Attractions in Genoa are among the most surprising and rewarding in all of Italy. Genoa is one of those cities that most tourists fly over on their way to the Italian Riviera — and that’s exactly what makes it so special. While the crowds descend on Florence and Rome, Genoa gets on with being one of Europe’s most fascinating, authentic and genuinely underrated cities.
The largest medieval city centre in Europe, a UNESCO-listed network of extraordinary baroque palaces, the finest aquarium in Italy, and a maritime history that literally changed the world — attractions in Genoa reward curious travellers who make the effort to get here.
Here are the best attractions in Genoa with skip-the-queue tickets and tours available for 2026.
Best Attractions in Genoa — Book Your Tickets
🐟 Aquarium of Genoa
The Aquarium of Genoa is the most visited of all attractions in Genoa and one of the largest and finest aquariums in Europe. Home to over 600 species of marine life including sharks, dolphins, seals, penguins and a spectacular coral reef section, the aquarium is a world-class experience that appeals to visitors of all ages. Located in the stunning Porto Antico waterfront area, it’s the perfect starting point for exploring Genoa.
- 💶 From: €28 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: 2-3 hours.
- ✅ Skip the queue available.
- ✅ Over 600 marine species.
🐟 Aquarium of Genoa & City of Children
For families visiting attractions in Genoa, the combined ticket for the Aquarium and the City of Children and Youth offers outstanding value. The City of Children is an interactive science and discovery centre designed specifically for children aged 3-14 — one of the best family attractions in Genoa and a fantastic complement to the aquarium experience.
- 💶 From: €35 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: 3-4 hours.
- ✅ Aquarium + City of Children included.
- ✅ Perfect for families with children.
⚓ Galata Maritime Museum
The Galata Maritime Museum is one of the most impressive and fascinating attractions in Genoa — and one of the largest maritime museums in the Mediterranean. Genoa was for centuries one of the most powerful maritime republics in the world, and this extraordinary museum brings that history to life across four floors of exhibits. Highlights include a full-size 17th century Genoese galley and a reconstructed submarine.
- 💶 From: €12 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: 2-3 hours.
- ✅ Full-size galley ship on display.
- ✅ Submarine exhibit included.
🚌 Genoa Hop-on Hop-off Tour
The Genoa Hop-on Hop-off bus is one of the most convenient attractions in Genoa for first-time visitors who want to get their bearings and see the city’s highlights efficiently. The route covers all the major attractions in Genoa including the Porto Antico, the historic centre, the hilltop viewpoints and the elegant residential neighbourhoods — with informative audio commentary in multiple languages.
- 💶 From: €18 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: Flexible — hop on and off all day.
- ✅ All major attractions covered.
- ✅ Audio commentary in multiple languages.
🌿 Biosphere
The Biosphere is one of the most unusual and visually striking attractions in Genoa — a spectacular glass sphere designed by Renzo Piano, floating on the water of the Porto Antico. Inside, a tropical rainforest environment houses over 150 plant species from around the world. A short but genuinely memorable experience that offers something completely different from the city’s historical attractions.
- 💶 From: €5 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: 30-45 minutes.
- ✅ Designed by Renzo Piano.
- ✅ Tropical rainforest inside.
🎡 Bigo Panoramic Lift
The Bigo Panoramic Lift is one of the most enjoyable attractions in Genoa for views over the city and the harbour. This distinctive rotating panoramic cabin — also designed by architect Renzo Piano — rises 40 metres above the Porto Antico to offer spectacular 360-degree views of Genoa, the port, and the Ligurian Sea stretching to the horizon. A quick and affordable way to see Genoa from above.
- 💶 From: €5 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: 20-30 minutes.
- ✅ 360-degree panoramic views.
- ✅ Rotating cabin experience.
🚢 Porto Antico
The Porto Antico — Old Harbour — is the beating heart of modern Genoa and one of the most vibrant attractions in Genoa for atmosphere and waterfront dining. Completely redesigned by Renzo Piano for the 1992 Columbus celebrations, this stunning waterfront area is home to the Aquarium, the Biosphere, the Bigo lift, the Galata Museum and some of Genoa’s best restaurants and bars. The perfect place to spend an afternoon.
- 💶 From: €10 per person.
- ⏱️ Duration: 2-3 hours.
- ✅ Waterfront atmosphere.
- ✅ Multiple attractions in one area.
🎫 Genoa City Card
The Genoa City Card is the best value option for visitors planning to see multiple attractions in Genoa. The card gives you access to the city’s top museums and attractions at a discounted combined price, plus unlimited use of public transport — making it the smartest way to explore everything Genoa has to offer in a short stay.
- 💶 24hr card: From €15.
- 💶 48hr card: From €22.
- ✅ Multiple museums included.
- ✅ Unlimited public transport.
🏠 Christopher Columbus House
The Christopher Columbus House is one of the most historically significant attractions in Genoa — a medieval tower house traditionally identified as the birthplace of the explorer who changed the world. Whether or not Columbus was actually born here remains debated by historians, but the house and its small museum offer a fascinating insight into medieval Genoese life and the city’s extraordinary maritime heritage.
- 💶 From: €4 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: 30-45 minutes.
- ✅ Historic medieval tower house.
- ✅ Columbus exhibition included.
Tips for Visiting Genoa’s Attractions
- Eat focaccia everywhere:Genoa’s famous focaccia — thick, oily and extraordinary — costs just €1-2 per slice from a local bakery. It’s one of the great cheap foods of Italy and the perfect snack between attractions in Genoa.
- Explore the Caruggi for free:Genoa’s medieval alleyways — the caruggi — are completely free to explore and endlessly fascinating. You could spend an entire day wandering without spending a euro.
- Use the Genoa City Card:If you’re planning to visit more than two or three attractions in Genoa, the City Card offers significant savings compared to individual tickets.
- Visit the Rolli Palaces:Genoa’s UNESCO-listed baroque palaces — the Rolli — are open to the public and house outstanding art collections. Several offer free entry or very low admission prices.
For more travel information about Italy visit theItalian Tourism Board.