Cruise Port of Genoa
If your cruise ship is docking in the Cruise Port of Genoa, you will have no end of things to see and do. Genoa is a vibrant maritime gateway nestled along the picturesque coast of Italy.
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As one of the busiest and most historic ports in the Mediterranean, Genoa’s harbour has been a vital hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries. Genoa has to be one of my favourite ports of call, with so much to do within minutes of stepping off the cruise ship.
Having frequently visited Genoa’s port by cruise ship, we have discovered many things to see and do, including extraordinary palaces, museums, and architecture. In this Guide, What to do in Genoa Cruise Port, we will show you all the places you can go and self-explore easily on your own.
Today, the Port of Genoa thrives as a modern and dynamic centre with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Join us as we take a walking tour and discover the gorgeous spots of Genoa and capture the allure of this remarkable maritime destination.
Everything you Need to Know About Things to Do in Genoa Cruise Port for When Your Cruise Docks for the Day.
A Little About Genoa
There is much to see and do in Genoa for adults and children. You can explore the Red and White palaces of Palazzo Doria Tursi, Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco or climb up to the hillside and see the views. There is a fantastic aquarium for children and plenty of restaurants and bars to explore. This is everything you need to know about Things to Do in Genoa Cruise Port for when your cruise docks for the day.
Genoa is a port city in Italy. More specifically, a port city in the Italian region of Liguria. With has a rich history, an extensive role in maritime trade, and monuments, landmarks, and religious buildings. It will come as no surprise that part of the city, the Strade Nuove, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aside from its stunning medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture. Genoa is known for its mouth-watering food, especially its pesto pasta, ravioli, and seafood. Plus, it’s rich art and narrow alleyways. Taking the title of Italy’s oldest inhabited city, Genoa is a truly magnificent place to visit, with plenty of attractions for the entire family to enjoy.
And if the city itself wasn’t impressive enough, the Genoa port just so happens to be the busiest cruise port in Italy, the second largest port in the Mediterranean and the twelfth busiest in Europe. Pretty cool, right?
Where do Cruise Ships Dock in Genoa, Italy?
Genoa cruise ships dock in the Stazioni Marittime at Ponte Caracciolo at Genoa cruise port. If you prefer, the Stazioni Marittime or Maritime Station has five terminals. Three terminals are for ferries, and the remaining two are for cruise ships.
Can you Walk into Genoa from the Cruise Port?
You can walk into Genoa from the cruise port, which will take roughly 15 minutes. You can step off the cruise ship and walk out of the port straight into town. Alternatively, the port offers a variety of transportation options. Such as taxi ranks, metro stops, and local buses that will take you into the city centre or the old port. You will find many restaurants, museums, and other great attractions.
Getting to Genoa from the Airport
The closest airport to the Genoa Cruise Port is Genoa (GOA) airport. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to get from Genoa Airport to the Port of Genoa by taxi, usually costing around 20 euros. You can also fly from Milan Malpensa (MXP) Airport.
Getting about Genoa
You can easily explore Genoa on foot. There is also a city sightseeing bus if you prefer. To get magnificent views, go up onto the cliffside. The easy way is to take the Art Deco lift.
Beaches Near the Cruise Port in Genoa, Italy
One of our favourite things to do when we dock in a new country or city is to visit the beach. And with over 18 miles of coastline, various beaches in Genoa are ready for you to explore, many of which are within walking distance of the city centre.
Vernazzola Beach
Vernazzola is one of the best beaches in Genoa for families with kids, as the water is mostly calm and suitable for swimming. Occasionally, the sea can get a little rough, but for the most part, the bay protects the area making it an ideal spot for an afternoon on the sand.
Boccadasse Beach
A smaller but more lively beach is Boccadasse Beach, which has restaurants and bars just a short walk away from the pebbly sand. However, the pebbles at the beach aren’t the most appealing to sit on. Unfortunately, many beaches in Genoa are composed of pebbles. When the sea isn’t too rough, Boccadasse is a great place to go snorkelling to see some of Italy’s underwater marine life.
Bagni Europa Snc, Bagni Italia Genova, and Spiaggia Pubblica are other beaches in the Genoa area. However, the waters can be choppy, so if you have young children, that is something to remember.
Go up the Castelletto lift
The Castelletto Lift is a beautiful Art Deco elevator in Genoa that whisks you up from the city centre to one of the best viewpoints above the rooftops. It’s not just practical but also charming, offering a quick and elegant way to enjoy sweeping views of the port, old town, and surrounding hills.
Museums in Genoa
Museum-lovers will be happy to know that Genoa is home to more than a dozen interesting museums. Some focus on naval history, and others showcase paintings and artefacts from the middle ages.
- Galata Museo Del Mare Genoa: Maritime museum with old ships, boats, and educational exhibitions.
- Royal Palace Museum Genoa: An extraordinary palace with sculptures, paintings, marble and fabrics.
- Strada Nuova Museums Genoa: Paintings and artwork from world-famous painters.
- Palazzo Spinola National Gallery Genoa: Art artefacts and paintings from the middle ages.
- National Gallery of the Spinola Palace: Frescoes, paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics and geographic maps.
- FantaCinema– A museum dedicated to film props and memorabilia.
Visit the house of Christopher Columbus
One of the most popular things to do in Genoa is to explore Christopher Columbus’s house. Christopher Columbus, one of the most famous explorers of all time, was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451 and went on to discover America. The house museum where he grew up in the eighteenth century has been reconstructed and is now open to the public. Here you to learn more about the life and discoveries of the dedicated traveller as well as explore the house and gardens.
Palaces to Visit in Genoa Near the Cruise Port
Thanks to Genoa’s rich history, the city has some of the most spectacular palaces you’ll ever see. 42 of the 150 Palazzi dei Rolli palaces are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many palaces are privately owned (wouldn’t that be nice?), but a handful that are within walking distance of one another are must-dos during your time in Genoa. Some of the most famous Museums to visit are along the street named via Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Doges Palace known as Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale is located in the iconic square of Piazza de Ferrari. The palace features an open-air cafe, temporary art, and exhibits. The tower was once used as a prison.
The Palazzo Rosso
Palazzo Rosso is one of the city’s most preserved palaces along via Giuseppe Garibaldi. There are three museums to visit with the Rosso, including Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria-Tursi. With one ticket to the Strada Nuova Museums, you can stroll around all three museums to see the beautiful finishes, carvings, and artwork that lie inside. It truly is stunning!
Palazzo Doria Spinola
The 16th-century palazzo Spinola was commissioned by Francesco Grimaldi. It has been home to the National Gallery since 1958. Sadly, the top two original floors of the Palazzo Spinola were destroyed by a bomb during World War II. But this resulted in a restoration project that transformed them into the art museum, the National Gallery of Liguria.
Palazzo San Giorgio
The Palace of St. George (Palazzo San Giorgio) has a frescoed exterior that alone is worth visiting. Built in 1290, the palace has a notable history as it was constructed with materials from the Venetian embassy. It even held Marco Polo prisoner and wrote his travelogue from 1296 to 1299 after he commanded a war against Genoa.
Museo di Palazzo Reale
The Museo di Palazzo Reale in Genoa is a magnificent 17th-century palace that once housed the city’s noble families and later the Savoy dynasty. Its highlight is the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, inspired by Versailles, where gilded stucco, sparkling chandeliers, and endless reflections create a breathtaking display of Baroque grandeur.
More Palaces to visit include but not limited too:
- Palazzo Lercari-Parodi
- Palazzi dei Rolli
- Palazzo Di San Giorgio
- Palazzo Ducale
- Palazzo Lomellini di Strada Nuova
- Palazzo Carrega Cataldi
- Palazzo Angelo Giovanni Spinola
Explore Galeone Neptune Ship
Strolling through the historic heart of Genoa, you will see ann old galleon ship. The Galeone Neptune was built as a movie set for Roman Polanski’s 1986 film Pirates. We visited and it cost 5-euro entrance fee to explore it up close. Walking around the decks, I found it fascinating to imagine the lives of early explorers and sailors, bringing history to life in a unique way. A truly unique experiance.
Shopping and Dining Near Genoa Cruise Port
As Genoa is one of the busiest ports, you can best believe there are plenty of shops and restaurants for your family to choose from.
Some of the best shopping streets in the city are Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembre, which include boutiques and well-known fashion brands.
In terms of restaurants, you’ll find options that will appeal to every palate, from Michelin-starred fine dining to restaurants serving Genoa’s famous pesto pasta. You’ll be spoilt for choice as soon as you leave the port. Small side alleys offer pizzas and the region’s famous foccia bread to take away.
Exploring the Old Town/Old Port
The beauty of cruises is that you can typically book on-shore excursions at the cruise terminal. We regularly check out what the cruise line offers, as you’re met with a guide who knows their stuff about the area you’re visiting. However, if you prefer to wing it and explore Genoa on your terms, then there are plenty of things to do in the Old Town, which will entertain everyone in your family.
Centuries ago, the Old Port was the hub for all things commercial trade in Genoa, but today, the area has been completely transformed to house attractions, restaurants, and shops for visitors and locals to relish.
Genoa Aquarium
One of the best kid-friendly activities in Genoa’s Old Town is the Genoa Aquarium, also known as the Acquario di Genova. You’ll find the aquarium in Porto Antico, and let me tell you, you won’t be disappointed.
The Acquario di Genoa is the largest aquarium in Europe, spanning 27,000 square meters with 39 tanks, 15,000 specimens and over 400 species.
Piazza De Ferrari
Piazza De Ferrari is Genoa’s main square with a spectacular bronze fountain and surrounding well-known buildings like the Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo della Regione Liguria, and the Carlo Felice Theatre.
Porta Soprana
History buffs look no further than the Porta Soprana, which dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries. This towering entrance door is the only one in the city, leading visitors to the historic Genoa city centre. It’s a landmark you’ll likely pass on your travels, so look out for it.
Explore the San Lorenzo Cathedral and Other Churches
We do appreciate a cathedral, especially when it is as beautiful as the San Lorenzo Cathedral. Dating back to the 12th century, the San Lorenzo Cathedral is the most crucial church in Genoa, and inside, you can take in the beauty of the historic building or head down into the basement to visit the Museum of Treasure, which contains relics of the saint himself.
The Chiostro di Sant’Andrea in Piazza Dante
The Chiostro di Sant’Andrea in Genoa is a peaceful medieval cloister tucked away near the city center. Once part of a Benedictine monastery, its graceful stone arches and columns surround a quiet courtyard that feels worlds apart from the bustling streets outside. It’s a lovely hidden corner to explore, offering both history and a moment of calm in the heart of Genoa.
Some of the churches to explore include:
- Chiesa di San Luca
- Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano
- Basilica di Santa Maria di Castello
- Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
- Chhiesa del Guess e dei Santi Ambrogio
- Chiesa Di San Donato
- Basilica delle Vigne
- Chiesa di San Siro
- Antica Farmacia Erboristica Sant’Anna dei Frati Carmelitani Scalzi
- Chiesa di san Filippo Neri
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena
- Chiesa di San Matteo
Via Garibaldi
The Via Garibaldi is where you’ll find the most extravagant palaces and architecture in Genoa. And even if you don’t intend on visiting the palaces, the narrow streets of Garibaldi are worth visiting on their own. You can even stop for a coffee at one of the cafes to sit back and enjoy your surroundings.
Take a trip to Portofino
The port of Portofino is a half-moon-shaped seaside village with a beautiful harbour and a stunning waterfront.
Portofino has quickly become a popular destination for the rich and famous. And although it’s a 50-minute drive to the village from Genoa, it is well worth it. After all, you may catch a glimpse of your favourite celebrity.
Go a Little bit Further and Visit Santa Margherita
If you’ve decided to visit Portofino, check out the neighbouring city of Santa Margherita. Santa Margherita is home to one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline. Dotted with quaint fishing villages, and succulent red shrimp that chefs toss in linguine. There are plenty of souvenir shops and bars to sit and watch the world go by too. It doesn’t get much better than that.
