Capital of Liguria and birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is an easy day trip from Monaco. Aquarium, Palazzi dei Rolli, caruggi and focaccia: here is everything to see and know.
Just two and a half hours by train from Port Hercule, visiting Genoa means diving into one of Italy's most secretive and fascinating cities. The capital of Liguria, nicknamed la Superba, lines up UNESCO-listed palaces, some of the densest medieval lanes in Europe, the largest aquarium in the country and an old harbour redesigned by Renzo Piano. Birthplace of Christopher Columbus and home of pesto, Genoa rewards the curious traveller. Here is our complete guide to discovering Genoa from Monaco: what to see, what to eat, how many days to plan and how to get there easily.
Why visit Genoa, la Superba?
Long overshadowed by Venice and Florence, Genoa is enjoying a well-deserved tourism revival. A former maritime republic, it ruled the Mediterranean from the 12th to the 18th century, amassing wealth that its lavish palaces still reflect today. This past opulence earned the city its nickname, la Superba, the Proud One.
What sets Genoa apart from the rest of the Italian Riviera is its authenticity. There is no frozen postcard here: the city lives, works and breathes to the rhythm of its port, one of the busiest in the Mediterranean. The historic centre, the largest in Europe, is a maze of caruggi, narrow lanes where the light struggles to reach between six-storey facades.
For guests of the Port Palace, a boutique hotel on Port Hercule, Genoa makes an ideal day trip: close enough for a round trip, different enough to feel like another world.
How to get to Genoa from Monaco?
The question comes up often: how do you reach Genoa from the Principality? Two main options are available, train and car, each with its advantages.
By train
The train is the simplest and most relaxing option. The line hugs the Ligurian coast and offers superb sea views. The distance between Monaco-Monte-Carlo and Genoa Piazza Principe is about 142 kilometres. The fastest services link the two cities in 2 h 37 to 2 h 45, while connecting routes take between 3 h 30 and 4 hours. Around fifteen trains run each day, a few of them direct. Tickets start at around 18 euros when booked in advance.
By car
By car, allow about 2 hours via the A10 motorway (Autostrada dei Fiori), which crosses the Riviera of Flowers. It is the most flexible option if you want to stop in San Remo or Alassio along the way. Be aware, however, that parking in central Genoa is difficult and expensive. Choose a car park on the outskirts connected to the centre by metro or public lifts.
Before departure, our guests can rely on our concierge service to arrange a private transfer to the station or to hire a prestige car for the day.
What to see in Genoa: the must-visits
The key question when planning your visit: what must you see in Genoa? The city concentrates its treasures within a compact area, so you can discover everything on foot. Here are the sights not to miss.
The Genoa Aquarium and the Porto Antico
You cannot visit Genoa without stopping at its aquarium, the largest in Italy and one of the most important in Europe, with 27,000 square metres of exhibition space. Dolphins, sharks, manatees, penguins and jellyfish populate its vast tanks. It is the family attraction par excellence, best visited early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The aquarium sits within the Porto Antico, the old harbour completely redeveloped by Genoese architect Renzo Piano for the 1992 celebrations. There you can also admire the Bigo, a panoramic lift, and the Biosfera, a glass bubble housing a tropical garden.
☉ Good to know: the Genoa Aquarium
The aquarium is open every day of the year, with continuous hours (generally 9 am to 8 pm, last entry around 6 pm). Indicative 2026 prices: about 22 EUR for adults, 14 EUR for children aged 4 to 12, free for under-4s. Book your time slot online in advance to skip the queue. Check the latest opening hours on the official site acquariodigenova.it.
The Palazzi dei Rolli and Via Garibaldi
The jewel of Genoa is undoubtedly its Palazzi dei Rolli, a group of aristocratic palaces from the 16th and 17th centuries listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of the 116 residences that once hosted the Republic's distinguished guests, 42 can be visited today.
The heart of this ensemble lies on Via Garibaldi, the former Strada Nuova. Do not miss the Palazzo Rosso and the Palazzo Bianco, two museums with a remarkable painting collection, as well as the Palazzo Tursi, today's city hall, where you can admire a Paganini violin.
San Lorenzo Cathedral and the old town
In the heart of the caruggi, San Lorenzo Cathedral raises its Gothic facade in bands of black and white marble, a signature of Genoese architecture. Inside, you will discover a chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and a remarkable treasury.
All around, the old town unfolds its labyrinth of lanes, dotted with artisan workshops, fine grocers and botteghe storiche, historic shops that have survived the centuries. Get lost on purpose: it is the best way to grasp the soul of Genoa.
The house of Christopher Columbus
Genoa is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Near Porta Soprana, one of the city's old medieval gates, you can visit a modest stone house presented as that of the famous navigator's childhood. The site is more symbolic than spectacular, but it recalls Genoa's major role in the history of the great maritime explorations.
Boccadasse, the fishing village
About twenty minutes by bus from the centre, Boccadasse is a living postcard: a former fishing village of colourful houses huddled around a small pebble cove. People come at sunset to enjoy an ice cream almost at the water's edge, in a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the bustle of the centre.
💡 The concierge's tip
"Take an early-morning train from Monaco-Monte-Carlo to make the most of your day in Genoa. Book the aquarium as it opens, have a focaccia lunch in the caruggi, then finish with a sunset in Boccadasse. When you stay at the Port Palace, your concierge will gladly handle the train tickets and the planning of your getaway."
The Spianata Castelletto, a balcony over the city
To take in Genoa at a single glance, head up to the Spianata Castelletto. This panoramic terrace, reached by a charming Art Nouveau lift, offers one of the finest views over the rooftops, the port and the sea. Locals gather here at weekends, and it is an excellent spot at golden hour.
What to eat in Genoa: pesto, focaccia and Ligurian flavours
What is the specialty of Genoa? The answer comes in a single word: pesto. The city is the birthplace of true pesto alla genovese, made with a mortar using Pra' basil, Ligurian olive oil, parmesan, pecorino, pine nuts, garlic and salt. Try it on trofie or trenette, the region's traditional pasta.
Another essential is Genoese focaccia, soft inside, crisp and generously oiled. Locals enjoy it from the morning, sometimes dipped in a cappuccino. Also taste the farinata, a chickpea flatbread baked in a wood oven, and the focaccia di Recco, filled with fresh cheese and originating from the neighbouring village.
Back in Monaco, continue this Mediterranean culinary journey at La Môme, our rooftop restaurant on the sixth floor of the Port Palace, where Chef Benjamin Zannier celebrates Riviera produce with a sweeping view over the port.
How many days do you need to visit Genoa?
One day is enough to discover the essentials of Genoa: the Porto Antico, Via Garibaldi, the old town and the cathedral. It is the ideal format for a day trip from Monaco. With two days, add a deeper visit to the aquarium, Boccadasse, the Spianata Castelletto and the Nervi district with its seafront promenade. Here is an optimised one-day itinerary.
Genoa from the Port Palace: your luxury stay in Monaco
Making Monaco your base camp to explore the Italian Riviera means combining the comfort of a luxury hotel with proximity to the most beautiful destinations. From the Port Palace, Genoa, San Remo, Portofino and the Cinque Terre are all within reach by train.
After a day of exploring, there is nothing like returning to our rooms and suites overlooking Port Hercule, all facing the yachts and the Prince's Palace. To arrange your excursions and transfers or to book your tickets, our guests enjoy a concierge service attentive to every detail of the stay.
Port Palace Monaco
Your base camp to explore the Italian Riviera
Facing Port Hercule, a few minutes from Monaco station, our rooms with a view place you within train reach of Genoa, Portofino and the Cinque Terre. Concierge service to arrange every excursion.
Book your stayFAQ: frequently asked questions about visiting Genoa
Is Genoa worth visiting?
Yes, Genoa is well worth the trip. Authentic and still spared from mass tourism, it charms visitors with its UNESCO-listed historic centre, its spectacular aquarium, its Renaissance palaces and its cuisine. It is one of the most underrated of Italy's great art cities.
What must you see in Genoa?
The must-visits are the Genoa Aquarium and the Porto Antico, Via Garibaldi with its Palazzi dei Rolli, San Lorenzo Cathedral, the old town and its caruggi, the village of Boccadasse and the view from the Spianata Castelletto.
How many days do you need to visit Genoa?
One day lets you see the essentials and is perfect for a day trip from Monaco. Two days offer a more relaxed pace and the time to explore the aquarium, Boccadasse and the seafront districts.
What is the specialty of Genoa?
Genoa is the birthplace of pesto alla genovese. The city is also famous for its focaccia, chickpea farinata and the cheese-filled focaccia di Recco.
How do you get from Monaco to Genoa?
The train links Monaco-Monte-Carlo to Genoa in about 2 h 40 for the fastest services, with around fifteen departures a day. By car, allow about 2 hours via the A10 motorway.
An Italian getaway from Monaco
Visiting Genoa adds a characterful Italian interlude to your Monaco stay, between UNESCO heritage, medieval lanes and Ligurian flavours. A stone's throw from the train and the sea, the Port Palace is the ideal starting point to explore the entire Riviera. Book your stay and let our team craft your tailor-made journey between Monaco and Italy.
