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Trying to plan the perfect two days in Genoa? We’re so glad you’re here!
Genoa is an underrated gem on Italy’s Ligurian coast, known for its medieval alleyways, sea views, and seriously good food (hello, pesto!). It’s a city packed with history, character, and charm, but with only two days, it’s important to make every moment count.
After multiple trips to Genoa, we’ve crafted a two-day itinerary that balances sightseeing with downtime, and iconic landmarks with local flavor. From rickshaw rides through the Old Town to a private sailing trip and pesto-making class, we’ve done the planning for you, so you can just show up and enjoy the very best of this vibrant port city. Let’s explore Genoa!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Genoa food tour. We wandered through the city with our expert guide, learning about Italian cuisine and tasting everything from cheesy focaccia to fresh pesto pasta. Make sure you come hungry!
Itinerary Overview
Two days in Genoa is just enough time to dive into the city’s layered history, coastal beauty, and incredible food scene. Best explored on foot (and occasionally by rickshaw), Genoa’s historic center and Old Port are packed with highlights, from medieval alleyways and grand palaces to fresh pesto, sweeping sea views, and even a day out on the water. This itinerary strikes the perfect balance between cultural discovery and relaxed coastal charm.
- Day 1: Start with breakfast at Mentelocale Bar Bistrot, then explore the Old Town by rickshaw and visit the Galata Museo del Mare. Enjoy Ligurian lunch at Trattoria Vegia Zena, stroll the waterfront, tour the Genoa Aquarium, and wrap up with a hands-on pasta and pesto cooking class.
- Day 2: Escape the city with a private sailing trip along the Ligurian coast, complete with swimming, snorkeling, and lunch on board. Return to Genoa for a guided evening food tour through the historic center, then toast to your final night at Cantine Matteotti.
Day 1
Breakfast – Mentelocale Bar Bistrot Galata
Mentelocale Bar Bistrot Galata was one of our go-to breakfast spots in Genoa, and not just because it’s steps away from the tour’s meeting point (though that didn’t hurt). We rolled in a bit groggy, but the smell of fresh espresso and buttery croissants perked us up instantly. The vibe is relaxed and local, with people chatting over their morning coffees and flipping through newspapers.
We grabbed a table, ordered two cappuccinos and a couple of flaky cornetti, and soaked in the energy of the city waking up. No frills, just really good coffee and pastries done right. We lingered a little longer than planned, caffeinated properly, and kicked off the day feeling like locals ourselves!
Morning – See Genoa’s historic sights on a private rickshaw tour
We kicked off our first day in Genoa with one of the most fun and surprisingly insightful experiences—this private rickshaw ride through the Old Town. It might sound a little quirky at first, but the second we hopped in and started gliding through the narrow medieval streets, we were totally hooked.
We booked the 9 am tour (which ends at 11 am), and it was the perfect way to get our bearings early in the day. The route covers a ton of top sights, including Piazza De Ferrari, Palazzo San Giorgio, La Casa di Colombo (Columbus’ House), the grand San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Old Port, and plenty of tucked-away corners in the historic center we might’ve missed on foot.
Starting from Piazza Sarzano, our rickshaw rolled smoothly through Genoa’s famously narrow alleyways, while our guide, Gabino, shared stories that made centuries of history come alive.
One of the best parts was stopping at the elegant palazzo that once belonged to Genoa’s wealthiest families and hearing how the city evolved from a powerful maritime republic to the vibrant hub it is today. You can choose from a few meeting points, but we opted to meet at the Galata Museo del Mare, which couldn’t have been easier.
We loved how easy, immersive, and unique this tour was—and clearly, we’re not the only ones. Just check out the glowing five-star reviews here to see why it’s a can’t-miss experience in Genoa!
Don’t miss out—book your spot on this popular sightseeing tour here!
Late morning – Check out the Galata Museo del Mare
After the tour, we didn’t have to go far to dive even deeper into Genoa’s story because the Galata Museo del Mare is right there, and it’s well worth carving out a couple of hours to explore. As the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean, it’s packed with interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and full-scale ship reconstructions that really show how important the sea has always been to Genoa.
One of our favorite parts was stepping aboard the life-size 17th-century galley and wandering through the old ship interiors. It felt like being dropped straight into a seafaring drama. There’s also a section on Italian emigration that was surprisingly moving, complete with recreated passenger cabins and personal stories.
Give yourself about two hours here (it’s easy to lose track of time), and keep in mind tickets are about €17—a small price for a museum that really brings Genoa’s maritime legacy to life.
Lunch – Trattoria Vegia Zena
By the time we wrapped up at the Galata Museo del Mare, we were more than ready for lunch, and luckily, Trattoria Vegia Zena was just a short walk away in the Old Port area. This place is all about traditional Ligurian cuisine, and the menu is packed with local classics like trofie al pesto, focaccia di Recco, and fresh seafood dishes that taste like the Mediterranean on a plate. We grabbed a table outside and settled in for a satisfying meal.
After lunch, we took a little time wandering through the historic waterfront, which is one of the most charming parts of Genoa. With its colorful facades, sea views, and lively energy, it’s the perfect place to stroll off a big meal and to ease into the afternoon.
Afternoon – Genoa Aquarium
After our waterfront stroll, we headed straight to one of Genoa’s biggest highlights, the Genoa Aquarium. It’s the largest in Italy, and honestly, even if you’ve been to other aquariums before, this one stands out. The exhibits are beautifully designed, the tanks are massive, and the whole place is incredibly well laid out. It’s not just for kids either—we were fully entertained the entire time!
You’ll want to give yourself at least 2 hours to explore, since there’s so much to see—from sharks and dolphins to penguins, jellyfish, and manatees. There’s even a section that recreates tropical rainforest environments! At €26 per ticket, it’s not the cheapest stop of the day, but it’s one of the most popular things to do in Genoa for good reason, and it makes a perfect afternoon break from the sun or a rainy-day backup if the weather turns.
Evening – Learn how to make pasta and pesto with a local
Since Genoa is the birthplace of pesto, learning how to make this iconic dish felt like a must, and this pasta and pesto-making class delivered on every level. We recommend booking the 5 pm or 6 pm option, which makes it the perfect dinner experience.
Our chef, Alberto, was warm, funny, and full of knowledge. Even though we had zero prior pasta-making skills, he walked us through everything step by step. From kneading and rolling out fresh pasta dough to mastering the traditional pesto alla genovese, it was completely hands-on and surprisingly doable.
Mixing fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil by hand made the whole process feel so authentic, and the aroma alone was enough to make our mouths water.
But the best part was sitting down together at the end to enjoy everything we made, followed by a sweet surprise of pandolce, a classic Genoese dessert filled with raisins, nuts, and citrus zest. It was the perfect finale to our cooking adventure!
This class was a true highlight—not just for foodies, but for anyone looking to have fun and connect with Genoa’s culture. With 240+ glowing five-star reviews here, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the city’s most memorable (and delicious) experiences!
This experience books up quickly—secure your spot here before it sells out!
Day 2
Full day – Relax on a private sailing trip along the Ligurian Sea
After a full day of exploring Genoa’s historic streets, we were ready to switch things up with something a little more relaxing for our second day, and this private sailing trip along the Ligurian coastline was exactly the change of pace we didn’t know we needed. Peaceful, scenic, and totally customizable!
The tour runs from 10 am to 4 pm, and getting there takes a bit of planning. It’s about a 45-minute drive or 1.5 hours by train to get to the meeting point. If you have a rental car, we definitely recommend driving, especially with a tight turnaround before the evening activity. But once you’re on the boat, all of that melts away into 6 hours of sun, sea, and stunning views!
From the moment we stepped on board, Captain Michael made us feel right at home. He greeted us with a big smile and let us shape the day—more sailing, swimming, or simply relaxing—it was all up to us.
We cruised past the charming village of Portofino, dropped anchor near Punta Pedale Beach, and snorkeled in the unbelievably clear waters of Paraggi Bay (don’t forget your gear!). Between swims, we lounged on deck, shared laughs with Captain Mike, and later enjoyed a light lunch with cold drinks on board.
This tour is the perfect way to see the coast without the crowds—peaceful, personal, and full of stunning views! It was the kind of day that left us sun-kissed, relaxed, and completely recharged for the evening ahead.
Reserve this top-rated sailing trip here and see Genoa from a new perspective!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Evening – Taste your way around Genoa
After a full day out on the water, we cleaned up and made our way back into town just in time for this traditional food tour. We booked the 6 pm slot, which meets up conveniently close to the aquarium, making it easy to jump back into the action. If you’ve rented a car for the sailing tour, driving back gives you just enough time to freshen up before heading out again.
From the very first bite, we knew we were in for something special. Our guide, Valentina, was funny, warm, and incredibly knowledgeable. She didn’t just talk about the food; she told the stories behind it, bringing each dish to life with history and heart.
We started with fresh pasta tossed in homemade pesto (yes, the real deal—Genoa did invent it), then sampled farinata, a savory chickpea pancake with roots in Roman street food culture.
From there, it was a delicious blur of local treats, Ligurian drink specials, and lively conversation. And just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, we wrapped up the evening with gelato and espresso—the perfect sweet ending!
If you only do one guided experience in Genoa, make it this! We tasted so many amazing things, we honestly lost track. It was flavorful, fun, and full of surprises!
This unforgettable food tour fills up fast—book your spot now!
Drinks – Cantine Matteotti
Even after such a full day, we couldn’t resist one last stop at Cantine Matteotti, a cozy little bar tucked just off Piazza De Ferrari, where our food tour wrapped up. Our guide recommended it, and we’re so glad we listened.
The atmosphere was relaxed and intimate, with locals chatting over glasses of wine and plates of cheese and olives. We ordered two glasses of Ligurian white, toasted to a packed but perfect day, and let ourselves unwind. It was the kind of spot where you could easily lose track of time, but for us, it was just the right way to end our two days in Genoa—full, happy, and already dreaming about coming back!
Related Read: Looking for even more ways to experience the city? Check out our guide to the 7 best things to do in Genoa here for extra inspiration, hidden gems, and can’t-miss highlights to round out your trip.
Where to Stay in Genoa, Italy
Genoa is a stunning city with so many fantastic accommodations to suit any budget or travel style. Whether you’re after luxury, comfort, or affordability, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.
To make your choice easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to stay in Genoa so you can focus on experiencing all the charm and history this incredible city has to offer!
Luxury – $$$
Set in a stunning historic building, the Hotel Bristol Palace in Genoa is a 5-star luxury hotel with elegance and timeless charm. The hotel’s iconic elliptical staircase, refined décor, and beautifully appointed rooms create an atmosphere of sophistication, making it a perfect choice for those seeking comfort and history. Guests can enjoy spacious suites, an on-site gourmet restaurant, and a prime location just steps from the city’s main attractions.
Room rates vary based on the season and accommodation type, typically ranging from €250 – €400 per night. Explore all the options and secure your luxurious stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
B&B Hotel Genova Principe is a great mid-range option for travelers looking for comfort and convenience in the heart of Genoa. Located right next to the main train station, this modern hotel is perfect for exploring the city with ease. The rooms are spacious, stylishly designed, and equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, and a daily breakfast buffet to start the day right.
Prices typically range from €100 – €200 per night. Check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For budget-friendly accommodation in Genoa, OStellin Genova Hostel is a great choice! Housed in a historic building in the city center, this cozy hostel offers dormitory beds and private rooms with vintage-style decor. Guests can relax in the lounge, cook in the kitchen, or soak up the atmosphere on the balcony overlooking the city’s streets. With free Wi-Fi and a welcoming vibe, it’s a solid option for travelers looking to save without sacrificing comfort or location.
Private rooms start at around €60 per night, while a dorm bed costs about €20. Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of Genoa’s hotels listed here!
Renting a Car in Italy
Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the cities—think charming Tuscan villages, dramatic Amalfi Coast drives, and hidden gems in the countryside. While Italy’s roads can be a little chaotic (especially in cities), with the right preparation, renting a car here can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience!
We always use Discover Cars when booking our rentals, and highly recommend them. They compare dozens of providers to find you the best rates, include important filters like “automatic transmission,” and offer affordable full insurance coverage. For more info, you can read our in-depth Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Italy
- Drive on the right: Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Right turns on red are illegal, and you must often yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections.
- Stay alert and confident: Italian driving can feel aggressive in cities—expect assertive drivers, scooters weaving through traffic, and liberal horn use (often just a form of communication). Stay calm and practice defensive driving.
- Insurance is a must: We highly recommend adding full coverage insurance when booking. Minor damage like scratches and dents is common, especially in cities, and Discover Cars’ full protection gives you peace of mind at a low cost!
- Mind the ZTL zones: Many city centers have restricted traffic zones called ZTLs. Entering without a permit can result in a fine. Check with your hotel and use GPS with ZTL alerts.
- Choose the right vehicle: Roads in Italy can be narrow and parking tight, so a compact car is usually best. Most rentals are manual, but if you need an automatic, you can easily filter for one when booking with Discover Cars.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- You must be at least 18 years old, but renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Italy on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
After two days of wandering Genoa’s narrow alleyways, soaking up its rich maritime history, and sampling all the pesto and focaccia your heart desires, we hope you’re as smitten with this underrated Italian gem as we were. Whether you’re marveling at grand palaces, sipping espresso by the port, or joining a local food tour (our fave!), Genoa is full of surprises.
Still planning your Italy adventure? Check out more of our Italy guides here, or browse a few of our favorites below!