GemmaGenoa Old Town has a way of pulling you in before you even realize it. One moment you are walking along the busy port, and the next you are standing inside a maze of narrow streets where laundry hangs above your head and the smell of fresh focaccia drifts from hidden bakeries. This part of the city feels alive, a little chaotic, and full of stories waiting for you to discover.
If you enjoy places that feel real, layered, and slightly unpredictable, Genoa’s historic center will speak to you. It is one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe, and it does not try to impress you in a polished way. Instead, it wins you over slowly, corner by corner. From my own personal experience, this is the kind of place that rewards curiosity. The more you explore, the more it gives back.
Below are ten things to do in Genoa Old Town that you truly need to see. These are not rushed checklist stops. They are moments, streets, flavors, and views that help you understand why this city stays with you long after you leave.
1. Get Lost in the Caruggi
The caruggi are the narrow alleyways that twist through Genoa Old Town. They are tight, shadowy, and sometimes confusing, which is exactly why you should walk them without a plan.
At first, you may think you took a wrong turn. The streets feel barely wide enough for two people to pass. Then something interesting appears: a tiny wine bar, a religious shrine built into a wall, or a shop that has been selling the same goods for decades.
Getting lost here is not a mistake. It is part of the experience. The old town was built this way for protection, not convenience. Every turn tells you something about how the city once lived.
A small tip: look up. Many visitors forget this. Above you, you will see arched walkways, faded frescoes, and windows so close they seem to touch. It feels like the buildings are leaning in to listen.
2. Visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Right in the heart of the old town stands the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Its black-and-white striped façade immediately grabs your attention.
Step inside and the mood changes. The noise of the streets fades, replaced by cool air and soft echoes. The interior feels grand but not cold. You can sense centuries of faith, conflict, and celebration within its walls.
One of the most interesting details is the chapel that holds a relic said to be from the Last Supper. Whether you believe the story or not, the history behind it adds depth to your visit.
Take your time here. Sit for a moment. Watch locals come in quietly, light a candle, and leave. It reminds you that this is not just a monument. It is still part of daily life.
3. Explore Piazza Banchi and Its Surroundings
Piazza Banchi may look modest at first, but it carries strong historical weight. This square once served as the financial center of Genoa when the city was a major maritime power.
Today, it is a great place to pause. You can stand in the middle and feel the contrast between old stone buildings and modern movement around you.
Nearby, you will find small shops, bookstores, and cafés that feel local rather than tourist-focused. It is a good spot to grab an espresso and do some people-watching.
If you enjoy imagining the past, this square makes it easy. Merchants, sailors, and bankers once crossed these same stones, likely in a bigger hurry than you are now.
4. Step Inside the Palazzi dei Rolli
Genoa’s Palazzi dei Rolli are a group of grand residences once used to host important visitors. These palaces were privately owned, yet open to guests of the Republic.
Walking through them feels like stepping into another era. High ceilings, painted halls, marble staircases, and dramatic courtyards appear behind doors you might otherwise walk past.
Some palaces are museums, while others still function as offices or residences. During certain times of the year, more are open to the public, and if you can time your visit right, it is absolutely worth it.
These buildings show a side of Genoa that surprises many visitors. Behind the rough edges of the old town lies elegance and ambition.
5. Wander Along Via Garibaldi
Via Garibaldi is one of the most beautiful streets in the city. It is wider, brighter, and more refined than the surrounding alleys.
This street was once home to Genoa’s wealthiest families, and it shows. The palaces line up proudly, each one trying to outdo the next.
Even if you do not enter every building, simply walking down the street is an experience. It feels like an open-air gallery of architecture.
If you enjoy art and history, consider visiting Palazzo Rosso or Palazzo Bianco. They offer not only impressive collections but also lovely views from their upper floors.
6. Taste Authentic Genoese Food
You cannot explore Genoa Old Town without eating well. This city takes food seriously, and luckily for you, it does not require fancy restaurants to impress.
Start with focaccia. Simple, golden, slightly oily, and perfect at any time of day. Locals eat it for breakfast, and once you try it, you will understand why.
Then there is pesto, the pride of Genoa. Fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and cheese come together in a way that feels honest and comforting.
Try trofie or trenette pasta if you can. These shapes hold the sauce beautifully.
Do not rush your meal. Sit, eat slowly, and watch the rhythm of the street outside. Food here is not just fuel. It is a pause in the day.
7. Discover Hidden Churches
Beyond the main cathedral, Genoa Old Town hides dozens of smaller churches. Many are easy to miss because their entrances blend into surrounding buildings.
Step inside one, and you may find yourself alone in a space filled with gold details, paintings, and quiet beauty.
Churches like San Donato or Santa Maria di Castello offer insight into the spiritual side of the city. They also provide a peaceful break from the busy streets.
Even if you are not religious, these places help you understand how deeply faith shaped the old town’s layout and daily life.
8. Walk Toward the Old Port
The Old Port area sits right next to the historic center and creates a strong contrast.
After hours in narrow alleys, the open space feels refreshing. You suddenly see the sea again, along with boats, modern structures, and wide walkways.
This area has been redesigned but still connects closely to Genoa’s maritime roots. You can walk along the water, enjoy a gelato, or simply sit and rest your legs.
The view back toward the old town is especially nice in the late afternoon when the light softens.
9. Visit the Strade Nuove Museums
The Strade Nuove Museums combine several historic palaces into one cultural experience.
Inside, you will find art, furniture, and décor that show how Genoa’s elite once lived. The rooms themselves are just as impressive as the collections.
What makes these museums special is their balance. They feel rich in history without being overwhelming.
If you enjoy learning while still feeling relaxed, this is a good place to spend a few hours.
10. End the Day With a View From Above
After exploring the old town on foot, seeing it from above brings everything together.
You can take a lift or walk toward higher points around the historic center. From there, the rooftops stretch out like a patchwork of terracotta and stone.
As the sun lowers, the city softens. The chaos of the day quiets. It is the perfect moment to reflect on everything you have seen.
This view reminds you that Genoa is not just a place you visit. It is a place you feel.
Why Genoa Old Town Stays With You
Genoa Old Town does not try to entertain you loudly. It invites you to pay attention.
You hear footsteps echoing through alleys. You smell food cooking behind closed shutters. You pass locals greeting each other as they have for years.
Based on my overall experience, this is a place that grows on you. It does not demand love at first sight, but once it has you, it does not let go easily.
The beauty here is layered. It sits in history, daily life, and small moments that feel personal.
Tips for Exploring Comfortably
Wear comfortable shoes. The streets are uneven, and you will walk more than expected.
Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to enjoy a calmer atmosphere.
Most of all, slow down. Genoa Old Town does not reward rushing.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Genoa Old Town feels like stepping into a living story. It is messy in places, beautiful in others, and honest all the way through.
You do not need a strict plan. You just need curiosity, time, and a willingness to wander.
If you give this part of the city your attention, it gives you something rare in return: a sense of connection.
And that is what makes these ten things to do more than simple activities. They become memories that stay with you long after your trip ends.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.