Rain doesn’t have to sink your Genoa port day. While other passengers huddle under the ship’s awnings wondering what to do, you can be exploring one of Italy’s most underrated cities from the comfort of covered arcades, world-class museums, and historic palaces that were built centuries before anyone worried about getting their trainers wet.

The beauty of Genoa is that it was designed by merchants who understood miserable weather. The city centre is laced with covered passages, the port area has Europe’s largest aquarium, and you can walk from your ship to dozens of indoor attractions without needing more than an umbrella for the occasional dash between buildings. Let’s look at how to make the most of a soggy Ligurian day.

Getting Your Bearings from the Terminal

The Genoa cruise port terminal sits right on the old harbour, and you’re already halfway to proper shelter before you’ve even cleared the ship. The terminal building itself connects to the Porto Antico complex, which means you can follow covered walkways and shopping areas without stepping into the rain for several hundred metres.

  • Turn right from most berths and you’ll hit the Aquarium entrance in about 10-12 minutes of covered or semi-covered walking
  • Head left and slightly inland to reach the historic centre’s arcaded streets in roughly 15 minutes
  • The main visitor information point near Palazzo San Giorgio has free maps showing all the covered routes through the old town
  • Local buses run from just outside the port gates if you want to skip even short outdoor walks – tickets cost €1.50 and you can buy them at tabacchi shops

One thing nobody tells you: the port area can be confusing because different cruise lines use different berths. Some dock at Ponte dei Mille, others at the newer Ponte Andrea Doria terminal. Both are walkable to the same attractions, but Ponte Andrea Doria is slightly closer to the Aquarium while Ponte dei Mille puts you nearer to Via Gramsci and the historic centre. Check your daily newsletter for which berth you’re using.

The Aquarium: Your Rainy Day Ace

The Acquario di Genova is the largest aquarium in Italy and the second largest in Europe. On a grim day, it’s absolutely packed with cruise passengers who’ve had the same idea as you, so here’s the insider move: book your timed entry ticket online before you even leave the ship. The ticket office queue in the rain is miserable, but if you’ve pre-booked, you walk straight to the entrance.

  • Plan for 2-3 hours inside if you’re not rushing – there are 70 tanks and some genuinely impressive shark and dolphin areas
  • The penguin section has been recently renovated and is much better than it used to be
  • Combine it with the adjacent Biosphere (a glass bubble full of tropical plants and butterflies) for an extra €4 – it’s small but a nice break from fish
  • The on-site cafĂ© is overpriced and underwhelming; better to eat before or after
  • If crowds are insane, the ticket desk sometimes offers entry slots an hour or two later – use that time to explore nearby covered areas

The Galata Maritime Museum sits just across the way and shares a combination ticket option with the Aquarium. It’s far less crowded and gives you insight into Genoa’s history as a maritime superpower. The highlight is the full-size recreation of a 17th-century Genoese galley.

Want to know more about what to see and do in Genoa when the weather’s better?

Historic Centre: Medieval Shelter

Genoa’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a big reason is those incredible narrow streets (caruggi) that were built so close together that rain barely reaches the ground. Add in the formal arcaded streets like Via Garibaldi, and you’ve got a rain-proof maze of marble palaces, tiny churches, and local shops.

From the port, walk up Via di Canneto il Lungo or Via San Lorenzo. Both take you into the heart of the old town in about 15 minutes, and you’ll pass under enough overhangs and archways to stay reasonably dry even without an umbrella.

Palazzo Ducale

This massive palace right on Piazza de Ferrari serves as Genoa’s main cultural centre. It hosts rotating exhibitions (contemporary art, photography, historical shows) that change every few months, so you never quite know what you’ll get – but the building itself is worth the visit.

  • Free entry to the ground floor courtyards and sometimes to parts of the palace
  • Paid exhibitions usually run €10-15
  • The bookshop and cafĂ© are actually good – locals use them
  • Opening hours typically 9:00-21:00, but check current exhibitions online

Via Garibaldi and the Palazzi dei Rolli

Via Garibaldi (also called Strada Nuova) is one of the most beautiful streets in Italy. Built in the 16th century by Genoa’s wealthiest families, it’s lined with grand palaces, three of which are open as museums: Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Tursi.

  • All three are connected by an indoor passage on the upper floors – you can visit all three without going outside
  • Palazzo Rosso has the best art collection (Van Dyck, Veronese, Caravaggio)
  • Palazzo Tursi houses Paganini’s violin and connects to the current city hall
  • Combined ticket for all three costs about €12 and is worth it if you like art and historic interiors
  • The street itself is covered by tall buildings that block most rain

Don’t miss the side streets off Via Garibaldi – many have covered passages and hidden courtyards with frescoed ceilings.

Cathedral of San Lorenzo

Genoa’s black-and-white striped cathedral sits in the middle of the old town and makes for a dramatic rainy-day visit. The interior is impressive, but the real surprise is the Treasury Museum in the basement, which holds the Sacro Catino – a green glass bowl once believed to be the Holy Grail.

  • Cathedral entry is free; Treasury costs about €6
  • The architecture alone is worth 20 minutes even if you’re not religious
  • Often quieter than you’d expect for such a central location

Covered Markets and Food Halls

If you want to experience local life and stay dry, head to Mercato Orientale on Via XX Settembre. This covered market has been operating since the 1890s and is where Genoese residents actually shop for produce, cheese, meat, and fresh pasta.

  • Open mornings until early afternoon (roughly 7:00-13:00 weekdays, closes earlier Saturday, closed Sunday)
  • The surrounding arcaded street (Via XX Settembre) is Genoa’s main shopping boulevard with full cover from the elements
  • Small food stalls inside the market sell focaccia, farinata (chickpea flatbread), and other Ligurian snacks
  • About 20 minutes’ walk from the cruise terminal, or take bus 18 or 19

For a quicker food stop closer to the port, the narrow lanes around Piazza Banchi have several small indoor food markets and historic botteghe where you can grab fresh focaccia or a quick panino. The whole area is covered by tall medieval buildings that create a natural canopy.

If you’re interested in trying authentic Genoese street food, rainy days actually make it easier because all the best spots are tucked into narrow covered streets.

Cafés and Covered Passages

Genoa has a long tradition of elegant covered arcades and historic cafés. When the rain gets too much, duck into one of these:

  • Galleria Mazzini: A beautiful glass-roofed gallery near Piazza de Ferrari with cafĂ©s, shops, and plenty of seating. Built in 1874 and feels like a smaller, quieter version of Milan’s Galleria.
  • Caffè degli Specchi: Historic cafĂ© on Salita Pollaiuoli, just off Via Garibaldi. Perfect post-museum stop with proper Italian coffee and pastries.
  • Caffè Mangini: Near Palazzo Ducale on Piazza Corvetto. One of the city’s oldest cafĂ©s, famous for hot chocolate and traditional Genoese biscuits.
  • Any pasticceria in the old town: Pop into literally any pastry shop and order a coffee at the bar. Standing-room-only bars are cheap (€1-1.50 for an espresso) and a perfect way to warm up between sights.

The covered arcades around Via XXV Aprile and Via Cairoli are also worth exploring – they’re full of small shops, bars, and bakeries where locals congregate when the weather turns.

Museums You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Beyond the big-name attractions, Genoa has several smaller museums that are perfect for rainy days and rarely crowded with cruise passengers.

Palazzo Reale

Once the residence of the Savoy royal family, this palace on Via Balbi has ornate rooms, a hall of mirrors, and a surprising collection of paintings. It’s often empty compared to the Via Garibaldi palaces.

  • About 25 minutes’ walk from the port (or take bus 18)
  • Entry around €6
  • The gardens are lovely but pointless in the rain; focus on the interior

Museo di Palazzo Spinola

A smaller historic house-museum near Piazza Pellicceria with a beautiful art collection and period rooms. It feels like stepping into a 17th-century merchant’s home.

  • Quiet even on busy cruise days
  • About 10 minutes from the port on foot
  • Combined with a wander through nearby covered streets makes for a nice 90-minute rainy morning

Galata Museo del Mare

Already mentioned with the Aquarium, but worth its own note. The maritime museum is genuinely interesting, with life-size ship reconstructions, emigration exhibits (millions of Italians left from Genoa for the Americas), and a proper submarine you can tour.

  • Right by the port – 5 minutes from most berths
  • Less crowded than the Aquarium
  • Combination tickets with the Aquarium save a few euros

Shopping Under Cover

If retail therapy is your rainy-day solution, Genoa has you sorted:

  • Via XX Settembre: Fully arcaded shopping street with mainstream Italian chains and department stores. Runs from Piazza de Ferrari up to Piazza della Vittoria.
  • Via Luccoli and Via degli Orefici: Narrow streets in the historic centre with boutique shops, jewelers (Genoa has a goldsmithing tradition), and design stores. Mostly covered by overhanging buildings.
  • Coin department store: On Via XX Settembre, good for emergency rain gear, umbrellas, or dry clothes if you got caught out.
  • Eataly Genova: The Genoa outpost of Italy’s famous food emporium. Located at Porto Antico (waterfront), it’s an easy stop before heading back to the ship. Great for packaged pasta, olive oil, pesto, and other edible souvenirs.

Backup Plan If It’s Really Grim

Sometimes the weather is so awful that even covered streets feel miserable. Here’s what to do:

  • Stay in the Porto Antico complex: The Aquarium, Biosphere, Galata Museum, cinema, shopping, and multiple restaurants are all within a covered or semi-covered area. You could spend 4-5 hours here without going properly outside.
  • Take the Bigo panoramic lift: Yes, even in the rain. The 40-metre-high rotating lift gives you views over the port and city, and you’re under a roof the whole time. Costs about €5 and takes 10 minutes. Pointless in thick fog, but fine in rain.
  • Book a cooking class: Several schools in the old town offer short pasta or pesto-making classes. You’ll be indoors, learning something useful, and you get to eat the results. Book online in advance.
  • Hit the cinema: Porto Antico has a multiplex. Italian films usually have Italian audio only, but big international releases sometimes have subtitled or English-language showings.

For a completely different option, if you’re comfortable navigating public transport, take the Navebus water shuttle across to Pegli (about 30 minutes). The Villa Durazzo Pallavicini there has beautiful covered walkways and indoor rooms, and it’s far less touristy. Only worth it if the rain eases slightly for the garden portions.

Looking for a full one-day Genoa itinerary when the weather cooperates?

Practical Rain-Day Tips

  • Bring or buy a compact umbrella: Even with covered streets, you’ll need something for short outdoor sections. Small folding umbrellas are sold at tabacchi shops and newsstands for €5-10.
  • Wear waterproof shoes: Cobblestones get slippery when wet. Proper treads help. A good pair of comfortable walking shoes for men or supportive walking shoes for women with solid grip will make navigating wet streets much safer.
  • Check museum opening hours: Some smaller museums close Mondays. Sunday mornings can have reduced hours or special Mass times at churches. Verify before you walk across town.
  • Don’t skip the food: Genoese focaccia, farinata, and fresh pasta are all best eaten warm indoors. Rainy days are perfect for long lunches at trattorias.
  • Watch your ship’s all-aboard time: Rain can slow walking, and buses get crowded. Build in an extra 15-30 minutes for the return journey.
  • Keep your phone and documents dry: Obvious, but easy to forget. A waterproof phone pouch works perfectly for keeping your phone and important documents protected from the rain.
  • Pack proper rain gear: A quality women’s rain jacket or men’s rain jacket is essential for a comfortable day exploring in wet weather.
  • Stay connected and charged: Keep a portable charger with built-in cable handy so you can navigate maps and stay in touch with your travel companions throughout the day.

If you’re new to Mediterranean cruising in general, check out these essential tips for first-time Mediterranean cruises to avoid common mistakes.

Extend Your Stay in Genoa

If bad weather makes you realise how much you’ve missed, consider adding a night or two in the city before or after your cruise. Genoa is one of those ports that rewards slower exploration – the more time you spend in the old town’s maze of streets, the more you find tucked-away restaurants, artisan workshops, and quiet piazzas that never make it onto tour itineraries.

Hotels in Genoa range from budget spots near Stazione Principe to boutique properties in restored palaces along Via Garibaldi. Staying in the historic centre puts you within walking distance of everything covered in this article, and you’ll experience the city after the cruise crowds leave. Accommodation near Porto Antico is convenient for early morning departures but can feel slightly touristy in the evenings. For a more local vibe, look at places in the Carignano or Castelletto neighbourhoods just uphill from the centre – both have great views and frequent bus connections down to the port and old town.

An extra day or two also gives you time for proper sit-down meals at family-run trattorias, a trip up to the hilltop fortifications for panoramic views, or a short train ride along the coast to Camogli or the Cinque Terre villages. Rain or shine, Genoa has more depth than most cruise passengers realise. Make sure you have a European power adapter if you’re staying in local accommodation to keep all your devices charged.

Common Questions & FAQ

How far is the Aquarium from the cruise terminal?

The Aquarium is roughly 10-15 minutes’ walk from most Genoa cruise berths, depending which terminal your ship uses. You can follow covered or semi-covered walkways for most of the route. Signs from the port clearly mark the way, and it’s a straightforward walk along the waterfront. If you’re at Ponte dei Mille, it’s slightly further but still under 20 minutes at a normal pace.

Can I visit multiple museums in one rainy day without rushing?

Absolutely. If you focus on the historic centre, you can comfortably visit two or three of the Palazzi dei Rolli museums (Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Tursi) in a morning, break for lunch, then add Palazzo Ducale or the Cathedral Treasury in the afternoon. All are within a compact area with covered or mostly-covered walking routes between them. Skip trying to combine the Porto Antico museums with the historic centre museums in one day – they’re in opposite directions and you’ll spend too much time walking.

Is the historic centre safe to walk around in bad weather?

Yes, the historic centre is safe during the day, even in heavy rain. Stick to the main routes like Via San Lorenzo, Via Garibaldi, and the streets around Piazza de Ferrari. The narrow caruggi can be dark and a bit atmospheric in grim weather, but they’re busy with locals and shopkeepers during business hours. Evening walks in heavy rain are fine too if you stay in well-lit areas, though some of the narrowest alleys can feel a bit dodgy after dark simply because they’re empty – more eerie than actually dangerous.

Where can I dry off and warm up quickly near the port?

The easiest option is Eataly at Porto Antico, which has a cafĂ© and seating area where you can grab a coffee and warm up. It’s practically at the cruise terminal and always open during port hours. Alternatively, any of the cafĂ©s along Via al Porto Antico or inside the nearby shopping galleries work well. If you’ve walked into the old town, pop into any bar or pasticceria – ordering an espresso at the counter gives you a warm indoor break for €1-2.

Do I need to book Aquarium tickets in advance?

It’s not strictly required, but it saves you standing in a potentially long queue in the rain. On busy cruise days (especially when multiple ships are in port), the ticket office line can be 30-45 minutes. Pre-booking online lets you choose a timed entry slot and go straight to the entrance. The extra booking fee is minimal and worth it for the time saved.

Are the covered streets really enough to keep you dry?

They help a lot, but you’ll still need an umbrella for short exposed sections. Via Garibaldi and Via XX Settembre have full arcades that keep you completely dry. The narrow medieval caruggi in the old town have overhanging buildings that block most rain, but not all. The walk from the port to the historic centre has a few open stretches where you’ll get wet without an umbrella or waterproof jacket. Think of the covered areas as reducing your rain exposure by about 70%, not eliminating it entirely. Having a lightweight rain jacket makes navigating these transitions much more comfortable.

What if my ship leaves early due to weather?

Genoa is a large commercial port and rarely has weather-related early departures, but it can happen in extreme storms. Always check your ship’s daily newsletter and port talk for updates. If departure time is moved up, you’ll hear announcements and see updates on your cabin TV. Keep your phone handy and set an alarm for at least 90 minutes before your scheduled all-aboard time. If you’re deep in the historic centre and need to get back quickly, grab a taxi from Piazza de Ferrari or Via XX Settembre – they’re plentiful and the ride to the port takes about 10 minutes. The walk back is doable but takes 20-25 minutes, and rushing on wet cobblestones isn’t fun.

Can you combine the Aquarium with other nearby indoor attractions?

Definitely. The Galata Maritime Museum is right next to the Aquarium and shares a combination ticket. The Biosphere (tropical greenhouse) is immediately adjacent to the Aquarium and takes about 15-20 minutes to see. All three are within a 5-minute walk of each other in the Porto Antico complex. You could easily spend half a day in this area alone, then head into the historic centre for lunch and museums in the afternoon. It’s an efficient rainy-day plan that keeps outdoor walking to a minimum.

Personal Experience

We stepped off the ship in Genoa to solid grey skies and drizzle that quickly turned into a proper downpour. My partner wanted to head straight back inside, but I remembered reading that Genoa actually has plenty to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate. We ducked into a covered arcade just a few blocks from the port and found ourselves in this maze of beautiful old passages with shops and cafĂ©s tucked into every corner. The Aquarium was maybe a 15-minute walk along the waterfront, and honestly, spending a rainy morning watching jellyfish drift by while staying completely dry felt pretty perfect.

After lunch at a cosy trattoria near Piazza de Ferrari, we wandered through the Palazzo Ducale, which had a fantastic art exhibition going on. The whole historic centre is basically made for bad weather – narrow medieval streets with overhangs, covered markets where locals were buying fresh focaccia and vegetables, and enough museums within walking distance to fill several rainy days. What could have been a washout turned into one of our favourite port stops. We got back to the ship actually grateful for the rain because it pushed us to explore parts of the city we probably would have skipped otherwise. I was especially glad I’d packed my waterproof jacket and kept my phone protected in a waterproof pouch – those small preparations made all the difference in staying comfortable throughout the day.