Genoa is one of those ports where you can have a brilliant day without venturing far from the ship. The port itself sits right next to the old town, which means you’re not burning precious hours on transport. Most cruise ships dock at either Ponte dei Mille or the Dinegro area, and from there, you’re looking at a 10-20 minute walk to the main attractions. This is rare in Mediterranean cruising – usually you’re stuck queuing for shuttle buses or navigating complicated metro systems.

The biggest decision you’ll face is whether to stay local or attempt a day trip to Cinque Terre or Portofino. Both are possible, but the time breakdown matters more than you’d think. Let’s look at what actually works when you’ve got a typical 8-10 hour port call.

Map of Things to See in Genoa

The Aquarium: Worth Your Time and Money

The Genoa Aquarium is Europe’s largest, and it’s brilliantly positioned right by the old port. You can see it from most cruise terminals. It takes about two hours to see properly – not rushing through, but not dawdling at every single tank either. If you’re travelling with kids or you’re genuinely into marine life, budget closer to three hours.

Realistic time breakdown:

  • Walk from ship to aquarium: 10-15 minutes (depends on your berth)
  • Queue and entry: 15-30 minutes (pre-book tickets online to skip most of this)
  • Visit duration: 2-3 hours
  • Total time investment: roughly 3 hours

The highlights include the dolphin tanks, shark tunnel, and an absolutely massive jellyfish display that’s oddly relaxing. There’s also a dedicated tropical section that’s kept warm and humid, which is either delightful or uncomfortable depending on the weather outside. The signage is in Italian and English, and it’s all well-maintained. Unlike some aquariums that feel a bit sad and dated, this one’s genuinely impressive.

Want to know more about all the port highlights in Genoa? That guide covers everything from transport options to the best viewing spots near the terminal.

Old Town Walking: The Caruggi Experience

Once you’re done at the aquarium, the old town is right there. The caruggi are these impossibly narrow medieval streets that wind through the historic centre, and they’re the real soul of Genoa. You could spend 30 minutes or three hours here depending on your pace and interest level. For most people, an hour to 90 minutes is about right.

What to hit in an hour:

  • Via Garibaldi (now called Via Giuseppe Garibaldi) – lined with Renaissance palaces, some of which you can peek into
  • Piazza de Ferrari – the main square with a fountain, good for photos
  • San Lorenzo Cathedral – free entry, striped facade, about 15 minutes
  • Random wandering through the caruggi to stumble upon tiny churches, shops, and food stalls

The streets are confusing. You will get slightly lost. That’s part of the charm, but it also means you need to leave buffer time. Don’t plan to see the old town and then sprint back to the ship with five minutes to spare. A decent anti-theft travel backpack is essential for navigating these crowded medieval lanes – keeps your valuables secure while you’re distracted by all the gorgeous architecture. If you’re nervous about navigation, there’s solid advice in our one-day Genoa itinerary guide that includes downloadable maps.

Food-wise, this is where you want to grab focaccia. There are bakeries everywhere, and the locals queue at the good ones. If there’s a line of Italians, join it. You won’t regret it. Forget sitting down for a full meal unless you’ve got loads of time – street food keeps you moving and it’s genuinely better than most sit-down tourist restaurants near the port.

Cinque Terre Day Trip: The Time Reality

Right, let’s talk about Cinque Terre. It’s stunning. It’s also a long way away, and the time maths doesn’t work for everyone. From Genoa, you’re looking at roughly 90 minutes to two hours by train to reach the first village, depending on connections. That’s one way. So you’re spending 3-4 hours just on trains.

Realistic Cinque Terre timeline from cruise ship:

  • Walk to Principe station: 15-20 minutes from most berths
  • Train to La Spezia or Monterosso: 90-120 minutes
  • Time in Cinque Terre villages: 4-5 hours if you’re lucky
  • Return train: 90-120 minutes
  • Walk back to ship: 15-20 minutes
  • Total: 10-11 hours minimum

If your ship’s in port for 10 hours or more and you’re comfortable with tight timings, it’s doable. But there’s zero room for delays, and Italian trains aren’t always punctual. You also need to factor in that trains between the five villages can be packed in high season, and you might not get a seat. A compact portable charger with built-in cables is crucial for these long day trips – your phone will be your ticket, map, and camera all day. It’s worth reading our detailed transport guide from Genoa port which covers train schedules and backup options.

The alternative is booking a ship excursion or private tour, which costs more but handles transport and timing for you. If you’re doing it independently, buy your train tickets in advance through Trenitalia or at the station. A day pass for the Cinque Terre train costs around €18-20 and includes unlimited hops between villages.

Honestly, if you’ve never been to Cinque Terre and you’re willing to accept a full-on day with no relaxing, go for it. If you’d rather not spend your entire port day on trains, save it for another trip and focus on Genoa itself. There’s more to see here than most people realise.

Portofino: A Middle-Ground Option

Portofino is closer than Cinque Terre – about 40-60 minutes by train and bus combo – so it’s a slightly less frantic day trip. You take the train from Genoa Principe to Santa Margherita Ligure, then a bus or boat to Portofino. The village itself is tiny. You can walk the whole thing in 15 minutes. It’s pretty, absurdly picturesque, and full of expensive yachts and even more expensive cafés.

Time breakdown for Portofino:

  • Train + bus: 60-75 minutes each way
  • Time in Portofino: 2-3 hours is plenty
  • Total time: 5-6 hours

This leaves you with a more relaxed schedule than Cinque Terre. You could even combine Portofino with a quick stop in Santa Margherita Ligure, which is less touristy and has decent restaurants. If you’re planning water activities or beach time, bring a waterproof dry bag to protect your phone and valuables. If the weather’s rough, though, Portofino loses some of its appeal – it’s really about the harbour views and waterfront strolling. For backup plans when the weather doesn’t cooperate, check out our rainy day guide for Genoa.

Eating in Genoa: What Actually Tastes Good

Genoa is the birthplace of pesto, and you’ll see it everywhere. The local version – pesto Genovese – is made with Ligurian basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, and olive oil. It’s brighter and more fragrant than what you get in jars at home. Try it on trofie (short twisted pasta) or trenette (flat ribbons).

Focaccia here is a religion. It’s thicker and oilier than flatbread, often topped with salt, olive oil, or cheese. You’ll find it in bakeries called fornai, and it’s sold by weight. A chunk costs a couple of euros and makes a perfect walking-around snack. There’s a whole list of must-try street foods in Genoa if you want to go deeper into what locals actually eat.

Avoid the waterfront restaurants that have photos of food on the menu. They’re tourist traps. If you want to sit down for a proper meal, head slightly inland into the caruggi where prices drop and quality goes up. Trattoria della Raibetta and Trattoria Rosmarino are both solid, local-focused spots that won’t rinse your wallet.

Getting from the Port to the City Centre

Most ships dock close enough that walking is the easiest option. If your ship’s at Ponte dei Mille, you’re about 15 minutes on foot from Principe station and the old town. If you’re at the Dinegro berth, it’s even closer – maybe 10 minutes to the aquarium area. Comfortable supportive walking shoes are absolutely essential for Genoa’s cobblestone streets and all the exploring you’ll do.

There’s a metro line (the only one in Genoa) that connects Principe and Dinegro stations to the city centre. A single ticket costs about €1.50, a 24-hour pass is roughly €10. You can buy tickets from machines at the station or via the AMT Genova app. Honestly, unless you’re planning to head out to somewhere like Boccadasse (a small fishing village about 20 minutes away), you won’t need public transport. Everything’s walkable.

Taxis are available but not cheap. A ride from the port to the aquarium is around €15-20, which makes no sense when it’s a 10-minute walk. Save taxis for getting to the train station if you’re in a rush or carrying luggage.

What to Skip

The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) is often mentioned in guides, but it’s not worth your limited port time unless you’re really into grand rooms and frescoes. It’s about 45 minutes to see, and you could use that time better elsewhere. Same goes for the Lanterna (lighthouse) – it’s iconic but a bit of a trek from the port, and the view from the top isn’t life-changing.

The lift to Castelletto offers panoramic city views and takes about 10 minutes, but if you’re short on time, it’s skippable. Nice if you’ve got hours to kill, but not essential.

Luggage and Lockers

If you’re getting off the ship for the day and doing a train trip, you might want to stash bags. Principe station has luggage lockers, though they’re sometimes full or out of order. There are also a couple of private luggage storage services near the station that charge around €5-7 per bag per day. Book online in advance if you’re relying on this.

Most cruise passengers just carry a small daypack. If you’ve picked up duty-free or shopping bags on the ship, drop them back in your cabin before heading out. Lugging bags around the caruggi or onto crowded trains is miserable. Compact packing cubes help keep everything organized in your daypack so you can find what you need quickly.

Weather and Timing

Genoa’s weather can be unpredictable. Summers are hot and sticky, especially in July and August when the old town’s narrow streets trap heat. Spring and autumn are more comfortable for walking around. If it’s raining, the aquarium becomes even more appealing, and the old town’s covered porticos offer some shelter. A packable rain jacket takes up minimal space in your bag and can save the day when Mediterranean weather turns. For more ideas on handling bad weather, there’s a full rainy day itinerary that covers indoor options and covered walking routes.

If you’re visiting in winter, some restaurants in the old town close or have reduced hours. The aquarium stays open year-round, which makes it a reliable option regardless of season. A lightweight packable puffer jacket is perfect for shoulder season visits when mornings can be chilly but afternoons warm up.

Is Genoa Worth Staying Overnight?

If you’re ending or starting a Mediterranean cruise in Genoa, staying an extra night or two makes sense. The city has more depth than you can cover in a port day, and you’ll avoid the rushed feeling that comes with cruise schedules. Hotels in Genoa range from budget chains near Principe station to boutique places in the old town. Accommodation in the historic centre puts you right in the middle of everything, though rooms can be small and street noise is common.

Staying overnight also opens up evening options – restaurants are less crowded after the cruise passengers leave, and the old town takes on a different atmosphere once the day-trippers have gone. You could also use Genoa as a base for slower-paced day trips to Portofino or the western Riviera towns without worrying about ship departure times. A portable travel steamer is brilliant for freshening up clothes after they’ve been packed in your luggage.

Personal Experience

When our cruise ship docked in Genoa last summer, we had about eight hours in port and wanted to make the most of it. We decided on the aquarium since it was right by the port area, and honestly, it was worth every minute. We spent a solid two hours there – the jellyfish tanks alone could have kept me mesmerized forever. After that, we wandered into the old town, which is literally a ten-minute walk from the aquarium. The narrow medieval alleyways called caruggi are incredible, and we grabbed focaccia from a tiny bakery that had locals lined up outside. That walk took us about an hour, maybe a bit more because we kept stopping to peek into shops and churches.

We’d considered doing the Cinque Terre day trip, but after talking to other passengers, we realised it’s really tight on time. You need at least three hours of travel time round-trip, plus you’d want a minimum of four to five hours there to actually see a couple of villages and not feel completely rushed. That’s basically your entire port day with no buffer for delays, which felt risky. For us, the aquarium and old town combo was perfect – we got back to the ship relaxed, fed, and with plenty of time to spare. Having a waterproof phone pouch was brilliant for taking photos around the harbour without worrying about accidental splashes. If you’ve got a longer stop or an overnight, then definitely go for Cinque Terre, but otherwise, staying in Genoa gives you a really satisfying day without the stress.

If you’re new to cruising the Mediterranean, our first-time Mediterranean cruise tips cover everything from port timing to packing essentials. And if you’re looking for quality luggage that’ll survive baggage handlers and cobblestones, this Level 8 luggage collection is what many experienced cruisers swear by. A durable hardside carry-on protects breakables and handles rough treatment better than soft luggage.

For more cruise advice and honest reviews, check out our editor Jo Pembroke’s latest posts on Mediterranean ports and itinerary planning.

Common Questions & FAQ

Can you walk from the Genoa cruise port to the city centre?

Yes, and it’s the best way to get there. Most cruise terminals are 10-20 minutes on foot from the aquarium and old town. If your ship docks at Ponte dei Mille, it’s about 15 minutes to Principe station or the historic centre. The Dinegro berth is even closer. Just follow the signs or the flow of other passengers – it’s hard to get lost. Make sure you’ve got comfortable walking shoes because those cobblestones can be rough on your feet after a few hours.

How long does the Genoa Aquarium take to visit?

Plan for two hours minimum, three if you’re with kids or you want to read all the information boards. Pre-booking tickets online saves 15-30 minutes of queuing at the entrance, which matters when you’re on a tight cruise schedule. The aquarium is large and well laid out, so you won’t feel rushed at the two-hour mark.

Is a day trip to Cinque Terre possible from Genoa cruise port?

Technically yes, but it’s tight. You need at least 10 hours in port and a tolerance for risk. Trains take 90-120 minutes each way, leaving you 4-5 hours in the villages if everything runs on time. If your ship departs at 5pm or earlier, it’s stressful. Consider Portofino instead – it’s closer and less frantic. Bring a high-capacity portable power bank because you’ll be using your phone constantly for navigation and photos.

Do you need euros in Genoa or can you use card?

Cards are widely accepted at restaurants, shops, and the aquarium, but smaller bakeries and street food vendors often prefer cash. Bring some euros for focaccia, espresso, and any small purchases in the old town. ATMs are easy to find near the port and train stations. Don’t forget a European power adapter to charge your devices back on the ship or in your hotel.

What’s the best food to try in Genoa during a short port stop?

Focaccia and pesto are the two local staples. Grab focaccia from a bakery – look for queues of locals, that’s your sign. Try trofie al pesto (twisted pasta with Genoese pesto) if you sit down for a meal. Avoid waterfront restaurants with picture menus; head into the caruggi for better quality and prices. There’s a detailed breakdown of local foods in this street food guide.

Is the Genoa old town safe for cruise passengers?

Yes, it’s safe during the day. The caruggi can feel a bit rough around the edges – washing hanging overhead, narrow streets, some slightly shabby buildings – but that’s part of the authentic character. Pickpockets can be an issue in crowded spots, so keep bags zipped and valuables secure. An anti-theft crossbody bag with hidden zippers gives you peace of mind in busy tourist areas. Stick to busier streets if you’re uncomfortable, and you’ll be fine.

How far in advance should you book the Genoa Aquarium?

Book at least a few days ahead, especially in summer or on days when multiple cruise ships are in port. Tickets are available online through the official aquarium website, and pre-booking lets you skip most of the entrance queue. Same-day tickets are possible but you’ll wait longer, and there’s a small risk of sold-out time slots on busy days.

Can you do both the aquarium and old town in one port day?

Absolutely, and it’s the recommended combination for most people. The aquarium takes 2-3 hours, the old town walk takes 1-2 hours, and they’re right next to each other. You’ll still have time for lunch and a bit of shopping. This combo gives you a full, satisfying day without the stress of long-distance day trips. A collapsible water bottle is perfect for staying hydrated while you explore without taking up much space in your bag.

  Last Updated: 24 January 2026