Genoa Cruise Port Guide
Photos: patano (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Klajdi Sejdiraj, fabrizio vigna, Roberto Bova, Nicola Cois, Emanuele Maria Marino · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Italy
- Region:
- Western Mediterranean
- Coordinates:
- 44.4072° N, 8.9339° E
About Genoa
Genoa is ideal for families and those seeking authentic Italian culture. The port sits at the heart of the city, putting major attractions within easy reach on foot. Whether you're travelling with children, exploring art and history, or discovering the Italian Riviera, Genoa offers something for every cruise passenger.
The Western Mediterranean itineraries calling at Genoa provide access to some of Italy's finest museums and landmarks. The Acquario di Genova is one of Europe's most visited aquariums, while the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and Porta Soprana showcase stunning architecture just a short walk from the quay. Art lovers can visit the Musei di Strada Nuova – Palazzo Rosso, home to important Renaissance collections.
What to see and do
The historic Porto Antico (Old Harbour) blends maritime heritage with modern attractions, and Piazza della Vittoria is a grand historical landmark perfect for leisurely exploration. Several museums and galleries cluster within the city centre, making it easy to plan a rewarding shore day without venturing far from your ship.
Nearby ports
Genoa sits on the Italian Riviera within the Western Mediterranean region. Nearby ports include Barcelona, Cannes, Ajaccio and Cagliari, offering varied itineraries along this beautiful coastline.
Genoa is the sixth-largest city in Italy and the capital of the region of Liguria in northern Italy. As of 2026, 566,247 people live within the city's administrative limits. While its metropolitan city has 820,691 inhabitants, more than 1.5 million people live in the wider metropolitan area stretching along the Italian Riviera.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Genoa on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Rana Mizan · via Google Maps Aquarium
Acquario di Genova
4.4 (83,201) 0.7 km from port
Huge harborside aquarium housing marine & freshwater species in aquatic ecosystem display tanks.
Near: The City of Children and Young People (29 m) · Vascello Neptune (87 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “Although the tickets are quite expensive, the aquarium itself is very large, fascinating, and diverse. You can observe all the…” — Tatyana Kazmina
- 5 · “An absolute 10/10 experience! The aquarium is massive and filled with so many incredible marine animals—sharks, manatees, dolphins, penguins, seahorses…” — Isabela D.
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Photo: Valerio Aceto · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Porto Antico
4.5 (14,770) 0.9 km from port
Renovated waterfront zone with an aquarium, museums & a seasonal pool, plus shops & restaurants.
Near: La Goletta Seaside pub (14 m) · Roadhouse Grill (16 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Very cool area in Genova, worth walking around. I saw according to google maps entry is €5 but in reality…” — Fekete Márk
- 5 · “I am here to attend the 78th IIW Annual Assembly. This venue serves as the main conference center, featuring multiple…” — Must Kanokwan Jitngamkam
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Photo: Dejan Dimic · via Google Maps Church
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
4.6 (13,142) 0.2 km from port
Black-&-white-striped Romanesque cathedral with a frescoed interior, housing unique holy relics.
Near: Farmacia del Duomo - Dott.ssa Rognoni Maria Elena (17 m) · Treasure Museum (45 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “Absolutely beautiful. Take the stairs to the tower, well worth it. One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy.” — Alex Che
- 5 · “* Construction began around 1098, after a previous church on the site was replaced. * The cathedral was consecrated in…” — Mukdam Kena
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Photo: Csaba Biro · via Google Maps Historical landmark
Piazza della Vittoria
4.4 (7,307) 1.0 km from port
Urban square with an imposing triumphal arch & lawns engraved with the symbol of Columbus's ships.
Near: Geotravels (64 m) · INPS Genova (74 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Very nice and clean place surrounded by interesting buildings and tall trees. The arc in the middle is amazing and…” — Václav Krůta
- 5 · “Such a beautiful place I highly recommend to you guys to come here because even if in the pictures you…” — Aybel
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Tourist attraction
Piazza Corvetto
4.3 (3,759) 0.5 km from port
Traffic circle featuring a bronze equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II & seasonal flower beds.
Near: Hotel NH Genova Centro (72 m) · Prefecture of Genoa (81 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “I stumbled upon this beautiful landmark by chance, and I’m so glad I did! It’s truly a hidden gem with…” — Iryna Shchukina
- 4 · “This was on our walks around the city. Nice statue but busy roundabout. There is a park just before it…” — Jonathan Wood
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Art museum
Musei di Strada Nuova - Palazzo Rosso
4.6 (1,668) 0.5 km from port
17th-century former aristocratic family's home, now an art gallery with portraiture & Old Masters.
Near: Via Garibaldi 12 (68 m) · Comune di Genova (81 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “The best of palaces on the street, interesting history that is visualized inside. Worth to visit only it, without other…” — Olga Boyko
- 5 · “A beautiful historical museum. Musei di Strada Nuova - Palazzo Rosso has several floors full of interesting exhibits and impressive…” — Lukáš Gába
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Tourist attraction
Galleria Giuseppe Mazzini
4.3 (1,398) 0.2 km from port
Near: CELSO Istituto Di Studi Orientali (18 m) · Carlo Felice Theater (50 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “We had no idea that we would find a gallery here that is no less impressive than its more famous…” — Peter Seno
- 5 · “Beautiful place. I had my hair coloured in the hairdresser which I was very pleased with.” — Maria
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Monument
Porta Soprana
4.6 (1,293) 0.2 km from port
This grand, towered gate in the 12th-century walls of Genoa was restored in the 19th & 20th century.
Near: Locanda Tortuga (27 m) · Cafè Il Barbarossa (29 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Porta Soprana is an absolute must-see. The medieval stone towers are incredibly impressive, but the real magic happens when you…” — Yagiz Ozkan
- 5 · “Porta Soprana, or "Upper Gate," is Genoa's most famous historical gate and the most prominent remaining monument of the 12th-century…” — Visit Genova
Map of Genoa and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Genoa
Cruises to Western Mediterranean mostly sail april to October.
- Jan
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Cruises calling at Genoa
Deals update daily — see all Western Mediterranean cruises.
