It started with a missed gelato.
Years ago, on a balmy September morning, I stepped off my cruise ship into the bustle of Genoa, Italy. I had grand plans: a guided bus tour, a museum stop, and maybe—if time allowed—a quick espresso before heading back on board. But fate (and my ever-distracted sweet tooth) had other plans. A side street beckoned with the scent of fresh focaccia and the chatter of locals. I wandered off. An hour later, I’d skipped my tour, found the best pistachio gelato of my life, and stumbled upon one of the most beautiful, lesser-known sea walks I’d ever experienced.
That happy accident taught me an important cruise lesson: sometimes, the real treasures lie just past the terminal gates, waiting for you to walk—yes, walk—into them.
So grab your comfiest shoes and a hearty sense of adventure. Here are seven scenic walks near the Port of Genoa that’ll turn your port stop into a postcard-worthy memory.
1. Boccadasse: The Instagram Star You Haven’t Met Yet
Only about a 1.5-hour round-trip walk from the port (or cut that in half with a short bus ride), this former fishing village is your prize at the end of a lovely seaside promenade.
You’ll wander along Corso Italia, Genoa’s answer to the French Riviera: a wide, breezy walkway where locals jog in pristine track suits and older gentlemen play chess with the Mediterranean as their backdrop. Boccadasse itself is painted in cotton-candy pastels, with fishing boats bobbing between the buildings like they’re in a watercolour painting.
Insider Tip: Order a cone of the daily catch from a “friggitoria,” sit on the rocks, and eat like a true Genovese. Just watch out for seagulls with an unhealthy interest in calamari.
2. The Old Town (Centro Storico): A Labyrinth of Layers
Just minutes from the cruise port and often overlooked for “big ticket” tours further afield, the Centro Storico is a medieval maze that rewards aimless wandering.
Start at Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with palazzos that look like Audrey Hepburn might still live inside. Then go rogue—duck into the narrow alleys (called caruggi) where it seems time forgot to modernize. Street shrines, fragrant bakeries, and baroque door knockers make every twist feel cinematic.
Heads-up: The alleys can be confusing. But getting lost is half the fun—just look for signs to “Porto Antico” if you need to find your ship again (or ask someone; most Genovese speak basic English and, if not, will use their hands like Broadway performers).
3. Spianata Castelletto: The City From Above, No Hiking Boots Required
When you want views without sprained ankles, Spianata Castelletto is your jackpot.
Here’s the move: take the old-school liberty-style elevator from Piazza Portello—yes, an elevator!—up to the panoramic viewpoint. At the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of Genoa’s rooftops, port, and sea like you’re in some kind of European Wes Anderson movie.
Travel Hack: Time it around gelato hour. Grab a scoop (or three) at nearby Gelateria Profumo and enjoy it with the view. Calories don’t count when you’re eating above sea level. Science (not confirmed).
4. Porto Antico: Where Modern Genoa Winks at the Ancient
Just a five-minute saunter from the cruise terminal, Porto Antico blends maritime history with modern flair.
Designed by local starchitect Renzo Piano (yup, he made the Shard in London), this revitalized waterfront has an easygoing promenade, sea breezes, and attractions like the Aquarium of Genoa (Europe’s largest!) and the Neptune replica galleon that appears to be perpetually auditioning for a pirate movie.
Bonus Tip: Skip the aquarium if the cruise ship kids got there first—it can get very crowded, very fast. Instead, grab a spritz from one of the waterfront cafĂ©s and people-watch. There’s a 94% chance a jazz quartet, rollerblader, or someone trying to sell you a bubble machine will float by.
5. Via XX Settembre: Shop, Gawk, Repeat
Okay, so it’s technically a shopping street—but Via XX Settembre is so gorgeous, it qualifies as a scenic walk.
Marvel at the intricate mosaics beneath your feet (seriously, look down!), people-watch under the grand colonnades, and pop into historic department stores that double as design museums.
Fun Fact: Many of the buildings here have secret passageways from WWII. Genoa is like lasagna—layered, complex, and best enjoyed slowly.
Money-Saving Tip for Cruise-Goers: Some stores offer VAT-free shopping for cruise passengers. Ask for “detax” or “tax refund” and keep your cruise card handy.
6. Belvedere Luigi Montaldo: The Romantic’s Detour
Hidden in plain sight, this romantic overlook is not far from the cruise port but offers peace far from the crowds.
Start from the University of Genoa and wind your way uphill through fragrant gardens, ending at Belvedere Luigi Montaldo. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to jot poetry while sipping espresso—or at the very least, take a selfie with a panoramic backdrop that makes it look like you backpacked for weeks to get there.
Navigation Note: Don’t be shy about using Google Maps in the maze of streets leading here. Or follow the students. They always look like they know where the good coffee is.
7. Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi (Nervi): A Clifftop Walk Worth the Commute
You’ll need a short train ride (about 20 minutes) to reach Nervi from Genoa’s Brignole Station, but this promenade is a stunner from start to finish.
Clinging to rocky cliffs above the Ligurian Sea, it’s one of the most postcard-perfect spots in the region. Think crashing waves, delicious breezes, and dramatic art-nouveau railings.
Pro Tip from the Cruise Pros: Nervi trains run often and are easy to navigate—and Italian train stations are delightfully chaotic but manageable. Just validate your ticket (stamps it in the yellow machine) before boarding or risk a fine that’ll pinch your gelato fund.
So… Should You Walk It in Genoa?
Absolutely. But do pack your sense of timing. Since cruise ships usually dock for 6-8 hours, you’ll need to choose wisely (unless it’s one of those blessed overnights—then all bets are off, and you can do three of these walks with a dinner break in between).
Here’s my golden rule: Go slow to go deep. Genoa isn’t a city to “hit the highlights.” It’s a place to sink into, like a worn-in leather chair or a particularly good tiramisu. Let it surprise you.
Final Words From the Dock
There’s a certain kind of magic in wandering where you weren’t planning to go. Genoa taught me that—the hard way, through missed tours, full camera rolls, and one unforgettable gelato detour.
So next time your ship docks in this textured, layered, sea-swept city, don’t treat it like your prelude to Cinque Terre or Florence. Treat it like the destination it deserves to be.
Oh—and leave room in your day bag. You’ll need somewhere to stash that bottle of local pesto. Trust me.
BONUS TIP: Genoa’s elevators and funiculars (some are even free!) are your best friend—especially after one too many scoops of nocciola gelato. Look for signs that say “Ascensore” or “Funicolare” and treat them like magical stair-repellent.
Happy walking, my friend. May your feet wander and your heart follow.