Genoa is a port city on the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea, built in a coastal arc between the sea and the mountains. Its historical centre, or old town, is one of the largest and most densely populated in Europe, and it is known for its narrow lanes and streets called caruggi. Part of it is inscribed on the World Heritage List as Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli.
For a visitor, the city divides into a few practical bases: the old town with its caruggi, the area around Genova Piazza Principe railway station, the waterfront at Porto Antico, and the financial district. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the choice changes with your budget.
Best areas to stay in Genoa
1. Historical centre (old town)
The historical centre is the heart of Genoa, a dense grid of caruggi, the narrow lanes the city is known for. It holds the World Heritage-listed Strade Nuove and the Palazzi dei Rolli, and it is where you find the greatest concentration of the city's landmarks within walking distance of each other.
This suits first-time visitors who want to be among the sights, and travellers who prefer to walk rather than use transport. Accommodation here ranges from bed & breakfasts in the old town to places in the very heart of the historic centre, some opposite S. Lorenzo Cathedral and a short walk from the Old Harbour, the Cotone Congressi congress centre and the art exhibitions in Palazzo Ducale. Expect narrow streets and dense surroundings rather than quiet.
2. Around Genova Piazza Principe station
The area around Genova Piazza Principe railway station is a practical base on the western edge of the centre. It is well connected by rail, and the main attractions are within walking distance from here.
This suits budget travellers and anyone arriving or leaving by train, as well as those who want a straightforward connection to the rest of the city and the region. You find cheap and basic rooms close to the station, along with renewed accommodation facing the station itself. The trade-off is that this is a station area rather than a scenic one.
3. Porto Antico and the waterfront
Porto Antico, the old harbour, is the waterfront face of the city. It sits within walking distance of the historical centre and of the Palazzi dei Rolli area, making it a convenient middle ground between the caruggi and the sea.
This suits visitors who want the harbour and the historic centre both within reach on foot, and those who prefer to be near the waterfront. Places in and around the historical centre are close to Porto Antico, so staying in the old town also puts this area within easy walking distance.
4. The financial district
The financial district is the city's business quarter, in the heart of Genoa's commercial life. It is a short distance from many well-known tourist attractions, so it works as a base as well as a place to stay for work.
This suits business travellers and visitors who want a quieter, more contemporary setting while still being close to the sights. Accommodation here tends toward larger, more formal places. It is a reasonable choice if you want to combine a central location with a less crowded environment than the caruggi.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: cheap and basic rooms, often close to Genova P. Principe station; bed & breakfasts in the city centre of the old town; youth hostel accommodation reachable from the centre by bus; short-let apartments and local bed & breakfast accommodation rented through agencies.
- Mid-range: places in the historical centre of the city close to Porto Antico; hotels in the financial district a short distance from the main tourist attractions; quieter accommodation a short walk from the beaches in the surrounding area.
- Splurge: places in the very heart of the historic city centre, some opposite S. Lorenzo Cathedral and a short walk from the Old Harbour, the Cotone Congressi congress centre and the art exhibitions in Palazzo Ducale; long-established hotels in the city.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the historical centre. It puts the caruggi, the World Heritage-listed Strade Nuove and the Palazzi dei Rolli within walking distance, and it keeps Porto Antico and the Old Harbour close as well. You get the city's landmarks on foot rather than through daily transport connections.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I am arriving by train?
The area around Genova Piazza Principe station is the most practical, with cheap and basic rooms close to the station and the main attractions within walking distance. Some accommodation faces the station directly.
Where should I stay to be close to the main sights?
The historical centre and the area around Porto Antico keep you within walking distance of the Old Harbour, the Palazzi dei Rolli and the art exhibitions in Palazzo Ducale. The financial district is also a short distance from many well-known tourist attractions.
Is the old town a good base for budget travellers?
Yes. The old town has bed & breakfasts in the city centre, and agencies rent local bed & breakfast accommodation and short-let apartments in Genoa and the surrounding area. Cheaper, more basic rooms are concentrated near Genova P. Principe station.
What is the old town actually like to stay in?
It is one of the largest and most densely populated historical centres in Europe, made up of narrow lanes and streets called caruggi. It is central and walkable, but expect dense, busy surroundings rather than quiet.
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