Apartments in Genoa -- Great Places to Stay

Twisting lanes entwine and crisscross with each other, wrinkled men lean against stone walls, smoking, historic buildings overlook the clamouring crowds below, and chatter from cosy bars pours out into the night. This is Genoa, a gritty city that oozes the appeal of age-old Italian charm with a hearty dose of market-style ambiance. Reminiscent of a film noir set, it is characterised by impressive architecture and the bustle of local life, presenting a history that's hard to ignore. Though not as elegant as many of Italy's well-loved city, Genoa has an outgoing personality filled with fun, frivolity, and memories that remain fresh. Delve into the sidestreets and travel back in time with our Genoa apartments and holiday rentals that put you in the centre of the action.

Genoa Accommodation

With its long-running history and its cultural backdrop, Genoa accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes. There are age-old guesthouses that hark back to the city's fine past, as well as luxury hotels and boutique places to stay. The winding streets are filled with accommodation options, including friendly hostels and stylish apartments that overlook the stunning architecture and major landmarks.

The Great Museums of Genoa

Genoa's culture is a bottomless pit, and the winding streets boast a collection of top-notch museums just waiting to welcome you. The Musei di Strada Nuova is made up of three notable palazzos, the Rosso, Bianco, and Doria-Tursia. Together they are home to the finest collection of Old Masters in the city.

Galata Museo del Mare is the city's maritime museum. Rivalling the likes of Barcelona and Venice as a medieval maritime city, Genoa has a lengthy history documented in this museum. Interactive exhibits present the past of seafaring in Genoa, whilst documents and artefacts cement its title as one of the greatest dockyards in Europe.

For a trip around the world without leaving the pretty streets of Genoa, head to the Museo delle Culture del Mondo, which exhibits a collection of curiosities gathered by Capitano Enrico D'Albertis on his travels. There aren't many places where you can see a stuffed platypus, a handful of San Salvador sand, and a segment of the Great Wall of China under one roof.

Continuing with the travel theme, the Casa della Famiglia Colombo is one of a few houses that calls itself the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. However, this one seems to have the most proof with hundreds of documents that clarify its history.

Plenty of Palazzos - Things to do in Genoa

Genoa is home to an incredibly rich culture, including fascinating historical roots and plenty of art and architecture to explore. Settle yourself in one of our apartments in Genoa and take your time getting to know the personality of this fun city.

• Via Garibaldi -- This UNESCO-listed road marks the centre of Genoa, dating back to the mid-16th century. Today, it's home to opulent residences, fascinating museums and elegant palaces.
• Genoa Cathedral -- Dedicated to Saint Lawrence, this quirky Romanesque cathedral has a beautiful frescoed interior and displays a collection of holy relics.
• Aquarium of Genoa -- A fun day out for all the family, the aquarium is the largest of its kind in Italy with displays of marine and freshwater fish.
• Pegli -- This cute, colourful neighbourhood boasts intricate laneways as well as a number of impressive villas and mansions.
• Piazza de Ferrari -- Set around a 1930s bronze fountain, this square is the main one in Genoa. It features a selection of important cultural institutions and is surrounded by huge monuments and ornate architecture.
• Palazzi dei Rolli -- A collection of pretty palaces that are decorated in pastel colours and are imbued with the ornate past of Genoa.
• Palazzo Rosso -- Formerly the home of an aristocratic family, this 17th century palace is now an art gallery that exhibits an expansive collection of Old Masters paintings and portraits.
• Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato -- This cathedral boasts an incredible interior that was carried out by the major baroque studios and artists from the 17th century.
• Santa Maria di Castello -- A religious complex located on the Castello hill which was administrated by the Dominicans.
• Palazzo Bianco -- An important palace in Genoa, this eye-catching white stone palace is home to a notable collection of European art, including pieces by Rubens and Van Dyck.
• Palazzo Reale -- Another of Genoa's important palaces, the Palazzo Reale features fine stuccowork and a beautiful selection of frescoes in the ballroom and throne room.
• Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno -- This 19th century cemetery is characterised by ornate tombs that were made by well-known sculptors like Rubino and Canonica.
• San Donato, Genoa -- Dating back to the 12th century, this Romanesque church boasts an historic exterior and plays an important part in the religious past of Genoa.
• Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini -- Set inside the grounds of a 19th century park, this English romantic-style villa paints an incredibly pretty picture.
• Lighthouse of Genoa -- One of the city's top landmarks, the lighthouse also doubles up as a medieval museum.
• Teatro Carlo Felice -- The main opera house in Genoa features a schedule of great opera, ballet, orchestral performances, and recitals throughout the year.

Getting in and Around Genoa

Genoa Airport lies around 4 miles from the centre of the city, making transfers to our Genoa apartments easy, quick, and cheap. There is a bus service that travels to the Stazione Piazza Principe, the city's main railway station, from the airport. It runs once an hour and takes about 20 minutes to get into town. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi from outside the terminals for a quick and affordable way to get straight to your door. It's a good idea to settle on a price before the journey begins.

Once you're in Genoa it's really easy to get around. As well as efficient public transport including buses to all the major landmarks and trains to surrounding regions, you can hire bikes to explore the winding laneways or simply walk from one hotspot to the next. The city is relatively small, making it easy to get from place to place.