Genoa tours

Things to do in Genoa

Genoa, Italy, is a city that hums with maritime tales and culinary delights, where the mountains meet the sea in a stunning embrace. As you explore, the scent of fresh pesto mingles with the salty sea air, and echoes of ancient mariners fill the bustling port streets. This city is a treasure chest of stories waiting to be unlocked. With your local guide, "Genoa tours" transform into a voyage of discovery. Experience the city like a true Genovese: savouring every bite on a food and wine tour, unravelling the secrets of history on a walking tour, and seamlessly skipping the line at must-see attractions. Your private tour in Genoa will unveil hidden alleys, vibrant markets, and the warm hospitality that defines this captivating city. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Genoa. Explore Genoa your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Genoa tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Genoa for every interest, including: History tours: Walk Via Garibaldi to tour Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco in the Palazzi dei Rolli, then step into the striped Cathedral of San Lorenzo to see its treasury. You can also pair the Galata Museo del Mare with the Lanterna lighthouse museum to trace seafaring stories and navigation history on these private tours. Nature and Wildlife tours: Ride the funicular from Zecca to Righi for a ridge walk to the Forts of Genoa, spotting kestrels above the old walls and learning about the city’s natural defences. Or head by boat to the Portofino Marine Protected Area for a snorkel at San Fruttuoso’s bay, looking for sea bream over posidonia meadows. Food and Drink tours: Snack on warm focaccia and farinata at a bakery in the caruggi, then weave through Mercato Orientale to taste olive oil, Taggiasca olives, and local cheeses. Join a mortar-and-pestle pesto class using basil from Prà, and finish with Ligurian wines like Vermentino at a tiny enoteca in the old neighbourhood. The historic centre is very walkable, and funiculars, lifts, a short metro line, and buses help with the hills. If stairs or transfers aren’t ideal, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Genoa inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour to dive deep into Genoa and consider adding some of its vibrant neighborhoods to your itinerary with a local guide. There's no better way to truly know a neighborhood than to have a local by your side, showing you its hidden gems and sharing its stories. - Old Town (Centro Storico): Wander through one of Europe’s largest medieval city centers, where narrow alleys open up to majestic palaces and bustling piazzas. It's perfect for cultural tourists and those seeking meaningful connections with the city's rich history. - Boccadasse: This charming fishing village feels like a step back in time. Ideal for families and multi-generational groups, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pebble beaches and savor some gelato while soaking in the colorful houses. - Nervi: This scenic neighborhood offers beautiful parks and a stunning promenade along the sea. It's a great spot for those who love nature and want to relax in a more tranquil setting, away from the city's hustle and bustle. - Via Garibaldi: Known for its impressive palaces and art collections, this street is a must for art lovers and those interested in architecture. Your guide can share insights into the grand history behind these opulent buildings. Day trip ideas from Genoa Use Genoa as your coastal launch point and plan day trips that match what you like most, setting up your tour to focus on seaside villages, hiking paths, or plates of pesto that taste like the region. - Cinque Terre: Move between the five villages by train, boat, or on the cliff path, and choose your pace, from short viewpoint walks to longer hikes; hikers, photographers, and food fans who want seafood and focaccia get plenty of variety in one day. - Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure: Start in Santa Margherita’s promenade, then continue to Portofino’s tiny harbour for the castle and lighthouse walk and a swim in clear water; great for a relaxed coastal tour with light walking and postcard scenery. - Camogli and San Fruttuoso: Snack on warm focaccia in Camogli, then boat or hike to the abbey cove at San Fruttuoso, where you can swim and explore the small complex; this fits travellers who like simple trails, sea time, and a bit of history in one loop. - Sestri Levante: Split your time between the Bay of Silence beach and the old town’s lanes, add a paddleboard session if you want, and leave room for gelato; families and casual beachgoers get an easy day with straightforward train or road links. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Genoa most travellers miss.