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Despite the size of the city, the historic center of Genoa is actually perfect for being visited on foot. There are many walkable itineraries, as well as monuments and attractions, which is why it is recommended to spend at least a few days visiting the city.
Should time be scarce, it is still possible to visit Genoa on foot in one day.
Hotel Astoria is the perfect starting point for exploring the city: in fact, it is a stone's throw from the train and subway station, as well as the bus stop, and in a perfect location for walking to the historic center. Check out all of our special offers!
Find out what to see in Genoa on foot with our itinerary.
Want to learn more about the city? Browse through our Genoa's guide!
Via XX Settembre and Piazza de Ferrari
Starting from the Hotel Astoria, in just a few minutes you'll find yourself walking down Via XX Settembre, with its trendy stores, bars and wide arcades.
Don't forget to take a look inside the Mercato Orientale. Downstairs is a colorful market frequented by all Genovese, full of stalls selling spices, fruits and vegetables, fish and delicacies of local cuisine. Upstairs is the recently opened Piazza del Gusto, a scenic covered space where you can sample Genoese street food and tasty international cuisine.
Arriving at the top of the street, you come out onto Piazza de Ferrari, with its iconic fountain and surrounded by ancient buildings. Just across the square is the Carlo Felice Theater.
Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale is one of the most important historic buildings in Genoa, once the seat of the Doge, while today it hosts many important art and cultural exhibitions. It may be worth stopping to admire the works housed inside.
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Descending down Via San Lorenzo is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its iconic black-and-white striped facade. The church dates back to 1098 and the ashes of St. John the Baptist are preserved inside. Inside are important frescoes and an unexploded British bomb that hit the building during World War II.
The alleys of the historic center
A walk exploring Genoa's famous alleys is a must. Despite their reputation, walking through this maze of narrow streets during the day is quite safe. Explore Piazza Banchi, Piazza delle Vigne, continue along Via di Soziglia and be distracted by the quaint bars and stores.
The Old Port
Past the folklore of Sottoripa, you reach the Porto Antico, with its bars and restaurants and Renzo Piano's famous architecture. Here you can find the famous Aquarium of Genoa, the Bigo panoramic elevator, the Galata Maritime Museum, Eataly, and a host of venues overlooking the sea.
Via Garibaldi and the Palazzi dei Rolli
Heading inland, we come to the elegant Via Garibaldi, where some of the city's oldest and most important buildings stand.
Don't miss a visit to the Palazzi dei Rolli, once part of a network of mansions used to house prominent people visiting Genoa, and the Strada Nuova Museums (Palazzo Tursi, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso). Today this area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Castelletto esplanade at sunset
To end this walking tour of Genoa, we recommend reaching Piazza Portello, where an elevator will take you up to Spianata Castelletto. From this panoramic square it will be possible to admire the sunset over the historic center, with wonderful views of the sea and the Lantern, the symbol of the city.