Things to do in Genoa
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Top 10 attractions in Genoa
Aquarium of Genoa
Genoa Aquarium (GenoaAquarium) is the largest aquarium in Italy and one of the most important aquariums in the world. It was built for the 1992 World Expo. It is an educational, scientific research and cultural center. It was completed on October 15, 1993. After completion, it was officially opened to the outside world and expanded in 1998. The aquarium covers an area of 10,000 square meters and has 71 aquariums. A total of 4 million liters of water are stored in these 71 large-scale aquariums, in which more than 600 species of marine animals and plants live. Among the many marine creatures, the larger ones include sharks, seals and penguins. Many aquariums in the Genoa Aquarium try to restore the marine environment in the real world, among which the marine environment of the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Amazon River and the Indian Ocean is restored as much as possible. One of the distinctive ones is the Caribbean coral reef. The Genoa Aquarium was designed by two architects, Ranzo Piano and Piet Chemeyev. Many people say that the appearance of the aquarium is like a batch of cargo containers lined up neatly on a ship. The expansion in 1998 was the addition of a 100-meter-long boat behind the aquarium, which was connected to the Genoa Aquarium by a channel. The wall on the deck of the boat is actually a virtual aquarium, and visitors will hear the sound of the huge waves as they pass by.Genoa · 1.6km from downtown
Porto Antico di Genova
Porto Antico di Genova sits right against the edge of the old town and has long been the city's vital gateway to the sea. Following comprehensive planning and renovation, the former freight terminals and shipyards have been revitalized into a cultural and leisure area that blends modern design with coastal scenery, becoming a core landmark that showcases the city's vitality. The port area features a unique landscape, with various facilities that blend modern architectural aesthetics scattered throughout. From the uniquely shaped panoramic elevator to exhibition venues that combine technological flair with natural ecology, these buildings complement the vast waters. Heading towards the western shipyard, the Galata Museo del Mare recounts the history of this seafaring city. Moored beside the museum is the old submarine Nazario Sauro, now converted into a museum, and on the water floats the galleon replica Neptune, built for Roman Polanski's film 'Pirates'. Strolling along thewaterfront promenade, you will find vibrant leisure and commercial spaces on one side and the sparkling marina waters on the other.Genoa · 1.5km from downtown
Royal Palace Museum
Royal Palace Museum is one of the magnificent aristocratic palaces in Genoa, Italy. It was built by the prominent local Balbi family, later expanded by the Durazzo family, and further embellished by the House of Savoy, eventually becoming an important part of the national museum system in Genoa. The palace is renowned for its opulent decor, including the 18th-century stucco atrium, the courtyard of honor, the hanging gardens, and the noble apartments on the second floor. Among these, the Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the Hall of Audiences are particularly spectacular, adorned with exquisite frescoes, sculptures, furniture, and furnishings that showcase the splendor of Genoese Baroque art. The palace also houses a vast collection of Renaissance artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture, accompanied by detailed information plaques that help visitors understand its historical background. Today, the Royal Palace Museum and the nearby Palazzo Angelo Giovanni Spinola together form an important part of Genoa's cultural heritage, attracting art and history enthusiasts alike.Genoa · 1.9km from downtown
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
The splendid St. Lawrence Cathedral built of black and white marble in the 12th century is magnificent, even by Italian standards, this black and white striped cathedral is also very good. The help of the old poor made it survive the British bombing of World War II in 1941. There are winding railings, crouching lions, beautiful bell towers and domes. Today, it has become the main local exhibition hall and art center.Genoa · 1.2km from downtown
Christopher Columbus' House
The Casa di Colombo in Genoa is a small two-story building of red brick and stone, with much of the masonry on the exterior walls crumbling. Originally in ruins, it was not restored until the 18th century, when in the 1450s the Columbus family lived in a simple weaver's cottage. The interior of the house is simple but rich in thematic content. On the right hand side of the doorway is a small room with a thick book of reproductions, the first page of which is an alleged proof that Columbus was born in Genoa.Genoa · 886m from downtown
Piazza De Ferrari
Ferrari Square is still the city center. The main road of the square is covered with various boutiques and buildings of different styles, reflecting the beauty, anxiety and loneliness of the whole city. There are many attractions around the square. The Ducal Palace is the residence of the governor of the city-state of Genoa, and the next building to the west is the Gothic San Lorenzo Cathedral. The front is made of black and white marble.Genoa · 985m from downtown
Galata Museo del Mare
The Galata Museum of the Sea (Galata Museo del Mare) in Genoa has four floors and is divided into 23 exhibition halls, plus a beautiful panoramic terrace. There is a cafe on the terrace, where you can eat ice cream, sunbathe and rest. The museum building itself is a reconstruction of an old castle. The collision of old and new materials makes the exhibition halls rich and interesting. From the outside, it looks like a glass box of the new era, and the inside does have thick stone walls and arcades full of classical flavor. The main exhibition contents of the museum are all related to navigation, and the exhibits are rich and varied.Genoa · 2km from downtown
Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli
Speaking of which, the Raleigh Palace can be traced back to the period of the ancient Republic of Genoa, including the mansions of many nobles in the history of Genoa, and it was also one of the important places for receiving state visits. The decoration of the palace is extremely luxurious, once using cement mixed with gold plating and so on. In 2006, the Raleigh Palace was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This complex includes 42 buildings, the most famous of which is Garibaldi Street, also known as "New Street". The Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Tulsi preserve an extraordinary artistic heritage within the "New Street" museum. The entire Palazzo Rosso can be called a museum: its halls are decorated by painters of the Genoese school. Palazzo Bianco is more of an art gallery with paintings by Spanish, Italian and Genoese artists. The Tulsi Palace is the current seat of the City Hall. The Royal Palace and the National Gallery Spinola Palace are also important museums in the city.Genoa · 1.2km from downtown
Doge's Palace
It is located in Piazza De Ferrari and was built between 1251 and 1275, during the prosperous period of the city of Genoa. To get there you need to pass through Piazza Giacomo Matteotti. Small collections and archives are housed here, including some original records on the Museum of Jazz (Museo del Jazz). The palace also hosts fascinating temporary art exhibitions, as well as a bookshop, café and restaurant.Genoa · 1.1km from downtown
Boccadasse Beach
Genoa · 2.8km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Genoa
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What travellers say about Genoa
雨菲依然2 October 2019
4.0
The Genoa Aquarium is a very unique area. There are many aquatic creatures here. You can see a large number of rich and colorful tropical fish here. The aquarium is also a favorite area for children. It is great to visit here.
Aquarium of Genoa
刚出新手村的冒险者8 September 2023
5.0
The Old Port is a lively port on the Ligurian Sea coast, with attractions such as an outdoor live music venue, a film museum and a covered seasonal ice-skating rink. The area around the port is full of waterfront shops, casual bars and restaurants, and is also home to Genoa's large aquarium and the domed floating Biosfera Zoo. There is also a marina, ferry terminal and a replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon.
Porto Antico di Genova
小思文23 January 2020
4.0
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is also a unique church full of history. This building is very large and it is also a good experience. The cathedral has a lot of things, and the external visit here can also see many people and good views.
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
小小鱼的麻薯片22 May 2023
5.0
The scenery is beautiful and the environment is clean, it is worth a visit!
Christopher Columbus' House
Georgezou24 October 2019
5.0
Piazza Ferrari is the main square of Genoa. It is located in the city center of Genoa, between the old town and the new town, and is famous for its fountain. There are many office buildings, banks, insurance companies and other private company headquarters near the square, which is the financial and commercial center of Genoa.
Piazza De Ferrari
Hardcorealex29 March 2023
5.0
The Oceanographic Museum not only allows you to see the history of navigation, but you can also visit the submarine outside the museum. The ticket price is included in the Genoa Card
Galata Museo del Mare
