Where to stay in Genoa: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexGenoa is a city rich in history and charm, whose origins are intertwined with the world of seafaring, the Mediterranean and the great trade routes. Known for the huge Aquarium of Genoa, which at the time of its inauguration was the second largest in the world, the city is a place full of surprises, also thanks to the many things to see and do.
If you are planning to spend a weekend discovering the city, here is a guide on where to sleep in Genoa, the best areas and the areas that should be avoided.
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Genoa
As the main attractions of the city are all concentrated in the areas of the ancient centre and the port, we advise you to stay as close as possible to this area (especially in the districts of Molo and Maddalena) which, after all, can offer a wide range of entertainment and excellent value for money accommodation.
On the other hand, if you are traveling by car, remember that it is not possible to access it as it is a Limited Traffic Zone. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the residential areas further away from the centre, but more authentic: in this regard, make a note of the neighbourhoods of Foce and Marassi.
If you are driving, make sure your hotel has parking! Traffic in Genoa is a serious problem, and it is very difficult to find parking spaces, so it is better to park in a safe place and walk or use public transport.
If you want to enjoy the sea, as well as the city, we advise you to stay on the wonderful eastern coast, where there are villages such as Boccadasse, Sturla and Nervi.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Marassi, Foce
- Recommended areas for families with children: Molo, Castelletto, Foce, Maddalena, East Coast, Boccadasse
- Recommended areas for young people: Molo, Foce, Maddalena
- Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Genoa. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Guide to the areas of Genoa
Originally, the city of Genoa was only subdivided into six districts, however since 1870 the urban layout of the city has expanded considerably and now includes nine urban macro-zones, in which the various districts are grouped.
In terms of tourism, the districts of interest are the most central ones. For short stays, we advise you to stay in Molo and Maddalena, in zone I. This area also includes the neighbourhood of Castelletto, especially suitable for families. Also worth considering are Marassi (zone III) and Foce (zone VIII), more peripheral but ideal for saving money and immersing yourself in the city soul.
If you arrive in the city by plane and are only staying for two or three days, you can also consider Sestri Ponente, the first neighbourhood you will encounter as soon as you land. It may not be one of the quietest areas due to air traffic, but there is still a nice marina and the area is full of shops! If you arrive by car or train, there are many other neighbourhoods to consider, let's see them together!
Not recommended areas: Contrary to popular belief, Genoa is a fairly quiet city, however we do not recommend wandering alone in the area surrounding the Genova Principe station and via Prè, especially in the evening; the streets are narrow and often poorly lit.
Molo / Zone I
Certainly the most popular in the whole city, Molo is the district directly overlooking the ancient port of Genoa, over time it has become the main area dedicated to entertainment and leisure for young and old. It is a neighbourhood suitable for families, but also for young people looking for fun and many activities to choose from.
In this area characterized by the scent of the sea, are some of the main tourist attractions, including the Genoa Aquarium (which it shares with the Maddalena district), the Bigo, the Biosphere and the Children's House, a playful museum designed for children between the ages of 2 and 14. For adults, there is the Arena del Mare and the Piazza delle Feste, which hosts shows, festivals and concerts.
Here, you can easily move on foot and the metro stop of reference is San Giorgio (red line MM). If you are driving, make sure your accommodation has parking! Finding free parking in the area is practically impossible, and paid parking is quite expensive...
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €50,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Palazzo Grillo | Excellently designed hotel, housed in a historic building. Reception open 24-hours a day. Ideal for couples |
| B&B dell'Acquario | Simple but welcoming , suitable for families traveling with children |
| La Bitta Sul Molo | Studio apartment just 400 metres from the Aquarium. Parking included. Ideal for families, couples and small groups |
| Hotel Bristol Palace | Luxury hotel characterized by period furnishings, gourmet restaurant for guests and private parking. Ideal for couples |
Maddalena / Zone I
In addition to Molo, another great neighbourhood in the centre is Maddalena, overlooking the ancient port and the aquarium. In the alleys here, among noble palaces, you can see traces of the medieval, Renaissance and Belle Epoque periods in a fusion of architectural styles.
It is an ideal neighbourhood for families, as it is full of services, close to the main attractions and partially off-limits to traffic. Garibaldi street, the famous street in the centre is here, as well as other attractions such as the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art and the National Galleries of Palazzo Spinola. There is also a large carpark at the aquarium.
Considered one of the largest historical centres in all of Europe, it is a very accessible area and can be visited entirely on foot. In this regard, it is not uncommon to come across free walking tours along the main streets. The metro stops of reference are San Giorgio and De Ferrari (red line MM).
Also, if you are driving, make sure your accommodation has parking! Finding free parking in the area is practically impossible, and paid parking is quite expensive...
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €20,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Manena Hostel Genova | Hostel with 24-hour reception, common room and kitchen. Clean and modern, equipped with all comforts. Ideal for young people and groups of friends |
| Al Centro di Genova | Comfortable B&B located a stone's throw from San Lorenzo cathedral. Ideal for families and couples |
| Hotel Palazzo Grillo | Luxurious hotel in the heart of Genoa, room service and continental breakfast. Ideal for couples |
Castelletto / Zone I
Castelletto is the name given to the hill behind the centre of Genoa. It is a much loved neighbourhood amongst locals, who appreciate the numerous parks and the splendid view of ancient Genoa and the port that can be admired from the Spianata Castelletto. It is a neighbourhood recommended for families.
In this quiet residential area there is no shortage of buildings of importance from a cultural point of view, among which we point out the Albertis Castle with its beautiful adjacent park. Here you will also find the Righi Astronomical Observatory and the Righi Adventure Park, ideal to visit with children, for a fun afternoon out.
The best way to get to Castelletto is by using the lift of the same name, which represents one of the most picturesque historical installations in the whole city.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €20,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Naima 32 | Clean and affordable rooms with kitchenette and private bathroom. Ideal for families and small groups. |
| Perdiana House | Apartment with a balcony, equipped kitchen and minibar. Ideal for families, couples, groups. |
| Xenia Genoa | Deluxe rooms with refined furnishings and marble floors. Italian breakfast. Ideal for couples. |
Marassi / Zone II
Bordering the centre and San Fruttuoso outside the ancient walls, the Marassi district is one of the most populous in the city, thanks to the considerable expansion that took place between the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The flagship of the area is undoubtedly the well-known Luigi Ferraris Stadium, although the entire residential district is worth a visit: the Church of Santa Margherita and the Quezzi Tower are unmissable.
It is an ideal area for those on a budget as there is a wide choice of accommodation at more accessible prices than those in the centre! You will find yourself further away from the centre, but you can easily reach it by train, thanks to the Genova / piazza Manin station right outside the stadium. Alternatively, you can take bus line 34 from Genova / Piazza Manin to the Portello stop (6 min), a few steps from Garibaldi street.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €25,00 for low-cost accommodation to €150,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Da Marcello | Hotel with spacious double rooms. Option to dine in the connected family restaurant. Ideal for couples. | |
| Casa Christine | Apartment with balcony, free private parking and WiFi. Ideal for families, couples and small groups. | |
| Appartamento Stadio Genova Marassi | House with beautiful city views, single or double rooms depending on your needs and soundproofed rooms. Ideal for families, couples and groups. | |
| Your Home in Genova |
|
Foce / Zone VIII
Foce is the only large flat area in Genoa. Located between Carignano and Albaro, this district built in the late fifties houses numerous buildings of the municipality, as well as fairgrounds and elegant residential buildings. Here you can also admire the wonderful Vittoria Square and the Borghese Steps.
It is the best area for those who love shopping and long walks: the beginning of the promenade, Corso Italia , which leads towards the waterfront is here. In addition, the centre is just a two-minute walk away. The metro stop of reference is that of Brignole (red line MM), and there is a train station of the same name
It is an ideal neighbourhood for families as it is equipped with all services, such as numerous restaurants, clubs and shops. Also ideal for young people, as the centre and nightclubs are only a short walk away.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €22,00 for low-cost accommodation to €150,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Albergo Tommaseo | Affordable but elegant hotel near the seafront. Pets Allowed. Ideal for families, couples, groups |
| Casa Foce Genoa | Apartment with family rooms, balcony and lift. Ideal for families and groups |
Boccadasse / Zone 1
Boccadasse, an old fishing village, is definitely a neighbourhood to stay in if you are looking for an experience and atmosphere different from the rest of Genoa. Here the main attraction is the sea: the "neighbourhood" is full of beaches, ideal for relaxing on the hottest days.
It is an area recommended for those who prefer a bit of tranquillity, compared to the chaos of the big city. It is therefore ideal for families with children or couples looking for romantic views. It is not recommended for those looking for nightlife and entertainment: the busiest time here is sunset, when many people find themselves having an aperitif by the sea, but then return to the city.
If you decide to stay here, getting around is simple. You can get here from the cycle path that goes to the centre, or you can travel by direct bus (line 45, 30 min) or by direct regional train (25 min).
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Foresteria Boccadasse | Large and bright rooms, equipped with all services. Parking, family rooms and pets allowed. Ideal for families and couples |
| Hotel Residence Rex | Rooms with a view, 24-hour reception and terrace. Pets Allowed. Ideal for families and couples |
| B&B Albaro | Beachfront B&B, room service and parking. Ideal for families and couples |
| La Casa di Carlotta Genoa | 80 square metre apartment for up to 5 people. 2 bedrooms, equipped kitchen and city views. Ideal for families and groups |
East Coast / Sturla, Quarto dei Mille, Quinto al Mare, Nervi
If your intention is to visit the city as well as relax and swim in the sea, then we advise you to take into consideration the entire eastern coast, with wonderful villages that offer unique views. It is an ideal area for families and for those who want to relax, if you are looking for nightlife and entertainment, it is better to stay near the Port of Genoa.
Starting from Boccadasse, the first village you come across is Sturla, a small seaside resort with quiet beaches, such as Vernazzola beach and Bagni Sturla. Followed by Quarto dei Mille and Quinto al Mare, two residential areas, characterized by exclusive villas overlooking the sea and accommodation just a few steps from the beach. Finally we get to Nervi, a wonderful neighbourhood surrounded by greenery. The most famous attraction of the whole coast is the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, with wonderful views of the waterfront.
The whole promenade is connected to the centre of Genoa by numerous buses or by the railway network, the best and fastest solution, in fact, each district has its own station.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €45,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| La Casa di Sturla | Entire apartment in Sturla, a few steps from the coast, for up to 5 adults and one child. Equipped with kitchen, wonderful views, pets allowed. Ideal for families and groups |
| B&B La Rosa Segreta | B&B in Quarto dei Mille, near the beach, free parking and a wonderful garden. Ideal for families and couples |
| Hintown La Casetta e il Mare a Quinto | Wonderful sea view apartment in Quindi, max 4 people plus one child. Equipped with kitchen, washing machine and garden. Ideal for families |
| Hotel Villa Bonera | Hotel in Nervi, with restaurant, bar and free parking. Pets Allowed. Ideal for families and couples |
Places to stay near Genoa
Sleeping in Genoa is undoubtedly the best choice for those who want to fully enjoy the city and all its nuances. Here you will find different solutions suitable for every type of budget and, staying in the centre means everything is within walking distance!
However, if Genoa is just one of many stages of a wider jorney around Liguria, we suggest you stay in one of the enchanting villages on the Gulf of Tigullio, located near the city and ideal to use as a base to easily reach other areas.
- Camogli (33 km / 37 minutes): typical Ligurian seaside village, known for its colourful buildings and picturesque harbour. It is ideal for those who want to relax on the beautiful beach overlooking the Golfo Paradiso, as well as those who love trekking given the large amount of hiking trails. Connected by direct regional train (35 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €80,00 per room
- Portofino (39 km / 52 minutes):a little gem that fascinates everyone, including Italian and foreign VIPs, although it is by no means suitable for those on a budget. Furthermore, if you intend to go to Cinque Terre, it can be an excellent solution given its proximity and frequent connections. To reach Genoa, take bus + train (bus line 82 to S. Margherita F.S, then direct regional train, 1 h) - Hotels and B&Bs from €150,00 per room
If you are in Genoa for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com