Genoa

Genoa

Italy

Wander through the labyrinthine caruggi alleys where medieval palaces hide behind weathered facades and centuries of Genoese maritime history whisper from every corner.

Currency Euro (EUR)
Language Italian
Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
Best Time to Visit May–Oct
Typical Duration 7-9 nights
Price Range $129–$18,193 per person
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port No

Genoa is Italy's largest port and a gateway to the Italian Riviera, offering rich maritime history, Renaissance architecture, and convenient access to Mediterranean coastal destinations.

Cruises that visit Genoa

Build Your Day in Genoa

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Acquario di Genova Very interactive and a good experience even on a busy weekend. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 82k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Fiumara Pretty good store brands, and a good food court. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 22k Open · Closes 9 PM
Cathedral of San Lorenzo Free admission. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 13k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Foocaccia Food and Drink Friendly service, very good Focaccia ☺️Nice location and good vibe 🤗 Bakery · ★ 4.7 · 13k
MOG Mercato Orientale Was a lovely market fresh items on all stalls and incredibly laid out Food court · ★ 4.3 · 12k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Doge's Palace Good spot to escape the heat as it's very cool within the structure. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 9k
Cavour modo21 | Trattoria Genovese Everything was amazing, the service, the food, the vibe. Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 8k
Boccadasse Beach Small nice clean beach with a lifeguard. Beach · ★ 4.6 · 8k
Osteria di Vico Palla Amazing fresh food superb fish and traditional pasta from Liguria region. Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 5k Closed · Opens 12 PM Tue
Il Terminal • Centro Commerciale Very good price and products Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 5k Open · Closes 11 PM
Eataly Genova Perfect place to buy fresh and organic vegetables, fruits, and cheese. Food court · ★ 3.9 · 5k Open · Closes 10 PM
Royal Palace Museum The Highlights Exhibition is great, and the views from the balcony good too. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 4k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Il Genovese Solid place to try Genovese food - pesto pastas were very delicious! Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 4k
COIN Cosmetics, clothes, etc are from more or less affordable brands. Dress store · ★ 4 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Zara Love to pop to Zara, always great stuff and team Clothing store · ★ 3.8 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Trattoria Ugo dal 1969 Absolutely genuine Italian food, reasonable prices, a real gem Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closed
Trattoria delle Grazie Bravo to the entire team for amazing food service and atmosphere. Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 3k Closed · Opens 12:30 PM Thu
Vernazzola Beach Very nice option for a quick swim near Genova. Beach · ★ 4.1 · 3k
Lanterna di Genova Prepare for a 14-floor climb Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Il Masetto Good quality-price ratio and surprisingly delicious and creative options. Hamburger · ★ 4.7 · 3k
Trattoria Rosmarino The menu is simple and delicious, with amazing pesto pasta, and seafood. Italian · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Spiaggia Pubblica di Priaruggia A beautiful, not overly crowded, spot to watch the sunset in Genoa. Public beach · ★ 4.2 · 3k
Trattoria dell'Acciughetta Amazing food, nice atmosphere (loved the music playlist) , great service. Italian · ★ 4.5 · 3k
La Goletta Seaside pub No crowd, comfy tables and chairs, the beer kept coming right away. Pub · ★ 4 · 2k
Spiaggia di Pegli A very beautiful place in Genoa and Worth visiting like nervi Public beach · ★ 4.1 · 2k
Friggitoria San Giorgio Good food, friendly face went back twice in my visit to Genoa Seafood · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Osteria Da Canneto Very nice atmosphere, great food at affordable pricing and great wine. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k
SOHO RESTAURANT Friendly and attentive service, good food, served in an attractive way. Italian · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Scurreria Beer & Bagel Great service, amazing servers, wide beer selection and... Pub · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Le Rune Exceptional service and food creative menu new each week Italian · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Spiaggia pubblica di Capolungo Capolungo Beach offers a serene escape along the stunning Italian coastline. Public beach · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Musei di Strada Nuova - Palazzo Rosso Beautiful museums for affordable prices and nice gardens. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Rustichello Restaurant The most perfect pesto pasta I have ever eaten Very well mastered cooking Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Zeffirino Genova Nice place, fast service, good food and wine suggestions. Italian · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Settepolpette Good food, attentive service, and a very pleasant atmosphere. Italian · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Osteria Le Colonne Both time, the service, the food and the overall atmosphere were flawless. Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Galleria Giuseppe Mazzini Beautiful historic building with some lovely shops - worth a visit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open 24 hours
Porta Soprana The surrounding area has a fantastic energy and is perfect for exploring! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
I Cuochi Every dish is crafted with care, and the service is flawless. Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Les Rouges Cucina & Cocktails polite staff and amazing coctails, and the atmosphere is great too Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
LA CUCINA DI SONIA The Pasta pesto was amazing I have ever tried in Genova. Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k
TAZZE PAZZE Specialty Coffee Great place, lots of good coffee brews and plenty of vegan dishes. Coffee shop · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Spiaggia pubblica di Quinto Also, there is an option of getting a beach-chair from the bar Beach · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Gran Ristoro Fresh ingredients, huge selection, low prices. Sandwich · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Caffè degli Specchi Very nice people, excellent food, outdoor in indoor seating area. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Cafhein A very nice vibe, perfect coffee and friendly staff. Espresso bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Thu
Le Mura di Malapaga Specific local place in Genoa with excellent services, good food & good wine Italian · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Kamun Lab Very friendly staff, decent playlist, prices reasonable. Pub · ★ 4.6 · 1k
RISTORANTE SAN GIORGIO Thoroughly excellent, exquisite food and service. Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 12:30 PM Tue
Il Marin We went for the 7-course mystery tasting menu and were blown away. Italian · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Alla Lunga Ristorante We had various seafood dishes, beautifully presented and tasted amazing. Italian · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Ristorante Santa Teresa In our 10 days in Italy, the lasagne pesto here was the best thing we found! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Ippogrifo Great food, great wine selection, great service Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon
Ristorante La Voglia di Genova - A Coae de Zena Excellent service through the dinner and perfect atmosphere outdoors. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Ristorante Santamonica The 7 course meal was great, especially paired with the wine recommendation. Seafood · ★ 4.3 · 1k Opens soon · 8 PM
Genoa Store Centro The prepared foods on the second floor tasted just as good as they looked. Sportswear store · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Vecchia Genova Delicious focaccia ( everything so fresh and tasty)and cosy atmosphere. Sandwich · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Caffè Fratelli Nadotti Super nice staff, great atmosphere, good coffee and food. Espresso bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed
Fossatello's Border Cafe Great service and really great local beverages, served beautifully. Espresso bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Il Michelaccio Everything was SO delicious 🤤 authentic genovese cuisine with a unique spin. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Louis Vuitton There are very kindly staff and have a good shopping experience. Leather goods store · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Honey Bar Cute bar, friendly staff, good drinks, nice atmosphere Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Luca's street & food - hamburgheria Delicious food, an incredible price, and the most lovely people. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Cambi Cafè Fantastic atmosphere, tasty food, amazing owner, friendly staff Bistro · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Spiaggia pubblica Beach · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Zenuino delicious food at a great price with incredible staff. Italian · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Public House Brewery All fabulous...staff amazing ...beers wonderful... Food delicious! Pub · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Biggie cocktail bar Great service, lovely cocktails and yummy bites. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Caffetteria Orefici e Latteria Buonafede Excellent coffee ☕ shop! Coffee shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Caffè Museo La Bottega Del Conte She made me the best drink, amazing music, beautiful atmosphere. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 PM
Caruggi di Genova The shops are unique. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Posta Vecchia Cocktail Bar Tequileria Some neat little specialty drinks and excellent service from the staff. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
La Cozzetta Food was so good and prices very fair. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Spiaggia di Genova But free, at the beach and next to the city. Beach pavillion · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Isi Ivano Ricchebono Chef The food was amazing, fresh fish, sophisticated plates. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Jenoir Fabulous atmosphere, great service, cocktails were spectacular. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed
Bagni Paolo detto Lelle Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Genoa is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Genoa

About Genoa

Genoa stands as a vibrant Mediterranean cruise hub, welcoming travelers aboard six major cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and Viking Ocean Cruises. With nearly 2,600 upcoming sailings and a strong presence year-round, this Italian port offers exceptional variety for cruise enthusiasts. Most voyages span seven nights, with routes connecting to beloved Mediterranean destinations like Barcelona, Marseille, Civitavecchia, Naples, and Valletta. The peak season runs from May through October, making it an ideal choice for both spring and autumn getaways.

As a port of call, Genoa invites passengers to explore the atmospheric streets of Italy's largest port city. The historic Old Town captivates visitors with its narrow caruggi alleyways and centuries-old architecture, while the waterfront's modern attractions provide a striking contrast. Whether you're embarking on a week-long Mediterranean adventure or enjoying a few hours ashore between ports, Genoa delivers authentic Italian culture alongside the convenience of a well-established cruise infrastructure.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Medieval Palaces of Via Garibaldi

Stroll through Genoa's most prestigious street to discover Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces built by wealthy merchant families. The Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Rosso showcase stunning art collections and ornate architecture that reveal the city's golden age as a maritime republic. This UNESCO-listed district is walkable directly from the cruise terminal.

2

Pesto and Focaccia Tasting Tour

Indulge in Genoa's legendary basil pesto, made fresh daily with local ingredients at family-run trattorias in the historic centro storico. Pair it with warm, olive oil-drizzled focaccia di Recco and crispy trofie pasta. Street food vendors near Porto Antico offer authentic samples perfect for time-limited visitors.

3

Porto Antico Waterfront Promenade

Experience the revitalized harbor district designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, featuring the stunning Aquarium of Genoa and waterfront cafés. The scenic walkway connects historic warehouses converted into shops and restaurants, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the Lanterna lighthouse, Genoa's iconic 12th-century beacon.

4

Vico dei Castagna Antique Market

Hunt for treasures in Genoa's charming narrow alleyways filled with vintage shops, antique dealers, and local artisan boutiques. The maze-like caruggi neighborhood preserves authentic medieval character with colorful laundry strung overhead and family-owned vendors selling everything from maritime memorabilia to handcrafted jewelry and regional wines.

5

Cathedral of San Lorenzo's Secret Treasure

Visit this striking black-and-white striped Gothic cathedral to see the Holy Grail, housed in its museum and believed by locals to be the authentic chalice. The ornate interior and dramatic architecture reflect Genoa's wealth and religious significance, while the piazza outside buzzes with local life and gelato vendors.

Cruise Lines at Genoa

Cruises Departing From Genoa

Cruises Visiting Genoa

Ship Schedule at Genoa

Genoa Location

Other Cruise Ports in Italy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Genoa famous for?

Genoa is renowned for its historic port, architecture, and the Aquarium of Genoa.

Where is Genoa located?

Genoa sits in Northwest Italy on the Ligurian Sea, near the Apuan Alps and the Riviera.

What can visitors do in Genoa?

Explore the old port, Palazzo Ducale, narrow streets, and the city's museums and markets.

When is the best time to visit Genoa?

Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.