Genoa with Kids: Pesto, Pesci and Palazzi

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Advisor - Ashley Emala
Curated By

Ashley Emala

  • Arts & Culture

  • Group Travel

  • Family Travel

  • City Travel

  • Italy

  • Local Food

  • Local Culture

  • Entertainment

streets of Genoa
Curator’s statement

The historic city of Genoa, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, offers a unique blend of medieval charm, coastal allure, and culinary delights. Genoa's narrow cobblestone streets, designed to confuse invaders from the sea, lead visitors from maritime museums, aquariums, and the grand palazzi of aristocratic mariner families to cozy trattorias where local specialties, like pesto, await.

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Where to stay in Genoa

Grand Hotel Savoia

A luxurious five-star hotel in Genoa, renowned for its elegant architecture and historical significance, offering guests an opulent stay in the heart of the city.

Hotel Bristol Palace

Grand hotel in a building from 1905 with stately rooms and suites.

Fora Perks
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    $100 hotel / resort credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Meliá Genova

Where modern luxury intertwines with timeless Italian charm, promising a captivating stay in the heart of Genoa.

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Things to do in Genoa

genoa water fountain

Aquarium of Genoa

Immerse your family in an underwater wonderland at one of Europe's largest aquariums. Encounter marine life, a spectacular dolphin show, and the pirate ship outside for a whimsical photo opportunity.

Galata Museo del Mare

Explore this expansive maritime museum with reconstructed ships, a moored submarine, and an incredible exhibition about the Italian Emigrant experience.

Boccadasse

Take a short train ride to this picturesque seaside village with pastel-colored houses and enjoy lunch and a gelato after exploring.

Parco Avventura Genova

Head to Righi via the city's funicular and experience an adventure park with treetop trails and ziplines – perfect for an active family afternoon.

Palazzo Reale

Genoa’s Royal Palace. Explore the grand rooms and gardens and let the kids feel like princes and princesses for the day.

The Christopher Columbus House

Located not far from one of the ancient city gates, this reconstruction of his original childhood home sparks the imagination.

Cathedral of San Lorenzo

No visit to an Italian town or city is complete without visiting at least one church, and this one has a replica of an unexploded WWII bomb inside.

Day Trips:

Portofino - A picturesque fishing village on the Italian Riviera, this is a favorite destination for yachting enthusiasts and the rich and famous. Have a coffee in the Piazzetta, walk up to Castello Brown and Chiesa di San Giorgio for the views, shop, dine and admire the yachts.

Places to eat & drink in Genoa

Boy with eating icecream statue

Antica Osteria di Vico Palla

Enjoy lunch with a view at this charming spot in the city center. The terrace offers stunning vistas, and the pasta choices are sure to please all tastes.

Sa Pesto

Pies and farinata pancakes, typical of this area of Liguria.

Trattoria Ugo

Regional dishes and homemade pesto in a casual trattoria.

Il Genovese

Classic dishes with local ingredients.

Trattoria Rosmarino

Indulge in authentic Genoese flavors, with trofie al pesto being a local favorite. Share a delightful tiramisu for a sweet ending to your meal.

Profumo di Rosa

Treat the family to gelato from this delightful spot. Choose from a variety of flavors, each a new adventure in sweetness.

Gelateria Profumo

More gelato – because KIDS!

Advisor - Ashley Emala

Travel Advisor

Ashley Emala

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For more travel tips, check out Travel Advisor Ashley Emala’s guide, Le Isole Tremiti - The Best Italian Islands You’ve Probably Never Heard Of.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy.