Major city · Italy
GenoaGenova
Give Genoa 2 nights as a base for the Riviera: the old town and Porto Antico fill one full day, Portofino or Camogli the next.
Genoa is Italy's biggest historic centre, a working port with a maze of caruggi alleys, baroque palaces on Via Garibaldi and one of Europe's largest aquariums at the Porto Antico. It is also the cheapest big-city base on the Italian Riviera: regional trains run east to Camogli, Portofino and the Cinque Terre and west to Savona and Finale Ligure. Two nights covers the centre; add nights if you want the coast.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Nov (wettest), Aug (hot and crowded on the coast)
- Airport
- GOA
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Italy and Malta ↗The region's headline sights run on timed tickets that sell out: book the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Last Supper and Malta's Hypogeum before you fix train and hotel dates.
- Italy and Malta ↗Budget for per-night city taxes in Italy (up to about €10 a person in Rome), Malta's per-night environmental contribution, and Venice's day-visitor fee on peak days; none are included in most online room prices.
- Italy ↗Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Italy ↗Historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones: cameras fine any unauthorised car that enters, often months later through the hire company. Park outside and walk in.
- Italy ↗Regional train tickets bought on paper must be validated in the machine on the platform before boarding; digital tickets carry a time and need no stamping.
- Italy ↗Venice charges day-visitors an access fee on selected peak days; check the city's official site if you are not sleeping there.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Genoa112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Genoa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Italy-wide
- SIM or eSIMTIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad sell prepaid SIMs in shops and at airports; a passport and an Italian tax code (codice fiscale…Italy-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe unless signed otherwise; Rome's nasoni fountains run all day.Italy-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Coperto or service may already be on the bill; leave €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) a person or round up for good service.Italy-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Italy-wide
- SafetyGenoa is a normal big Italian city; the main issues are pickpocketing in the caruggi and around Brignole…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €1 (≈ US$2).Italy-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies · 113 police · 115 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany state museums close on Monday; the Vatican Museums close on most Sundays.Italy-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGOA Genoa Cristoforo Colombo (Volabus to Brignole and Principe stations, about 30 min; needs its own ticket, not the standard city fare).
- Getting aroundWalk the centre: the caruggi are too narrow for cars.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeEspresso at the bar€1.20–1.80 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerdraught / can from a shop€4–6 (≈ US$5–7)€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Museum or sight ticketLanterna lighthouse entrycheck; weekend afternoons only€6 (≈ US$7) full, €4 (≈ US$5) reduced
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 3-star or B&B, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedDouble room, 3-star or B&B, a night, per room€280 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GOA Genoa Cristoforo Colombo (Volabus to Brignole and Principe stations, about 30 min; needs its own ticket, not the standard city fare)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Feb
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Aug, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Nov (11 rain days), driest Jul (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Genoa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Feb
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Dec
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the centre: the caruggi are too narrow for cars. AMT buses, the metro (Brignole–De Ferrari–Principe–Dinegro), funiculars and lifts cover the hills; buy tickets in the AMT app or at a tobacconist before boarding, then validate. Regional Trenitalia trains link the coastal suburbs and the Riviera.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Camogli and San Fruttuoso
goDoor to door: About 1 h to Camogli
Regional train to Camogli, then boat or trail to San Fruttuoso
Boat back to Genoa's Porto Antico in season; check sailings the day before.
Portofino
goDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Train to Santa Margherita Ligure, then bus 782 or boat
Bus 782 needs its own ticket, not the AMT city fare.
Cinque Terre
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h to Monterosso
Regional train toward La Spezia, change at Sestri Levante or Levanto
Doable as a long day; two nights in the villages is better.
Savona and Finale Ligure
goDoor to door: 40 min to Savona
Regional train west along the coast
Good wet-weather fallback when the Riviera trails are closed.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old town (Maddalena, Molo, Prè)
Cheapest beds and the atmosphere, but the caruggi are dark and noisy at night; pick a street you have seen on a map first.
Porto Antico and Carignano
Aquarium, waterfront and lifts to Castelletto on foot; quieter, higher prices.
Brignole station area
Best for early trains east to the Riviera and the Cinque Terre; plain hotels, few sights.
Principe station area
Long-distance trains and the ferry terminal; convenient for one night with bags, less pleasant streets.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €100–160 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- €180 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 3-star or B&B1 × 2 nights × €130 | €260 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| Volabus airport bus, one way2 × €10 · check | €20 |
| AMT 24-hour pass (METDaily)2 × €10 · check | €20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €77 |
| Trip total≈ €212 per person per day, bed included | €847≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Espresso at the bar | €1.20–1.80 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Focaccia slice | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Plate of trofie al pesto | €9–14 (≈ US$11–17) |
| Beer: draught / can from a shop | €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) / €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Single AMT ticket (110 min)check | €2.00–2.20 (≈ US$3) |
| Aquarium of Genoa adult ticketcheck; book a timed slot online | €25–30 (≈ US$30–35) |
| Lanterna lighthouse entrycheck; weekend afternoons only | €6 (≈ US$7) full, €4 (≈ US$5) reduced |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Buy bus and metro tickets before boarding; on-board sales are limited and cost more.
- The caruggi around Prè and Via del Pré are intimidating after dark; use Via Balbi and Via delle Fontane instead.
- Driving into the centre means hunting for parking that does not exist; use the metro and trains.
- From 1 Nov to 31 Mar snow chains are required on the A12 between Carrodano and Sestri Levante.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 112
- Police
- 113
- Fire
- 115
- Ambulance
- 118
- Coast guard
- 1530
Pocket card
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GenoaGenova
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questo indirizzo, per favoreTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
- Police113
- Ambulance118
Embassy
Most countries run embassies in Rome and consulates in Milan; check your own before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Volabus GOA airport → Brignole or Principe: €10 (≈ US$12), about 30 min (check)
- Taxi airport → centre: fixed rate, plus night and luggage extras (check)
- Regional train Genoa → Camogli: about €3–4 (≈ US$4–5), 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Buongiorno — Good morning (bwon-JOR-no)
- Grazie — Thank you (GRAH-tsyeh)
- Il conto, per favore — The bill, please (eel KON-to per fa-VO-reh)
- Un biglietto, per favore — A single ticket, please (oon bee-LYET-to per fa-VO-reh)
- Dov'è la stazione? — Where is the station? (do-VEH la stat-TSYO-neh)
- Posso pagare con la carta? — Can I pay by card? (POS-so pa-GA-reh kon la KAR-ta)
Coperto (cover charge) is normal on restaurant bills; tipping is not expected.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Genoa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Nov (wettest), Aug (hot and crowded on the coast) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for GOA: Volabus times, taxi fixed fare, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Porto Antico, Via Garibaldi and the cathedral, Castelletto and Principe, Nervi.
- Place pages with verified hours (Aquarium, Palazzo Reale, Lanterna) and eat pages with last orders.
- Riviera train and boat fixtures so day-trip gates can go green.
Sources
- officialComune di Genova
- officialGenoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport
- officialAMT Genova (city transport)
- officialMusei di Genova
- secondaryWikivoyage: Genoa, revision 5329504 (CC BY-SA 4.0)