood risotto
- Fried seafood
- Ligurian white wine
For dessert, try:
- Gelato
- Canestrelli cookies
- Pandolce Genovese
Many traditional trattorias can be found throughout the Old Town.
Afternoon: Visit the Aquarium of Genoa
After lunch, make your way back toward The Aquarium of Genoa, one of the city’s biggest attractions and one of the largest aquariums in Europe.
If you’re traveling with children, this is an absolute must-visit, but I think adults will enjoy it just as much. There are hundreds of marine species to discover, making it a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon.
One tip from my own experience: if there’s a long queue at the ticket office, don’t automatically join it. When we visited, the line was huge, so we simply went onto the aquarium’s website, bought our tickets online in a couple of minutes, and walked straight in while everyone else was still waiting. It saved us a surprising amount of time.
If aquariums aren’t really your thing, you can simply spend more time exploring the waterfront or enjoying a drink at one of the cafés overlooking the harbor.
Evening: Sunset at the Waterfront
Before returning to your cruise ship or hotel, spend some time back at Porto Antico.
As the sun begins to set, the harbor becomes even more beautiful.
Enjoy:
- A waterfront aperitivo
- Local seafood
- Italian wine
- Sunset photography
- Evening strolls
It’s the perfect ending to a day in one of Italy’s most authentic cities.
Is One Day in Genoa Enough?
Yes.
While Genoa deserves several days of exploration, one day is enough to experience many of its highlights.
Because the cruise terminal sits so close to the city center, visitors can comfortably explore most major attractions on foot without needing taxis or public transportation.
If Exploring Genoa Isn't for You...
If wandering through medieval streets, historic palaces, and museums doesn’t sound like your ideal day, don’t worry – there’s another fantastic option.
Many cruise lines offer shore excursions to Portofino, one of Italy’s most famous seaside villages. Known for its colorful waterfront, luxury yachts, charming harbor, and breathtaking coastal views, Portofino is one of the most picturesque destinations on the Italian Riviera.
Portofino has been on my travel bucket list for a long time. Every time I’ve stopped in Genoa, I’ve chosen to explore the city itself because there was so much I wanted to see. But next time Genoa is on my cruise itinerary, I already know what I’ll be doing – booking the excursion to Portofino. From everything I’ve seen, it looks absolutely breathtaking, and I can’t wait to experience it myself.
If you’re still deciding where to cruise in the Mediterranean, check out my guide to the best Mediterranean cruise itineraries.
So if you’ve already visited Genoa before, or simply prefer spending your day in a postcard-perfect coastal village, a Portofino shore excursion could be the perfect choice.
Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Most cruise ships dock just a 10–20 minute walk from Porto Antico.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – the Old Town has uneven cobblestone streets.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in busy tourist areas.
- Many museums close during lunch hours, so check opening times in advance.
- Carry some cash for smaller cafés and bakeries.
- If this is your first cruise, don’t miss my guide to 21 First-Time Cruise Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation.
Final Thoughts
I’ve visited Genoa myself on a Mediterranean cruise, and it’s one of those ports that surprised me the most. I wasn’t expecting such an easy city to explore on foot, but that’s exactly what made me enjoy it so much. Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets, trying authentic focaccia, or relaxing by the waterfront, Genoa offers a wonderfully authentic Italian experience without feeling as crowded as some of Italy’s more famous destinations.
If you have Genoa on your cruise itinerary, I definitely recommend spending the day exploring the city on your own. And if you’ve already been or you’re looking for something different, a shore excursion to Portofino is another fantastic option that I’m hoping to experience on my next visit.
As always, if you have any questions about visiting Genoa, Mediterranean cruises, or planning your itinerary, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help fellow travelers make the most of their cruise stops.