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Genoa

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About Genoa

Once the maritime powerhouse of the Mediterranean, Genoa is still a great port today. Unfortunately great ports aren’t known for their great beauty as well, though Genoa certainly has its appeal. But what this somewhat tarnished assumption means is that the best places to stay in Genoa are also some of the most reasonably priced accommodation you'll find on the Italian Riviera. Our Gurus’ picks include affordable guesthouses, charming B&Bs, elegantly worn grande dames and some beautifully converted townhouses and palazzos.

Location means a lot when it comes to Genoa, and our recommendations here are all close to the ancient maze of narrow streets of the historic heart of town. This part of Genoa is ageing with style, and its vibrant atmosphere has encouraged just the right sort of regeneration — the sort that adds to rather than bulldozes! Central Genoa is a great place to eat and drink (this is the capital of pesto), with innumerable cafes, bars and restaurants, an excellent collection of galleries and boutiques, and now Europe’s largest aquarium. Also worth a look are the Christopher Columbus Museum, a great celebration of the local-boy-done-good, and the Maritime Museum. Plus there are several of those impressive, striped Ligurian churches, including a cathedral.

Genoa isn’t known for its beaches, but it does have several very nice ones. Our Gurus recommend the old seaman’s neighbourhood of Boccadasse for beaches, but there are some closer to the centre of town as well. 

As a vibrant port city, you'll find plenty of crowds here throughout the seasons. However if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Genoa during the peak summer months, you'll need to get organised and book ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Say in Genoa

For a City Break

  • The San Giorgio Rooms is a collection of six guest rooms, in a wonderfully historic townhouse in central Genoa. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated, with numerous antiques, and plenty of Rococo flair. Expect gilt, original artwork, damask drapes, and black and white tiled floors. Breakfast is served in the ornate dining room, and while there’s no restaurant, guest are surrounded by excellent dining options. Great value, and memorable for all the right reasons.

For Families

  • The Locanda Di Palazzo Cicala is a 20 room hotel, behind a wonderfully grand, 18th century facade, complete with great pillars, green shutters, and ornate plasterwork. Inside, the ornate 18th century details have been softened, but the rooms still have wonderfully high ceilings, beautiful floors, double height windows and French doors, and ornamental coving. The bathrooms are large in all the rooms, and the family suites have full kitchens and living areas. Plus, the location is excellent: walking distance from many of Genoa’s highlights.
  • The Hotel Le Nuvole has been caringly converted from a beautiful Renaissance style townhouse, and now offers 15 elegant rooms, in which the original murals, frescoes and ornate plasterwork have been retained, and stylish contemporary tiles and other details added. The suites and family-sized rooms have mezzanine levels. There’s no restaurant, but there is a charming breakfast room, and you’re close to numerous excellent places to eat and drink, as well as the beach.

Best B&Bs

  • Quarto Piano is a stylish, three room B&B in the heart of Genoa, elegantly decorated with Italian design pieces and a minimalist taste. We like it because of the scale, location, welcoming communal spaces, and the roof terrace with a hot tub.
  • The Porto Antico B&B is another of our favourite central B&Bs, also offering three guest rooms and chic, minimalist decor, this time with a monochromatic palette, and a seriously pared back aesthetic. The setting, within an historic building, seems to oppose the white minimalism, but it definitely works. Perfect for anyone wanting to be in the thick of things, but wanting a peaceful haven to return to.

For a private apartment or villa

  • If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Genoa has its own airport, Genoa Airport, which is served by quite a long list of major airlines. It’s about seven kilometres outside of the centre of town, which is about ten minutes by car, or 21 minutes on the train.
  • If you plan to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Because Genoa is a city break kind of destination, you can visit any time of year, though as with the rest of Liguria, it’s busiest during the summer months, especially July and August. June is slightly cooler and slightly quieter, and hosts the focaccia festival. September, October and November are also good times to visit, when there’s still plenty of sunshine but the room rates are more reasonable, and while it’s humid, the showers are sporadic. Winter is mild, but wet, but Christmas in Italy is always a special experience, and Genoa lights up beautifully for the festive season. Spring in Liguria can be wet too, but the cultural calendar hots up so spring is definitely worth considering.

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Monthly Weather in Genoa

Best Hotels in Genoa

  • San Giorgio Rooms Genoa 6 rooms from CA$114

    Local exploring  -  Perfectly placed for exploring the rabbit warren streets of the historic old town, right by the Porto Antico.
    Local markets  -  Explore the markets of Genoa's historic old town, filled with local crafts and produce.
    Sights nearby  -  Two minutes walk from Genoa aquarium and Genoa Cathedral.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningNo pets

    A delightful, historic guesthouse in the heart of Genoa. Its ornately decorated rooms embody the rich artistic culture associated with the city. The bespoke family suites provide families with the perfect opportunity to come and explore the historic mercantile city. An excellent value option. See More

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  • Hotel Le Nuvole Genoa 15 rooms from CA$124

    City Style
    Sights nearby  -  Throughout the city you'll find marble Renaissance portals and niches with statues Virgin or of ancient columns.
    Traditional  -  Beautiful and traditional architecture.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Air conditioningPet friendlyParking

    A beautiful traditional townhouse in central Genoa and not far from the beach. Wonderful Renaissance architecture. Contemporary sleek rooms, suites and family suites, some with mezzanine levels. Murals and frescoes on the ceilings as well as marble floors. City style with the old and new. See More

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  • Locanda di Palazzo Cicala Genoa 20 rooms from CA$145

    Families  -  Very family friendly; suite is big enough for extra beds and apartments have full kitchens to prepare dinner after sight seeing
    Romantic Break  -  Opposite the picturesque Catherdral, with murals and antiques in the rooms, opulent bathrooms and romantic mood
    Sights nearby  -  Porto Antico area (with Aquarium, Galata Museum of the Sea and Bigo the panoramic lift)
    Local markets  -  In the little and narrow streets in the old part of the city
    Air conditioning

    Unique hotel in city centre. Behind the 18th century facade, large rooms are blend of contemporary and traditional, with big bathrooms and French windows. Apartments have full kitchens and living areas. Sensational decor, central location and chic atmosphere. Very family friendly. See More

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  • Porto Antico B&B Genoa 3 rooms from CA$168

    Local exploring  -  Perfect for exploring the historic centre of the city on foot, within walking distance of harbour and the main museums.
    City Style  -  A stark contrast between the sleek modern interiors and the historic setting in the heart of Genoa's Old Town.
    Local markets  -  Explore the local markets of Genoa's historic old town and pick up a bargains.
    Sights nearby  -  Genoa Cathedral and Piazza De Ferrari are both only two minutes walk away.
    ParkingNo pets

    Chic B&B on the top floor of a historic building in Genoa's city centre. Here the sleek, contemporary rooms are whitewashed and furnished with minimalist decor. With Genoa's charming UNESCO heritage old town on the doorstep, it's perfect for exploring the city's rich culinary and artistic culture. See More

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  • Quarto Piano Genoa 3 rooms from CA$170

    Local exploring  -  A slick and comfortable hotel, perfect for exploring the mercantile city of Genoa.
    Fishing  -  Organise a fishing trip from one of the cities many harbours.
    Sights nearby  -  Located just five minutes from Genoa Cathedral.
    Air conditioningNo pets

    A smart, stylish B&B right in the heart of Genoa. The rooms are simply appointed with elegant decor and comfortable furnishings. Spend the day exploring the Genoa's rich culture or just as easily relax in the hot tub on the roof terrace. See More

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