Genoa is a city rich in history and charm, whose origins are intertwined with the world of seafaring, the Mediterranean and the great trade routes. Known for the enormous Aquarium of Genoa, which at the time of its inauguration was the second largest in the world, the city is a place that can hold many surprises in store, also thanks to the many things to see and do.
If you are thinking of spending a weekend discovering the city, here is a guide on where to stay in Genoa, which are the best areas and which neighbourhoods are best avoided.
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
Since the city's main attractions are all concentrated in the area of the old city centre and, above all, the port, we recommend that you stay as close to this area as possible (especially in the Molo and Maddalena districts), which, all things considered, can offer a wide range of entertainment and excellent value for money accommodation.
On the other hand, if you are travelling by car, remember that you cannot access it as it is a restricted traffic zone. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the residential areas further away from the centre, but more authentic: in this regard, note the Foce and Marassi neighbourhoods.
If you are driving, make sure your hotel has parking! Traffic in Genoa is a serious problem, and finding parking is even worse, so it is better to have a safe place and get around on foot or by transport.
If you also want to enjoy the sea as well as the city, we recommend the wonderful eastern coastline, where there are villages such as Boccadasse, Sturla and Nervi.
Suggested areas tosave money: Marassi, Foce
Suggested areas forfamilies with children: Molo, Castelletto, Foce, Maddalena, Litorale orientale, Boccadasse
Suggested areas foryoung people: Molo, Foce, Maddalena
Bestaccommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Genoa. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
Guide to areas of Genoa
Originally, the city of Genoa was subdivided into only six sestrieri, but since 1870 the city's urban layout has expanded considerably to include nine urban macro-zones, into which the various districts are grouped.
In terms of tourism, the districts of interest are the most central ones. For short stays, we recommend Molo and Maddalena, in the ubrana I zone. This area also includes the Castelletto district, which is especially suitable for families. Also worth considering are Marassi (zone III) and Foce (zone VIII), which are further out but ideal for saving money and immersing yourself in the soul of the city.
If you arrive in the city by plane and stay only two or three days, you can also consider Sestri Ponente, the first district you will encounter as soon as you land. It may not be one of the quietest areas because of the air traffic, but there is still a nice little harbour and the area is full of shopping centres and shops for your shopping! If you arrive by car or train, there are many other neighbourhoods to consider, let's see them together!
Areas to avoid: contrary to popular belief, Genoa is a fairly quiet city, but we would advise against wandering around the area around Genova Principe station and via Prè on your own, especially at night; the streets are narrow and often without adequate lighting
Pier / Zone I
Undoubtedly the most popular in the entire city, Molo is the district directly overlooking Genoa's old harbour, which over time has become the main entertainment and leisure area for young and old. It is a district suitable for families, but also for young people looking for fun and many activities to choose from.
In this area characterised by the scent of the sea, in fact, there are some of the main tourist attractions, including the Genoa Aquarium (which it shares with the Maddalena district), the Bigo, the Biosphere and the Children's House, a playful museum designed for children between the ages of 2 and 14. For adults, on the other hand, there is also the Arena del Mare and the Piazza delle Feste, which host exhibitions, cultural festivals and musical concerts.
You can easily get around the area on foot and the reference metro stop is San Giorgio (red MM line). If you are travelling by car, make sure your accommodation has parking! Finding free parking in the area is practically impossible, you'll have to rely on paying ones which are quite expensive...
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Excellent design hotel housed in a historic building. 24-hour reception. Ideal for couples | |
Simple but cosy establishment, suitable for families travelling with children | |
Studio flat just 400 metres from the Aquarium. Parking included. Ideal for families, couples, small groups | |
Luxury hotel with period furnishings, gourmet restaurant for guests and private parking. Ideal for couples |
Magdalena / Zone I
Photos by Ettorre - gregorio (ettorre(at)gmail(dot)com). In addition to Molo, the other large neighbourhood in the historic centre is Maddalena. Still overlooking the old port and the aquarium, here we are in the carruggi: amidst stately palaces, traces of the medieval, Renaissance and Belle Epoque periods can be seen in a fusion of architectural styles.
This is an ideal district for families, as it is rich in amenities, close to the main attractions and partly closed to traffic. Here you will find Via Garibaldi, the famous street of the city centre, as well as other attractions such as the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art and the National Galleries of Palazzo Spinola. In addition, the large car park of the Aquarium is located here.
Considered one of the largest historical centres in Europe, it is also a very liveable area for tourists and can be visited entirely on foot. In this regard, it is not uncommon to come across free walking tours along the main streets. The reference metro stops are San Giorgio and De Ferrari (red line MM).
Again, if you are driving, make sure your accommodation has parking! Finding free parking in the area is practically impossible, you'll have to rely on paid ones which are quite expensive...
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hostel with 24h reception, lounge and common kitchen. Clean and modern, with all comforts. Ideal for young people and groups of friends | |
B&B a stone's throw from the port. Nice and tidy structure, very friendly staff, large and well furnished rooms. | |
Loved by couples for its central location and the beauty of the rooms. Free WiFi | |
B&B in the city centre. Clean and quiet rooms. Abundant breakfast |
Castelletto / Zone I
Photo by Alessandro Vecchi. Castelletto is the name given to the hill behind the historic centre of Genoa. It is a district much loved by locals, who appreciate its many green areas and the splendid view of old Genoa and the port that can be admired from Spianata Castelletto. It is therefore a district recommended for families.
There is also no shortage of culturally significant buildings in thisquiet residential area, including the Castello d'Albertis with its beautiful adjacent park. Here you will also find the Righi Astronomical Observatory and the Righi Adventure Park, ideal to visit with children for an afternoon of fun.
The best way to get to Castelletto is via the lift of the same name, which is one of the most picturesque historical installations in the entire city.
Average prices in the district range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Fully equipped flat. Private parking and WiFi included. | |
Flat with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Free WiFi and access to jacuzzi | |
Flat with balcony, equipped kitchen and minibar corner. Ideal for families, couples, groups. | |
Deluxe rooms with refined furnishings and marble floors. Italian-style breakfast. Ideal for couples. |
Marassi / Zone II
Photo by Gabriel Rinaldi. Bordering on the historic centre and San Fruttuoso, outside the ancient walls, the Marassi district is one of the most densely populated in the city, thanks to considerable expansion between the 20th and 21st centuries. The jewel in the crown of the area is undoubtedly the well-known Luigi Ferraris Stadium, although the entire residential quarter deserves a visit: the Church of Santa Margherita and the Quezzi Tower are not to be missed.
This is an ideal neighbourhood for those who want to save money, in fact here the offer is ample at more affordable prices than in the city centre! You will be further away from the centre, but you can easily reach it by train, thanks to the Genova/Piazza Manin station right outside the Stadium. Alternatively, you can take bus line 34 also from Genova/Piazza Manin to the Portello stop (6 min), a few steps from Via Garibaldi
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €25.00 for low-cost accommodation to €150.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Flat with balcony, free private parking and Wifi. Ideal for families, couples, small groups. | |
House with beautiful views over the city, single or double beds as required and soundproof rooms. Ideal for families, couples, groups. | |
Comfortable flat well connected by public transport. Ideal for those arriving from Milan, families, couples and groups. |
Foce / Zone VIII
Photos by Ettorre. Foce is the only large flat area in the city of Genoa. Situated between Carignano and Albaro, this district built in the late 1950s hosts numerous municipal buildings, as well as the fairground and elegant residential buildings. Here you can also admire the beautiful Piazza della Vittoria and the Scalinata Borghese.
It is also an optimal area for those who enjoy shopping and long walks: here is the beginning of the Genoese promenade, Corso Italia, which runs close to the city's waterfront. Moreover, the city centre is just a two-minute walk away. The reference metro stop is Brignole (red MM line), and here you will also find the train station of the same name.
It is an ideal neighbourhood for families, as it is equipped with all amenities, such as numerous restaurants, clubs and shops. It is also ideal for young people, who can reach the centre and the movida clubs in a few minutes' walk!
Average prices in the district range from around €22.00 for low-cost accommodation to €150.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Great location and modern, well-equipped rooms. Breakfast included and free WiFi | |
Cheap but elegant hotel near the seafront. Pets allowed. Ideal for families, couples, groups | |
B&B in a great location with free parking. Clean, well-equipped rooms. | |
Excellently located suite with soundproof rooms and free covered parking. Ideal for couples |
Boccadasse / Zone 1
Boccadasse, an old fishing village, is definitely a district to stay in if you are looking for an experience and atmosphere different from the rest of Genoa. The main attraction here is the sea: the 'neighbourhood' is full of small beaches, ideal for relaxing on hot days.
It is anarea recommended for those who prefer a bit of tranquillity to the chaos of the big city. It is therefore ideal for families with children, and for couples looking for romantic spots. It is not recommended for those seeking nightlife and entertainment: here the busiest time is sunset, when many people have an aperitif by the sea, but then return to the city.
If you decide to stay here, getting around is easy. It can be easily reached from the cycle path to the centre, or you can travel by direct bus (line 45, 30 min) or direct regional train (25 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Guesthouse with spacious and bright rooms, equipped with all facilities. Parking, family rooms and pets allowed. Ideal for families and couples | |
Hotel with rooms with a view, 24-hour reception and terrace. Pets allowed. Ideal for families and couples | |
B&B facing the beach, with parking, room service and parking. Ideal for families and couples | |
Flat with 2 bedrooms and living room. Free WiFi |
East Coast / Sturla, Quarto dei Mille, Quinto al Mare, Nervi
Photo by Gianni Scopinaro. If your intention, in addition to visiting the city, is to relax and bathe in the sea, then we suggest you consider the entire eastern coastline, with wonderful villages offering unique views. This is an ideal area especially for families and those who want to relax; if, on the other hand, you are looking for excitement and fun, it is better to stay near the Port of Genoa.
Starting from Boccadasse, the first village you come across is Sturla, a small seaside resort with quiet little beaches, such as Vernazzola beach and Bagni Sturla. This is followed by Quarto dei Mille and Quinto al Mare, two residential neighbourhoods, characterised by exclusive villas directly overlooking the sea and plenty of accommodation just a few steps from the beach. Finally we come to Nervi, a wonderful neighbourhood surrounded by greenery. Here is perhaps the most famous attraction of the entire coastline, the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, with wonderful views of the seafront!
The entire waterfront is connected to the centre of Genoa by numerous buses or by the railway network, which is the best and quickest solution, as each district has its own station.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €45.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Entire flat in Sturla, a few steps from the coast, max 5 adults and one child. Equipped kitchen, wonderful view, pets allowed. Ideal for families and groups | |
B&B in Quarto dei Mille, close to the beach, free parking and wonderful garden. Ideal for families and couples | |
Hotel in Nervi, with restaurant, bar and free parking. Pets allowed. Ideal for families and couples |
Villages near Genoa where to stay
Sleeping in Genoa is undoubtedly the best choice for those who want to fully enjoy the city and all its nuances. Here you will find different solutions to suit all budgets and, staying in the historic centre, you will be able to get around mainly on foot!
However, if Genoa is just one of the many stops on a broader itinerary around Liguria, we recommend staying in one of the enchanting villages in the Tigullio Gulf, located close to the city and ideal as a base for easy access to other areas.
Camogli (33 km / 37 minutes): a typical Ligurian fishing village, known for its colourful buildings and picturesque harbour. It is ideal for those who want to relax on the beautiful beach overlooking Paradise Gulf, but also for those who love trekking given the large number of hiking trails. Connected by direct regional train (35 min) - Hotels and b&b from €50.00 per room
Portofino (39 km / 52 min): a little gem that fascinates a little of everyone, including Italian and foreign VIPs, although not at all suitable for those who want to save money. If you plan to go to the Cinque Terre, moreover, it can be an excellent solution given its proximity and frequent connections. To reach Genoa you need bus+train (bus line 82 to S. Margherita F.S, then direct regional train, 1 h) - Hotels and b&b from €150.00 per room
If you are in Genoa on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com
