Genoa attractions

The ocean and its residents are ready to add an underwater twist to your time in Genoa. Europe's biggest (and possibly best) aquarium is packed with predators like sharks, crocs and piranhas, but with 70 rooms, 12,000 animals and sea creatures across 3,000 m2 of exhibition space, there’s loads more to see. Built inside an old ship in the harbor, the entire aquarium is a pretty spectacular sight!

Opera is to Italy what Justin Bieber is to Canada, and that’s a very, very popular national treasure. Treat your ears to the very best of Italian classical music and opera with a visit to Genova in Concerto. Set in the Lower Church of San Giovanni di Pré this musical journey, performed by the Virtuosi della Commenda, makes for a magical night at one of the most impressive locations in the city.

If you like action, the streets of Genoa come to life every May for Supermaggio. This month-long festival brings lots of people and even more live events to the city, ranging from music and dance to talks. At the end of May, attend workshops, talks and tastings at the biennial Slow Fish festival – a special event to help raise public awareness about the issue of sustainable fish in the Mediterranean.

See all the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre by hopping on a train from Genoa, which stops at all of them. There are no buses and you’re not allowed to drive into them, which makes for a much more magical experience. You can see Portofino in the same day, but this colorful coastal town is worth a day trip on its own. Just avoid August if you can, it’s peak season and insufferably hot.