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The 15 Best Tours in Genoa
Genoa isn’t just Italy’s port city; it’s a place where history, vibrant streets, and seaside charm collide. Whether you’re into exploring magnificent palaces, savoring authentic Ligurian cuisine, or cruising the coast, Genoa offers a fine selection of guided adventures. We love the Aquarium of Genoa, perfect for family fun and awe-inspiring marine life, and the full meal food tour, which reveals the city’s culinary soul through local eateries. With options ranging from quick e-bike rides to luxurious sailing trips, there’s something here for every traveler. If you’re craving a taste of history, the Rolli Palaces tour provides an elegant peek into Genoa’s noble past.
Let’s walk through what makes each of these tours special. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly city walk or an exclusive boat cruise, this list will help you find your ideal experience.
1. Genoa: Aquarium of Genoa Entry Ticket
Rating: 4.5/5 (8960 reviews)
Price: $34 per person
Duration: Valid 1 day
Experience Europe’s largest aquarium with this entry ticket. Home to over 5,000 animals from 400 species, the Aquarium of Genoa showcases everything from majestic sea creatures to playful dolphins. Highlights include seeing bottlenose dolphins, seals, and jellyfish, plus visiting the striking Cetacean Pavilion designed by Renzo Piano. Reviews praise the exhibits’ cleanliness, the diversity of species, and the engaging multilingual information. It’s a fantastic stop for families or anyone wanting a close-up look at marine biodiversity. The straightforward “scan and go” entry makes it easy, and most visitors spend around 2.5 hours exploring.
Bottom Line: A must-do for marine lovers and families, offering an immersive experience with Europe’s best collection of sea life.
2. Taste Genoa: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better
Rating: 5.0/5 (442 reviews)
Price: $77.80 per person
Duration: About 3.5 hours
Genoa’s culinary traditions shine on this lively walking tour. You’ll visit local restaurants and cafes, tasting signature dishes like fresh pesto alla genovese, focaccia with cheese, and seafood. The tour’s variety is impressive—it can be tailored to include traditional, street food, or gourmet experiences, making it perfect for different tastes. Guests rave about the storytelling, which brings Genoa’s food history to life, along with visiting iconic sites like the Palazzo Ducale and the San Lorenzo Cathedral. The small-group size ensures personal attention, and many say they leave feeling like a local.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, culturally rich way to understand Genoa’s proud culinary identity, recommended for foodies and culture lovers.
3. Homemade Pasta and Pesto Class with a Local Chef in Genoa
Rating: 5.0/5 (220 reviews)
Price: $98.48 per person
Duration: About 3 hours
Nothing beats cooking your own authentic Italian pasta in a historic setting. Join a local chef in a picturesque palazzo to learn how to make fresh egg pasta and master the art of Ligurian pesto. The class is intimate—limited to six people—so you get plenty of personal tips and tricks. After kneading, rolling, and shaping your pasta, you sit down to enjoy your creations with local wine. Reviewers highlight the chef’s patience, the small group atmosphere, and the delicious meal. It’s ideal for couples or small groups wanting a hands-on culinary experience.
Bottom Line: An authentic, small-group cooking class that leaves you with skills, a tasty meal, and a souvenir of Genoa you can recreate at home.
4. Genova: Segway Tour
Rating: 4.9/5 (217 reviews)
Price: $34 per person
Duration: 1 – 2.5 hours
For a quick, fun way to cover more ground, this Segway tour whisks you through Genoa’s historic districts, including Porto Antico and Caruggi. Reviews praise the guide’s humor and expertise, and the Segway’s ease of use makes exploring the city’s steep streets less tiring. It’s an excellent choice for those with limited time or looking for a playful, active experience. You’ll visit the major monuments, squares, and even some hidden alleys, all while enjoying panoramic views and a bit of adrenaline.
Bottom Line: A lively, accessible introduction to Genoa’s history and architecture, perfect for first-timers wanting a bit of fun.
5. Genoese Cooking Lesson with Lunch on the Terrace
Rating: 5.0/5 (162 reviews)
Price: $80.24 per person
Duration: About 3 hours 15 minutes
Get behind the scenes of Genoa’s cuisine with this hands-on cooking lesson. In a lovely outdoor garden, you’ll prepare two pasta dishes and homemade pesto, guided by an expert chef. The small group setting ensures lots of interaction, and after cooking, you’ll enjoy your meal with local wine in a scenic terrace overlooking the port. Reviewers love the relaxed atmosphere, the chance to learn traditional recipes, and the beautiful setting. It’s a wonderful activity for couples or small groups eager for a genuine food experience.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, intimate cooking class combining culinary skills with stunning views—ideal for foodies seeking authentic flavors.
6. 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa
Rating: 5.0/5 (161 reviews)
Price: $110.47 per group
Duration: About 2 hours
Discover Genoa’s hidden corners on this private rickshaw tour. It’s a breezy way to see the Piazza Sarzano, Santi Cosma e Damiano church, and the stunning Via Garibaldi, all with a local driver-guide. Reviews highlight the fun of covering more ground without fatigue and the guide’s passion for the city. This tour is especially good for families or those wanting a personalized experience at a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: A charming, flexible way to see Genoa’s top sights and secret alleys in just a couple of hours.
7. Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Tour with “Superb Gems”
Rating: 5.0/5 (156 reviews)
Price: $70.10 per person
Duration: About 2 hours
Experience Genoa’s culinary heritage with a walking tour that combines food tastings with local wines. You’ll explore historic sites such as the Palazzo San Giorgio and San Lorenzo Cathedral while sampling regional specialties like focaccia, fried fish, and homemade pesto. The guide provides fascinating insights into Genoa’s maritime past and its influence on cuisine. Many reviewers mention the exclusive visits to private chapels and hidden shops, making this a rich cultural and gastronomic experience.
Bottom Line: A compact and delicious way to learn about Genoa’s history and taste its best bites.
8. Genoa: Half-Day Tour to Portofino
Rating: 4.3/5 (888 reviews)
Price: $28 per person
Duration: 4.5 hours
A classic day trip, this boat excursion whisks you from Genoa to the famous village of Portofino. The roundtrip boat ride offers stunning coast views, and once there, you have about 80 minutes to explore independently. Many travelers enjoy the colorful houses, boutique shops, and the chance to relax with a gelato. The trip’s ease and the scenic ride make it a popular choice for a quick escape. Reviewers praise the flexibility and the spectacular seascapes.
Bottom Line: A scenic, hassle-free half-day trip for those wanting a taste of Italy’s glamorous seaside without fuss.
9. Ligurian Sea Day Sailing Trip by Set Sail Tours
Rating: 5.0/5 (109 reviews)
Price: $319.79 per person
Duration: 6 hours
For a premium experience, this private sailing trip offers personalized service along the Ligurian coast. You’ll help with the sails or simply relax on deck, with lunch included and opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. The captain can customize the route—whether you want to see dolphins, visit secluded beaches, or cruise along the coast. Guests love the intimacy and the chance to learn about the local marine environment from the expert skipper.
Bottom Line: An exclusive, all-inclusive day on the water, perfect for travelers seeking privacy, luxury, and adventure.
10. Genoa: 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center
Rating: 4.4/5 (554 reviews)
Price: $16 per person
Duration: 2 hours
Explore Genoa’s Old Town on this brisk guided walk, covering key sights like the Palazzi dei Rolli, San Matteo Square, and San Lorenzo Cathedral. The guide’s local knowledge makes the history come alive, and the short duration is great for travelers with limited time. The reviews highlight the guide’s engaging explanations and the opportunity to see art, architecture, and hidden corners all in a manageable walk.
Bottom Line: An efficient, budget-friendly introduction to Genoa’s historic heart, ideal for first visits and short stays.
11. Genoa: Hop-on Hop-off Tour Ticket
Rating: 4.1/5 (1196 reviews)
Price: $28 per person
Duration: 1-2 days
This double-line bus gives you flexible access to Genoa’s highlights. You can hop off at top sites like Musei di Strada or Boccadasse, and then hop back on to continue exploring. The audio guide is available in multiple languages, making it easy to learn as you go. While some reviews mention difficulty locating stops, most appreciate the convenience of seeing the city from an open-top bus.
Bottom Line: A flexible, affordable way to cover Genoa’s main sights at your own pace, especially if you prefer riding over walking.
12. Segway Tour Caruggi
Rating: 5.0/5 (97 reviews)
Price: $69.66 per person
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Explore the medieval streets of Genoa on this guided Segway tour. You’ll zip through the Caruggi district, visit historical landmarks like the Ducal Palace, and enjoy a relaxed walk along the seafront at Porto Antico. Reviewers love how easy it is to learn the Segway and how much more ground they cover compared to walking. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a fun, active way to see the city’s most important sights.
Bottom Line: An engaging, small-group experience that combines history, fun, and a little adrenaline.
13. Genoa: Cetacean Watching Cruise with Marine Biologist Guide
Rating: 4.3/5 (599 reviews)
Price: $47.83 per person
Duration: 4.5 hours
Set sail into the Pelagos Sanctuary on this cetacean-watching cruise with marine biologists. You might spot dolphins, whales, and sunfishes, with plenty of photo opportunities. The guides’ expertise enhances the experience, explaining animal behaviors and conservation efforts. Reviewers share stories of seeing fin whales and playing dolphins, making it a memorable nature adventure away from city streets.
Bottom Line: An educational, exciting cruise for wildlife lovers and those eager to see marine mammals in their natural habitat.
14. Rickshaw Tour in Genoa
Rating: 5.0/5 (85 reviews)
Price: $62.77 per group
Duration: 1 hour
This rickshaw tour offers a relaxed way to see Genoa’s key highlights, including Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and the Strade Nuove palaces. It’s a quiet, eco-friendly alternative to walking or driving, perfect for small groups or families. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and the ease of navigating narrow alleys without fatigue. Great for travelers with limited mobility or those who want a quick, fun overview.
Bottom Line: A comfortable, personable way to explore Genoa’s main sights with a local guide.
15. Guided Tour of Rolli Palaces UNESCO Site
Rating: 4.4/5 (448 reviews)
Price: $16 per person
Duration: 2.5 hours
Walk through Genoa’s UNESCO-listed Rolli Palaces, noble residences from the 16th and 17th centuries. The tour includes visits to the Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Tobia Pallavicino, and Palazzo Lomellino, revealing the grandeur of Genoa’s aristocracy. Reviewers emphasize the knowledgeable guide and the chance to see beautifully decorated rooms and frescoes. It’s a great mix of art, architecture, and history in a manageable timeframe.
Bottom Line: An affordable, enriching tour for history and architecture enthusiasts wanting to see Genoa’s elegant side.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Genoa
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and energy level. Want a family-friendly experience? The Aquarium is a top pick. If food is your focus, the full meal walking tour or the cooking class offer authentic tastes. For history lovers, the Rolli Palaces or guided walking tour provide depth, while adventure seekers will enjoy the Segway and sailing trips. Keep in mind the duration—if time is tight, shorter options like the 2-hour city walk or rickshaw tour might suit better. Booking early, especially for popular activities like the sailing trip or cetacean cruise, ensures you secure your spot.
If you’re traveling with children or prefer a more relaxed pace, the private rickshaw or guided walking tours are excellent choices. For those craving a luxurious day, the sailing trip offers tailored experiences. Whatever your style, Genoa’s tours provide a wonderful way to uncover this lively port city.
In summary, Genoa’s diverse selection of tours—from cultural explorations and culinary adventures to coastal cruises—means you’ll find something to match your travel style. For a safe bet, the Aquarium and food tours are family-friendly, while the sailing trip and Segway tour appeal to those seeking unique, memorable experiences. Be sure to book ahead, especially during peak seasons, to make the most of your trip to Italy’s vibrant port.
Enjoy your time in Genoa, and happy exploring!