Porto Antico
Explore Genoa’s regenerated old port, waterfront promenades, museums and major visitor attractions.
Explore Genoa’s old town, palaces and Mediterranean waterfront, then choose from an extensive ferry network to Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica and North Africa.
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A labyrinthine historic centre, grand maritime heritage and one of the Mediterranean’s busiest passenger-ferry ports
Genoa’s wealth and identity were built around the sea. The historic centre drops towards the Porto Antico through a dense web of narrow caruggi, churches, small squares and former merchants’ palaces.
Via Garibaldi and the Palazzi dei Rolli showcase the city’s Renaissance and Baroque grandeur, while the cathedral of San Lorenzo and Palazzo Ducale sit within easy walking distance of the old port.
The regenerated Porto Antico contains the aquarium and major visitor attractions, but Genoa’s seafront character extends east along Corso Italia to the colourful former fishing village of Boccadasse.
For a panoramic view, climb or ride towards Spianata Castelletto and look back over slate roofs, harbour cranes and the Ligurian Sea.
Genoa is also one of Italy’s principal passenger-ferry hubs, with routes to Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, Tunisia and Morocco. Long-distance sailings make cabins and careful terminal planning particularly important.
Genoa rewards slow exploration, moving between aristocratic palaces, maritime attractions, narrow old-town lanes and coastal neighbourhoods.
Explore Genoa’s regenerated old port, waterfront promenades, museums and major visitor attractions.
Walk the UNESCO-listed Strade Nuove past richly decorated palaces from Genoa’s mercantile golden age.
Allow several hours for one of Europe’s best-known aquariums in the Porto Antico.
Visit the striped medieval cathedral in the heart of the historic centre.
Walk or take local transport to the colourful former fishing village on the eastern seafront.
Head uphill for one of the classic panoramic views over Genoa’s roofs, harbour and sea.
Browse historic-centre walks, food tours, coastal experiences and day trips around Genoa and the Ligurian Riviera.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Cars and foot passengers are carried on the main long-distance services. Many sailings are overnight or longer, so cabins, pet arrangements and check-in times should be compared carefully before booking.
The passenger port is extensive and different operators use different check-in areas. Follow the terminal and gate details shown on your booking confirmation rather than assuming every ferry departs from the same berth.
Genoa has one of the Mediterranean’s largest passenger-ferry networks. Current routes include Sardinian services to Olbia and Porto Torres, Sicily services to Palermo, seasonal Corsica sailings to Bastia and long-distance links to Tunis and Tangier Med.
Genoa’s historic core is best explored on foot, while rail and local transport connect coastal districts and the wider Ligurian Riviera.
Porto Antico, Via Garibaldi, the cathedral and many old-town streets are close enough to combine on foot.
Genova Piazza Principe and Brignole connect the city with the Italian rail network and Ligurian coastal towns.
Find Genoa rail tickets here...The port is large and motorway approaches can be busy, so confirm the correct terminal before setting out.
Porto Antico is convenient for first-time sightseeing; the historic centre is atmospheric, while Brignole gives useful rail access towards the eastern Riviera.
Passenger ferries use the large port complex close to central Genoa; your booking confirmation identifies the correct operator terminal and check-in area.
Current passenger routes include Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, Tunisia and Morocco, with exact seasonal availability varying by route.
Yes. Foot passengers are carried on the principal passenger-ferry routes.
Yes. Vehicle travel is a major part of the Genoa ferry network; enter accurate dimensions when booking.
Porto Antico, Via Garibaldi, the Rolli Palaces, San Lorenzo Cathedral, Boccadasse and the city viewpoints are key highlights.
Yes. Cabins are available on many overnight and long-distance sailings and are particularly useful for Sardinia, Sicily and North Africa.
Yes. Piazza Principe and Brignole are major rail stations with national and regional services.
Two or three days gives time for the historic centre and waterfront; add extra days for the Ligurian coast or a ferry departure.
Check live sailing options, passenger fares, vehicle prices and onboard accommodation for your travel dates.