Start with a cappuccino and a slice of focaccia or cornetto at a bakery close to the harbour to fuel a full day of walking; many bake fresh focaccia from 7:30am. Choose a café in Porto Antico for convenience to the morning activities.
Italy's largest aquarium in Porto Antico — excellent for families and anyone interested in marine life and Genoa's seafaring history. Check seasonal hours (usually opens ~9:00am and often closes 6:00–9:00pm depending on season).
Interactive maritime museum about Genoa's seafaring and migration history, with a real submarine and ship models — it explains the city’s maritime identity and is a short walk from the Aquarium. Typical hours ~10:00am–7:00pm; allow time for the permanent exhibits and the submarine visit if open.
Casual lunch with a focus on Ligurian specialties (pesto, focaccia, seafood) inside the Porto Antico complex; good for sampling local products and quick service. Usually open midday; busy in summer so expect a short wait at peak times.
Wander the medieval lanes (caruggi), visit the striking cathedral (San Lorenzo) and discover hidden squares and local shops — the Old Town is Genoa’s heart and reveals centuries of merchant life. Cathedral hours often have morning and mid-afternoon slots (e.g., 9:30–12:30 and 3:00–6:00); check local signage.
Stroll along Via Garibaldi (Strada Nuova) to see the UNESCO-listed palaces and visit one museum palace (Palazzo Rosso or Palazzo Bianco) to view fine art collections and period interiors. Museums typically open ~9:00am–7:00pm; single-palace visit ~1–1.5 hours.
Take the short panoramic lift or walk up to Spianata Castelletto for a sweeping sunset view over rooftops and the harbour — ideal for photos and orientation of the city. The viewpoint is open late; the public lift often runs into the evening (small fare may apply).
Enjoy a dinner focused on local Genoese cuisine — especially trofie al pesto, fresh fish and local wines; Zeffirino is a well-known local choice for traditional dishes. Typical dinner hours ~7:00pm–10:30pm; reservations recommended in high season.
Grab an espresso and a warm focaccia at a neighborhood bar before catching the bus or train east along the coast; simple, quick and authentically Ligurian. Many bars open from 7:30–8:00am.
Walk the tiny, colorful fishing village of Boccadasse, admire the pastel houses and pebble beach, and enjoy a relaxed seaside atmosphere just minutes from the city center. The area is publicly open all day; mornings are less crowded.
Continue east along the scenic seaside promenade (the Passeggiata) to Nervi’s waterfront parks and botanical cliffs — a refreshing coastal walk with gardens, sculptures and sea views. The promenade and parks are open daylight hours and are great for photo stops and a slower pace.
Enjoy a seafood-centric lunch at one of Nervi’s seafront trattorie — fresh fish and simple, local preparations complement the coastal setting. Many restaurants serve lunch from 12:00–2:30pm; check specific opening times.
Visit the local modern art gallery housed in a villa near the parks to see regional art and rotating exhibitions — an excellent cultural complement to the natural coastal scenery. Galleries typically open ~10:00am–6:00pm; confirm seasonal hours.
Return toward Boccadasse or find a cliff-side café for gelato and relaxed sea-watching; perfect to unwind before returning to the center. Public beaches and promenades are open all day; bring sun protection in summer.
Dine on classic Genoese dishes, especially pesto-based pasta and local seafood; choose a well-regarded trattoria back in the city center or in Nervi for a quieter evening. Reservations recommended for popular places.
Sample local produce and grab coffee and fresh focaccia at a stall or café inside Mercato Orientale to experience everyday Genoese food culture. The market usually opens early (around 7:30–8:00am) and is lively on weekday mornings.
Visit the Strada Nuova palaces (Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco or Palazzo Doria Tursi) to see rich collections of paintings, period interiors and the elegant Rolli palaces that made Genoa wealthy. Museums typically open ~9:00am–7:00pm; combined ticket options often available.
Enjoy a midday meal of local favorites (pansoti with walnut sauce, seafood or focaccia con formaggio) at a trattoria close to the palaces for convenience. Many spots serve lunch until 2:30pm; consider reserving if possible.
Take a short transfer to Staglieno cemetery to see one of Europe’s most impressive monumental cemeteries — remarkable funerary sculpture and quiet historic atmosphere make it a unique cultural visit. Typical visiting hours ~9:00am–6:00pm; allow 1.5–2 hours to explore.
Return to the center for shopping, local food shopping and souvenir hunting along Via XX Settembre and the elegant Galleria Mazzini; good area for tasting focaccia to take home. Shops often close for a short riposo in the afternoon but most remain open until early evening.
Choose a final dinner near Porto Antico or in the Old Town to celebrate your visit — seek a restaurant serving Ligurian specialties and local wines for a memorable last evening. Book ahead for a popular waterfront table in summer.