A Laid-Back Day in Genoa

What We Loved + 5 Things You Could Do

Cruising into Genoa on the MSC World Europa, we didn’t quite know what to expect. The city isn’t as instantly recognisable as Rome, Florence or Venice,  but it turned out to be the most surprisingly enjoyable stop. With colourful buildings climbing up the hills, an easy port location, and the option to explore at your own pace, Genoa gave us exactly what we needed that day: history, beauty, and no pressure to rush, even in the rain.

In this post, we’re sharing how we spent our day in Genoa — plus five ideas for your own visit, whether you’re exploring solo or seeking a relaxed couples’ experience like ours.

First Impressions: Stepping into the City

Getting off the ship was seamless. Genoa’s port is close to the historic centre, and while you could walk in, we decided to make the most of the day with a circuit on the hop-on, hop-off bus; this proved to be a great idea, as it also helped us escape the rain. It provided us with an overview of the city’s layout, helped us avoid backtracking on our planned walk, and allowed us to enjoy the stunning coastal route with ease.

One of the first things that struck us was the variety. Genoa is a city of contrasts: elegant palaces sit beside narrow laneways, gritty stone streets lead to peaceful piazzas, and glimpses of the sea are around almost every corner.

Our Route: The Easy Way to See More

We had planned to walk the whole day, but it was raining.  The hop-on, hop-off bus turned out to be a great choice; not only did we stay dry for an hour, but we also saw more of the city than we would have on foot. We stayed on board for a full circuit to get our bearings, and then hopped off near the Porta Soprana, where we caught a lift up to the viewing platform at Belvedere Castelletto. It was here that our walk to explore the heart of the old town really began.

It was a cold day, and the rain persisted on and off, but we had packed to cope with the rain. Walking down Via Galbaldi, we explored open doors leading to magnificent lobbies and water features. We followed Google Maps through alleys, revealing a seedy side of Genoa, but also offering a glimpse into everyday life.

The next major stop was Piazza del Ferrari, one of the must-visit places in Genoa. It is a beautiful Piazza, and the giant water fountain is lovely.

From here, we wandered towards the

, a striking black-and-white striped cathedral, before ducking down narrow alleyways to the Porta Soprana and Casa di Colombo, where Christopher Columbus is said to have spent his youth. Whether or not it’s the real thing, it was still a fun stop. We did not enter the building, but we checked out the Medieval structure next door.

Along the way, we admired the intricate facades of old buildings and made our way to the port area, where we found this old thing. That’s Genoa: full of surprises.

Couples’ Take: Genoa Is What You Make It

We didn’t feel pressure to “see it all” in Genoa, which might be why we enjoyed it so much. There’s enough here to fill a few days if you love art, architecture, and Italian food, but it’s also a place where you can take it easy, like we did.

Our advice? Have a rough plan, but give yourself room to get a little lost. The laneways of Genoa are atmospheric and packed with character, and you never know what you’ll find around the next corner.

5 Things To Do in Genoa on a Cruise Stop

If you’re planning your own visit, here are five things we recommend considering—whether you’re looking for history, stunning views, or a great meal before heading back to the ship.

1. Explore the Historic Centre (Centro Storico)

Genoa’s old town is one of the largest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through narrow alleyways known as caruggi, discover hidden churches, and admire the dramatic façades of medieval buildings. If you’re a history lover or enjoy charming city strolls, this is your zone.

Allow: 1–2 hours
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — cobblestones abound!

2. Visit the Cathedral di San Lorenzo

With its dramatic black-and-white marble stripes, this cathedral stands out both inside and out. The quiet, cool interior provides a lovely moment of stillness, and if the treasury museum is open, it’s worth a peek for its collection of relics and artefacts.

Entry: Free (Treasury Museum may have a small fee)
Location: Via San Lorenzo, near Piazza Matteotti

3. Hop on the City Sightseeing Bus

Genoa is more spread out than it first appears, and the hop-on, hop-off bus is a great way to see the highlights. From coastal views to the hilltop boulevards, it’s a relaxing way to cover a lot of ground, especially if walking long distances isn’t ideal.

Bonus: The audio guide offers helpful context along the way, featuring a few local stories as well.

Price: Around €25 per adult 
Circuit time: ~60 minutes

4. See the Palazzi dei Rolli

Genoa’s golden age spanned the 16th and 17th centuries, and the Palazzi dei Rolli — a collection of grand Renaissance and Baroque palaces — serves as the ultimate reminder. Some are still private, but several are open to the public as museums or galleries.

️ Highlights: Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Doria Tursi — all near Via Garibaldi.
️ Combined ticket available for the main palaces

5. Try Traditional Ligurian Cuisine

You can’t come to Genoa and not try the Local food.

 We found a casual trattoria near Cathedrale di San Lorenzo that served pesto pasta, focaccia, and a crisp glass of local white wine—perfect after a morning of sightseeing.

️ Other regional options include farinata (a chickpea pancake), Trofie pasta, and Acciughe ripieni (stuffed anchovies).
Couples’ Tip: Share a few small plates to try more without overordering!

Final Thoughts: Why Genoa Was Worth It

Genoa wasn’t the flashiest port on our Mediterranean cruise, but it was quietly brilliant. We appreciated the blend of accessibility, history, and the freedom to go at our own pace. It was a reminder that not every day needs to be filled with ticking off “must-sees” — sometimes the best memories come from slowing down and simply soaking in where you are.

Planning Your Own Port Day in Genoa?

Here are a few quick facts to help:

‍♀️ Walking distance from port to city: Around 20 minutes

HOHO bus: Available near the port exit or via shuttle to Piazza Caricamento

️ Best area to wander: Old town near Via San Lorenzo and Piazza del Ferrari

⛴️ Back on board time: Always double-check with your cruise line!

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Thanks for reading! We hope this gives you a sense of what a relaxed port day in Genoa can be like. If you’ve been or have it on your list, let us know in the comments — or share your favourite underrated cruise port!

Travel brilliantly,
Kerryn + Phil