The Musical Soul of Genoa: An Itinerary Through Songwriters, Live Clubs and Events

Genoa is a city you can listen to. In the lyrics of its songwriters, in the guitars playing in Via del Campo, in the clubs hidden among the alleys. Music in Genoa isn’t just a memory: it's a thread connecting the city of the past to the one of today, through stories, venues, festivals and voices that still leave a mark. If you like to travel with open ears, this itinerary will take you where the notes truly tell the story of Genoa.

If you're looking for a convenient starting point to explore the city, Hotel Astoria is located in the centre of Genoa, just steps away from the city’s iconic music landmarks. Discover our rooms and experience the city!

Discovering Genoa’s Songwriters

Genoa is the cradle of one of the most influential musical movements of 20th-century Italy. Between the 1960s and 70s, a generation of artists turned the city into a reference point for Italian songwriting. By following in their footsteps, you can uncover a different side of Genoa: more intimate, profound and rooted in words.

The Genoese School: De André, Tenco, Lauzi, Paoli and more

The so-called "Genoese School" was never a formal institution, but rather a group of artists who grew up in the same city during the same period. Fabrizio De André, Luigi Tenco, Umberto Bindi, Bruno Lauzi and Gino Paoli revolutionised Italian music with poetic lyrics, French influences, jazz inspiration and a clear-eyed look at reality. Each had their own style, but all were deeply connected to Genoa, its neighbourhoods and contradictions. Their songs speak of alleys, outcasts, love and freedom: they tell the story of the city from within, with no rhetoric.

Iconic Places: Via del Campo 29 Rosso and the Songwriters’ Benches

Anyone wanting to dive into Genoa’s musical history shouldn’t miss a visit to Via del Campo 29 Rosso. Today it’s a museum space dedicated to De André and Italian songwriting, featuring instruments, records, lyrics, photos and an accessible archive.

Just a few steps away, in the alleys of the historic centre (specifically Via Cecchi), you’ll find the “songwriters’ benches”: installations featuring engraved lyrics and QR codes linking to the songs. A walk you can listen to, not just see.

Walking the Caruggi: Places and Stories Told Through Music

The caruggi (narrow alleyways) are not just the backdrop to many songs—they’re the main characters. With market chatter, echoes bouncing off narrow walls and glimpses of the port, it’s easy to understand why so many tracks were born here. From the Maddalena to Pré, from Sottoripa to Via del Campo, every corner has a story someone already sang. If you enjoy exploring on foot, this is a true journey into the Genoa told through music—authentic, raw and real.

Want to follow the songwriters' footsteps? Here's a step-by-step itinerary through symbolic spots:

• Via del Campo – Start beneath Porta dei Vacca: this is where De André's famous "Via del Campo" was born. Don’t miss the Via del Campo 29 Rosso museum, open by appointment and home to objects, photos and lyrics from the Genoese School.

• Piazza Fossatello and Via San Luca – A few steps away, these streets host themed walking tours like "Faber’s Genoa," filled with real anecdotes and unforgettable quotes during special events.

• Via della Maddalena and Sottoripa – Continue through Sottoripa’s historic arcades, immortalised in De André’s stories, and explore Via della Maddalena, a district tied to some of his most powerful lyrics.

• Recommended Events – Occasionally, festivals like "Genoese Notes Among the Caruggi" feature guided walks with live readings and music—an immersive way to experience Genoa’s musical history.

Historic and Modern Live Clubs in Genoa

Music in Genoa doesn’t end with the past. Beyond its legendary songwriters, the city has always had a vibrant scene of small clubs, jazz nights, rock concerts and indie events. From historic venues to new social spaces, Genoa keeps playing after dark.

Louisiana Jazz Club: The Temple of Genoese Jazz

Founded in 1964, the Louisiana Jazz Club is one of the oldest jazz venues in Italy. Located in the city centre, it has hosted both Italian and international musicians over the years, becoming a key spot for jazz lovers and professionals alike. From classic jazz to bebop, weekly concerts and open jam sessions keep the music alive in an intimate, authentic atmosphere.

Count Basie Jazz Club and Lucrezia Social Bar: Fresh New Energy

The Count Basie Jazz Club, launched in 1985 and recently relaunched in the Carignano neighbourhood, is another major player on Genoa’s music scene. In addition to jazz, it hosts genre-crossing events with a lively regular programme and an active community.

Not far away, in the historic centre, Lucrezia Social Bar blends music, culture and community with concerts, performances and gatherings. It’s one of the newest spaces to discover emerging projects and enjoy live music in a casual yet curated setting.

Rock, Blues and Alternative Sounds: Quaalude RockClub and Angelo Azzurro Club

For fans of rock, blues and alternative music, Quaalude RockClub and Angelo Azzurro Club are two must-visit spots. Quaalude, located underground on Via XX Settembre, is a small venue with a strong identity: close-up stage, drinks, and nights ranging from classic rock to indie.

Angelo Azzurro, on the other hand, has been active for decades in the hills of Genoa and offers a wide range of programming, from metal to blues, with a raw, underground spirit. Both are perfect for those who want to experience live music without filters and full of energy.

Unmissable Festivals and Events

Music in Genoa also thrives through major events and festivals that bring contemporary sounds to squares, museums and the Porto Antico. Here are three to add to your calendar.

Goa-Boa Festival: A Celebration of Contemporary Music

Since 1998, the Goa-Boa Festival has been one of Genoa’s most awaited summer events. Organised by Associazione Psyco, it brings together emerging and established artists in venues like Porto Antico and revitalised industrial areas. Recent editions have featured alternative, pop, electronic and world music performances.

ExtraMusica at Genoa’s Museums: Songwriters on Stage

The ExtraMusica concert series continues at various Genoa museums, showcasing events dedicated to legendary songwriters. Concerts are often paired with exhibitions and guided tours—perfect for those wanting to hear De André, Tenco or Lauzi in atmospheric, historical settings.

Suq Festival: Music Meets Theatre and Mediterranean Culture

Held annually at Porto Antico, the Suq Festival mixes music, theatre, crafts and Mediterranean cuisine. Evening events promote intercultural dialogue and feature diverse live performances.

How to Experience Music in Genoa Today: Practical Tips

Music in Genoa comes alive between late spring and early autumn, when festivals and live club events fill the calendar. For series like Goa-Boa or ExtraMusica, check online starting March or April: many organisers offer early bird tickets or multi-event passes. At clubs like Louisiana and Count Basie, you can often get season passes at discounted rates.

To secure a spot in smaller venues (like Quaalude or Angelo Azzurro), it’s best to book a few days in advance, especially on weekends. Arriving early (around 8-9pm) gives you a good seat and time to soak up the atmosphere—or even chat with performers and locals. Want to catch jam sessions or discover new acts? Ask the bartenders or staff: many venues have an "unofficial" calendar of spontaneous shows.

Maps and Getting Around

Here are a few tips for getting around easily:

• Public transport: Genoa has a light metro, buses and elevators connecting the centre, Carignano and Porto Antico areas. All mentioned clubs are reachable from central Piazza De Ferrari in 10-15 minutes by bus or metro.

• Useful apps: Download the AMT Genova app for public transport, check Eventbrite or TicketOne for concert tickets, and use online maps to locate venues and navigate without hassle.