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 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Acquario di Genova It’s highly engaging for kids and captivating for all ages. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 80k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Designer Outlet Serravalle Lots of designer shops to choose from, and the staff were super friendly! Outlet mall · ★ 4.4 · 48k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Piazza De Ferrari Always full with activities Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 42k
Fiumara Great shopping mall with free parking and extensive food court. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 22k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo Free admission. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 13k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Doge's Palace Good spot to escape the heat as it's very cool within the structure. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Cavour modo21 | Trattoria Genovese Everything was amazing, the service, the food, the vibe. Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 8k 🕐 Closes soon · 10:30 PM
Centro Commerciale L'Aquilone Nice big supermarket and a good Supercharger location. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Osteria di Vico Palla The food was delicious and the waiters very fun and helpful! Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 5k
Il Terminal • Centro Commerciale Very good price and products Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 5k 🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
Eataly Genova Perfect place to buy fresh and organic vegetables, fruits, and cheese. Food court · ★ 3.9 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
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
D'Albertis Castle Interesting museum in an incredible setting Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
COIN Cosmetics, clothes, etc are from more or less affordable brands. Dress store · ★ 4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Zara So much better than the prices in the USA!! Clothing store · ★ 3.8 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
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
Lanterna di Genova Prepare for a 14-floor climb Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Trattoria dell'Acciughetta Amazing food, nice atmosphere (loved the music playlist) , great service. Italian · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
La Goletta Seaside pub No crowd, comfy tables and chairs, the beer kept coming right away. Pub · ★ 4 · 2k
SOHO RESTAURANT Friendly and attentive service, good food, served in an attractive way. Italian · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
Scurreria Beer & Bagel Great service, amazing servers, wide beer selection and... Pub · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Le Rune Very nice restaurant with unique, delicious meals and friendly service. Italian · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM Thu
Zeffirino Genova Wonder food wine list and atmosphere Great experience Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
Galleria Giuseppe Mazzini Beautiful historic building with some lovely shops - worth a visit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Porta Soprana Offer unique experience Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
I Cuochi Every dish is crafted with care, and the service is flawless. Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 10:30 PM
Les Rouges Cucina & Cocktails Excellent cocktails and aperitivos in a stellar setting. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Kamun Lab Very friendly staff, decent playlist, prices reasonable. Pub · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Alla Lunga Ristorante The tuna belly melted in my mouth and the flavors were incredible. Italian · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 PM Thu
La Lepre Reasonably priced drinks, great music, helpful staff and delicious food! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Ristorante La Voglia di Genova - A Coae de Zena Excellent service through the dinner and perfect atmosphere outdoors. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 10:30 PM
The Honey Bar Cute bar, friendly staff, good drinks, nice atmosphere Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Pirate's Cove the interior is unique and magic, service is excellent Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Biggie cocktail bar Great service, lovely cocktails and yummy bites. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Caffè Museo La Bottega Del Conte She made me the best drink, amazing music, beautiful atmosphere. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Caruggi di Genova The shops are unique. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Malkovich Cocktail Bar Incredibly creative cocktails in a cozy and scenic setting. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Shopping street Shopping mall · ★ 3.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu

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.