3 Days in Genoa — Complete Itinerary
Lanterna Lighthouse
Climb the 172 steps of Genoa's 1543 lighthouse at Via della Lanterna 10 for panoramic harbor views and a glimpse of the 16th-century maritime history. The base courtyard is free to explore with historic ship models.
Aquarium of Genoa
Explore Europe's largest aquarium at Piazza delle Cattedrali 1, featuring the 70-meter underwater tunnel and rare Mediterranean marine conservation exhibits. Skip the overpriced gift shop and head straight to the "Ocean" section.
Piazza de Ferrari & Via Garibaldi
Stroll through Genoa's central square (Piazza de Ferrari) at sunset, then wander the historic Via Garibaldi street lined with 18th-century palazzi and artisan shops like Caffè San Marco.
Carignano District
Navigate the medieval alleys of Carignano (Via di Carignano 12) to discover hidden courtyards, 16th-century frescoes, and the tiny Chiesa di San Giorgio. Avoid the main tourist paths for authentic local life.
Palazzo Reale
Visit the Baroque palace (Piazza De Ferrari 10) on the first Sunday of the month for free entry to its art collections, including works by Rubens and Veronese.
Mercato Orientale
Eat fresh seafood at Genoa's historic fish market (Via San Giorgio 12) where locals buy dinner. Order "pansoti" (herb-filled pasta) at Trattoria da Serafino for €8.
Molo Vecchio Harbor
Watch fishing boats depart from Molo Vecchio (harbor entrance) for sunrise views, then browse the artisanal cheese stalls at Mercato del Pesce.
Via XX Settembre
Explore Genoa's grand shopping street (Via XX Settembre 4) for architecture, then pop into the hidden courtyard of Palazzo Rosso (Via Balbi 1) for free Renaissance art.
Caffè San Marco
Sip espresso at the historic Caffè San Marco (Via San Marco 3) for the city's best view of the harbor, recommended by locals since 1892.
Local Insider Tip
Genoese drink "cappuccino" only before 11 AM; after noon, it's "caffè" (no milk)—ordering "cappuccino" after 11 AM will get you a confused stare.
About These Attractions
Verified descriptions from Wikipedia · Last checked 2026-04-12
The Aquarium of Genoa is the largest aquarium in Italy and one of the most significant in Europe. It is located in the Old Harbour area of Genoa, Liguria, and was designed by the architect Renzo Piano as part of the urban redevelopment project created for the Expo 1992, celebrati
This is a list of royal palaces, sorted by continent.
Caffè San Marco is a historic coffeehouse located at Via Cesare Battisti 18 in Trieste, Italy. Founded in 1914 by Marco Lovrinivich, it has long been associated with the city's intellectual life, Italian irredentism, and rich coffee culture. Known for its distinctive Viennese Sec
Source: Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
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