Genoa is a city that surprises you: cradled between the sea and the hills, it is a proud, theatrical capital, with one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe and a view over the harbour that has no equal. “La Superba”, they called it, for its wealth of palaces and churches; even today it lives by this double soul, seafaring and aristocratic, and by a cuisine that is already a reason to travel, from focaccia to pesto, from farinata to cima. It is the gateway to Liguria and today the engine of its tourism, growing fast and increasingly international. Here you’ll find where to stay best, with the small addresses we choose one by one, never by hearsay.
Its symbol is the Rolli Palaces, the noble residences of the Strade Nuove and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: in 2026 they celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the listing and have been named “best UNESCO site of the year”. Around them, the maze of the caruggi drops down to the Porto Antico, redesigned by Renzo Piano, with the Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe. Genoa is also a major port for cruises and ferries to Sardinia, Sicily and Corsica.
Where to stay depends on what you’re after and how you move around. In short: the old town and Porto Antico for the living heart and everything on foot; Castelletto for views and quiet a step from the centre; Albaro and Boccadasse for the sea in the city; the Principe-Aquarium area for the convenience of the station, cruises and attractions. Let’s look at the best neighbourhoods, one by one, with the addresses we recommend in each.
Old town and Porto Antico
This is the living heart of Genoa: a labyrinth of narrow alleys — the caruggi — among historic shops, tiny squares and the grand palaces of Via Garibaldi, the most famous of the Strade Nuove of the Rolli. From here you walk down to the Porto Antico, the Aquarium and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, strictly on foot. It’s the choice for those who want to live Genoa in its most authentic, theatrical soul, with the museums of Strada Nuova, the workshops and the historic trattorias within easy reach. Good to know: some alleys are livelier at night, so it pays to pick your street with an eye on the exact location. The addresses we choose:
So&Leo Guest House
A guest house on Via di Sottoripa, under the arcades that face the harbour, a few steps from the Aquarium and the caruggi. The ease of staying in the city’s living heart, with everything within walking distance and the Porto Antico on the doorstep. Perfect for diving straight into the most authentic Genoa, among alleys, workshops and the flavours of the sea.
B&B Piccoli Leoni
A bed and breakfast overlooking the scenic Piazza San Matteo, in the medieval heart of Genoa, among the palaces of the Doria family. The charm of sleeping in one of the loveliest and most intimate squares in the city, with alleys, churches and trattorias all around. Ideal for anyone who loves history and atmosphere.
Hotel Palazzo Durazzo Suites
A five-star set inside a historic palace a stone’s throw from the Porto Antico, with spa, restaurant and elegant suites. The luxury of sleeping within Genoese history, with the services of a grand hotel and the most convenient location for the harbour and the Aquarium. Ideal for a special stay, or a romantic escape, in the heart of the city.
All the small hotels in Genoa →
Castelletto, views and quiet above the centre
Climbing from the caruggi towards the hill you reach Castelletto, the elegant district of belvederes and famous panoramic terraces, such as the Spianata Castelletto, reached by the historic Liberty-style lift. It’s a quiet residential area, yet very handy for the centre, and it hands you spectacular glimpses over the rooftops, the harbour and the sea. From here you’re a step from Via Garibaldi and the Rolli museums, and with the funiculars and historic lifts you climb towards the belvederes and the greenery of Villetta Di Negro. It’s a different, more peaceful way of living the city, with the centre always within a stroll. The choice for those who want quiet, views and a refined atmosphere:
Il Giardino della Tartaruga
A well-kept guest house on Via Caffaro, the street that climbs towards Castelletto, among period buildings and a short walk from the caruggi. The pleasure of a calm, welcoming base, a step from the old town but away from the bustle. Ideal for those who want convenience and quiet at the same time.
Genova46 Suites & Rooms
An elegant guest house on Via Assarotti, the avenue that links the centre to Castelletto, with spacious suites and careful furnishings. The convenience of a spot halfway between Brignole station and the caruggi, in a tidy, well-served area. Ideal for those who want space, style and excellent connections.
B&B Lercari
A bed and breakfast on Via Caffaro, a couple of steps from Palazzo Rosso and the museums of Via Garibaldi, the heart of the Rolli Palaces. The perfect spot for art lovers who want the great UNESCO palaces on their doorstep, with the centre and the belvederes within a stroll. Ideal for a cultural stay.
Albaro and Boccadasse, the sea in the city
East of the centre, Albaro is the genteel district of villas and tree-lined avenues, sloping down to the sea at Boccadasse, a fishermen’s hamlet of pastel houses that looks like a little Ligurian village set inside the big city. A little beyond lie Sturla and the city’s bathing spots. Between the two runs Corso Italia, the long seafront promenade where Genoese walk, run and have their aperitivo watching the horizon. It’s the choice for those who want the sea and a stroll along the shore without giving up the convenience of Genoa, a few minutes by bus from the centre. The addresses we choose:
La Perla di Boccadasse
A holiday home in the heart of Boccadasse, a few steps from the sea and the little pebble beach, with a view over the village. The rare charm of waking up in one of the loveliest corners of Genoa, among the boats and the colourful houses, with the centre still a short hop away. Ideal for a romantic escape by the sea.
B&B Albaro
A bed and breakfast in the elegant Albaro district, a few steps from Boccadasse, with air-conditioned rooms and warm hospitality. The convenience of a calm, residential base, close to the sea and well connected to the centre. Ideal for those who want to experience seaside Genoa at an easy pace, away from the crowds of the caruggi.
Casa Zaffe
A self-contained holiday home in Sturla, with garden, patio and air conditioning, a couple of steps from the city sea. The space and freedom of a house all to yourself, with greenery and the beach nearby and the centre reachable in a few minutes. Ideal for families or anyone who wants independence and relaxation by the sea.
Principe and Aquarium area
Around Genoa Piazza Principe station and the Darsena, this area is the handiest for anyone arriving by train, stepping off a cruise, or wanting the Aquarium and the Porto Antico within reach. Via Balbi, with its university palaces, and the waterfront are a few steps away. It is also the go-to area for those coming or leaving by sea: Genoa is a major cruise home port and the ferry hub for Sardinia, Sicily and Corsica, with the terminals a short distance away. It’s the practical choice for those who move around a lot, for a short stopover, or to start and end the trip without a hitch. The addresses we choose:
Le Caravelle Affittacamere
A guest house on Via Balbi, a few steps from Genoa Principe station, among the historic palaces of the university. The unbeatable convenience of having the train on your doorstep and the centre reachable on foot, perfect for arrivals and departures. Ideal for those travelling by train or using Genoa as a base to explore Liguria.
Port View
A guest house facing the harbour, between the Darsena and the old town, with a view over the water and the piers. The pleasure of sleeping in front of the comings and goings of the port, a couple of steps from the Aquarium and the station. Ideal for those who love the city’s seafaring atmosphere and want everything within walking distance.
Suite degli Archi
Charming suites in the old town, a step from the Aquarium and the Porto Antico, with refined furnishings. The perfect location for families and for anyone who puts the Aquarium at the top of the list, with caruggi and harbour all around. Ideal for a well-appointed stay in the heart of the city’s attractions.
What to see in Genoa
The first treasure is the Rolli Palaces along Via Garibaldi, the “golden street” of the Strade Nuove: three of them — Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria-Tursi — form the Musei di Strada Nuova, with picture galleries and terraces that command the city. It’s the UNESCO soul of Genoa, to be savoured slowly.
The second heart is the Porto Antico, redesigned by Renzo Piano for the 1992 Columbus celebrations: here you’ll find the Aquarium, the Biosphere, the panoramic Bigo lift and the Galata Maritime Museum, which tell the story of the city’s seafaring calling. A short distance away rises the Lanterna, the lighthouse that is Genoa’s emblem, among the tallest in the Mediterranean.
In the maze of the caruggi you come across the black-and-white striped Cathedral of San Lorenzo, intimate squares such as San Matteo, historic shops and the old “sciamadde” where farinata is served. Finally, to the east, the Nervi promenade perched over the sea and its historic parks provide a surprising finale, still within the city limits: a seafront carved into the rock that is an outing in itself, easily reached by train or bus from the centre.
When to go
Spring and autumn
These are the best times for Genoa: mild weather, a lively city and perfect light for the alleys and the harbour. In spring and autumn the Rolli Days return, the weekends when the Rolli Palaces open their doors to the public, an experience not to be missed; in autumn the city also hosts the great Boat Show. They are ideal months for art, walks and good food.
Summer
In summer Genoa is a seaside city to all intents and purposes: Boccadasse, Sturla and the city’s bathing spots come alive, and in the evening people dine along the shore. It is also a handy base for exploring the two rivieras and the Cinque Terre on a day trip, train in hand, returning to the city in the evening. The old town, in the shade of the caruggi, stays pleasant and cool even on the hottest days, and it’s the perfect moment for a swim at Boccadasse at sunset.
Winter
Winter is quiet and well suited to a city break: museums, palaces, the Aquarium and good Genoese cooking, from focaccia to pesto, are enjoyed sheltered from the cold. Around the holidays the old town lights up with lights and markets, and the caruggi take on a charm all their own. It’s the time to discover Genoa at leisure, without the crowds, making the most of the mild Riviera climate.
How to get there
Genoa is a major transport hub. By train, the two main stations are Genoa Piazza Principe (near the harbour) and Genoa Brignole (towards the modern centre), both well connected with Milan, Turin and the coast. By air there is Cristoforo Colombo airport, a few minutes from the centre. By car you arrive via the tollgates of the A7 (from Milan), A10 (towards Ventimiglia and France) and A12 (towards La Spezia) motorways: it’s wise, though, to check in advance the state of the roadworks on the Genoa motorway junction, which have caused delays in recent times.
Genoa can also be reached by sea: it is a major cruise home port and the main ferry hub for Sardinia, Sicily and Corsica, with the passenger terminals a short distance from the centre and from Principe station. Those arriving or departing by ship will find the Principe and Darsena area the most convenient base.
Within the city the best way to get around is on foot, complemented by buses, the metro and the characteristic lifts and funiculars that stitch the centre to the hills. For the full picture on trains, roads and getting around the region: how to get to Liguria. From Genoa you can easily reach by train the Tigullio with Portofino to the east and, further along, the Cinque Terre.
This guide is part of our grand journey through the region: discover all the destinations and areas in Where to Stay in Liguria.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often about where to stay in Genoa.
What is the best area to stay in Genoa?
For a first visit, the old town and the Porto Antico are the finest choice: everything is on foot, among caruggi, palaces and the Aquarium. Those after views and quiet pick Castelletto; those who want the sea go for Albaro and Boccadasse; those arriving by train or cruise, or heading to the Aquarium with children, are well placed in the Principe and Darsena area.
Is Genoa’s old town safe to stay in?
The old town is the living, most fascinating heart of the city, today very popular with tourists. As in any large historic centre, some alleys are livelier at night than others: it pays to pick your street with an eye on the exact location. The areas around Via Garibaldi, San Lorenzo and the Porto Antico are central and very lively.
What are the Rolli Palaces?
They are the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century noble residences of the Strade Nuove (Via Garibaldi, Via Balbi, Via Cairoli), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. In 2026 they mark the twentieth anniversary and have been awarded best UNESCO site of the year. Some house splendid museums, such as Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco, and several times a year they open to the public with the Rolli Days.
Is Genoa a good base for visiting the Cinque Terre?
Genoa is a handy base for a day trip, but for the Cinque Terre the closest bases are La Spezia and Levanto, on the same rail line. If you really want to experience the villages at dawn and in the evening, it’s better to sleep nearby; Genoa remains perfect instead as a city stop to pair with the trip.
How do you get around Genoa without a car?
Very well: the centre is walked entirely on foot, and the network of buses, metro, lifts and funiculars conveniently links the hills and the neighbourhoods. The two stations, Principe and Brignole, are central. For Boccadasse and Albaro a few minutes by bus are enough. A car in the centre is in fact discouraged, between the ZTL and the pedestrian caruggi.
