Itineraries for Your Trip to Genoa
3 Days in Genoa for Families
Known primarily for its busy port—the largest in Italy—bustling Genoa is a surprise hit for a family-centered break. Thick with kid-friendly museums, a pedestrian-only old town, and plenty of parks, the city has a wide variety of activities and attractions for young travelers, plus it’s well-positioned for day trips to the pretty fishing villages of the Cinque Terre and Portofino.
We first visited the city when our sons were tots, drawn to its aquarium and children’s museum. Over the years, we returned to explore the historic Rolli Palaces, maritime museum, and other city attractions suited to older kids. Here’s how to see the top family-friendly sights in and near Genoa in just three days.
Mediterranean Genoa enjoys relatively mild year-round temps with showers fall–spring.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the world-class Aquarium of Genoa.
Get to know Genoa’s old town on a treasure hunt-inspired walking tour. Or take a hop-on hop-off bus tour to see top sights without tiring little legs. Alternatively, cover more ground with a guided bike ride or e-bike tour.
Spend the afternoon at Porto Antico, Genoa’s revitalized historic port that houses a wide variety of family-focused attractions. Explore the Aquarium, Galata Maritime Museum, Città dei Bambini children’s museum, Nazario Sauro submarine, Neptune pirate ship, Bigo panoramic lift, and Biosfera tropical botanic garden. End with a waterfront stroll to the historic lighthouse where a panoramic terrace offers views over the city and port.
Hop on a morning train to the Cinque Terre to explore the five pastel-hued fishing villages. Take the kid-friendly local train to travel among the villages or explore on foot or via e-bike. If you are hiking or cycling, know that the Riomaggiore to Manarola and Manarola to Corniglia legs are easiest.
Reward everyone with beach time. The sandy stretch lining the shores of Monterosso is best for toddlers, while the rocky coastline and deep water along the rest of the Cinque Terre are for confident older swimmers. Alternatively, opt for watersport adventures like kayaking or paddleboarding in the Cinque Terre National Park.
You can easily explore the Italian Riviera from Genoa, so today cruise to the colorful harbor town of Portofino to take in the sights by land and sea. Set sail from Genoa and skirt the coastline, stopping to swim and explore Portofino, Camogli, and other coastal towns at a kid-friendly pace.
Cap off your time in Genoa with a family-friendly cooking class hosted by a local cook in a home kitchen this afternoon. Learn how to make fresh pasta, authentic pesto, and other classic Genovese dishes from scratch, then relax and sample your handiwork over a family-style dinner.
