Genoa on a Budget: 4 Days of Italian Adventure!

Discover the authentic charm of Genoa without breaking the bank.

22 June 2023

A budget-friendly trip to Genoa can be a delightful experience, with a variety of affordable accommodations and eateries. A stroll through the historic streets of the city, exploring the Old Port and visiting the famous museums, can be done for free or at nominal entry fees. The local markets and street food stalls can be savored for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discovering Genoa

  • Check into the affordable and stylish So & Leo Guesthouse in the picturesque district of Brignole.
  • Get lost in the winding alleys of the Caruggi, the charming old town with its medieval buildings and hidden courtyards.
  • Go up to Piazza Corvetto for panoramic views over the city and visit the Palazzo Ducale, the former Doge's residence turned art gallery.
  • Head to the Porto Antico to see the impressive Aquarium and the Biosphere, a giant glass sphere housing a tropical ecosystem.
  • End the day with dinner at Antica Osteria di Vico Palla, a cosy trattoria serving traditional Ligurian dishes like trofie with pesto and farinata.
Day 2

Coastal Adventures

  • Take a train or a boat to Camogli, a colourful fishing village on the Riviera di Levante, and walk along the seafront promenade.
  • Climb the hill to visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and enjoy breathtaking views over the Gulf of Tigullio.
  • Have a seafood lunch at La Camogliese, a family-run restaurant with a fantastic terrace.
  • Take a boat to San Fruttuoso, a secluded bay with a medieval abbey and a pebble beach.
  • Hike through the scenic Parco Naturale di Portofino and stop at picturesque villages like Portofino and San Michele di Pagana.
Day 3

Art & Architecture

  • Start the day with a cappuccino and a cornetto at the elegant Pasticceria Tagliafico in Piazza de Ferrari.
  • Visit the Museo di Palazzo Reale, a sumptuous palace with opulent rooms and art collections spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
  • Walk down Via Garibaldi, a grand boulevard lined with UNESCO-listed palaces and museums like Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco.
  • Visit the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato, a stunning Baroque church with a rich history.
  • Have an aperitivo in the bohemian neighbourhood of Albaro, popular among students, artists and intellectuals.
Day 4

Foodie Delights

  • Visit the Mercato Orientale, a bustling indoor market selling fresh produce, spices, cheeses and wines.
  • Have a panino con la cima at Panificio G.B. Zucchi, a historic bakery located in a hidden courtyard.
  • Take a cooking class at Cuochincasa, a friendly kitchen studio where you can learn how to make pesto, focaccia and more.
  • Have lunch at Trattoria da Maria, a convivial eatery serving hearty dishes like tripe, stuffed vegetables and chickpea flatbreads.
  • End the trip with gelato at Gelateria Profumo di Rosa, a lovely artisanal shop with creative flavours like sage and raspberry or ricotta and figs.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Genoa by plane is to fly into Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, which is located just 7 km west of the city center.

Car

If arriving by car, the best way to get to Genoa is to take the A10 motorway and follow signs for the city center.

Train

There are several trains that run from major Italian cities to Genoa. The most convenient stations to arrive at are either Genova Brignole or Genova Piazza Principe, both of which are located in the city center.

Boat

Genoa has a large commercial port that services several major cruise lines, making arriving by boat a viable option for travelers. The port is located just a short distance from the city center and can be reached via taxi or public transportation.

Bus

The most convenient bus station to arrive at in Genoa is the Genova Piazza della Vittoria bus station, which is located in the city center and services several major bus companies.

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