Free tours in Genoa
33 tours in Genoa, Italy, in English and other languages
305 Reviews in Genoa
Will we see the house of Christopher Columbus?
Unfortunately, the tours do not pass by the house of Christopher Columbus. However, you can visit it yourself and take photos. If you wish, you can ask the guide about his childhood and the role of Genoa in the era of great geographical discoveries.
Are evening tours available to see the city lit up?
Yes, you can book a tour that starts at 5 pm and see Genoa in the atmospheric night light yourself. The narrow streets and squares look especially picturesque at this hour.
Where does the tour usually start?
As a rule, the meeting takes place in the city center. This is convenient for tourists, as the main attractions are located nearby. You can find out the exact meeting point when booking the tour on the page with its description.
Are there tours that focus on Genoa’s maritime history?
Yes, during the “Free Tour of the Magnificent Genoa”, you will learn about the maritime glory of Genoa and its role in the Mediterranean. This tour includes a visit to the old port and a story about trade and shipbuilding.
Are food tastings like focaccia or pesto included?
Unfortunately, you will not be able to try traditional focaccia or the famous pesto sauce during the tour. However, you can ask the guide where the best place to do this is and try it yourself.
Genoa Free Walking Tours: Explore History and Culture on Foot
If you are going on a trip to Italy, you should definitely visit the beautiful Genoa. The city has a spirit of medieval charm, created by magnificent cathedrals, narrow streets, and small squares hidden from the eyes of tourists. You can see all these places with the help of a professional guide who will tell you many interesting things during the free tour in Genoa.
Top Must-See Landmarks in Genoa: A Journey Through History
Genoa is definitely a place with a lot to see, so we decided to highlight the most iconic ones.
Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
The construction of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato was started in the 16th century, but work on its interior was not completed until a century later, which explains the abundance of Baroque decoration in the interior. The peculiarity of the church is its neoclassical façade, built in the mid-1800s. The pure white exterior walls give no hint of the explosion of color and ornamentation that catches the eye as soon as you step through the threshold of the basilica. The best Baroque craftsmen were hired to complete the interior, which was not completed until the 17th century.
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo (Duomo), located in the heart of ancient Genoa, is the main religious building of the city. This soaring masterpiece, built in the Gothic-Romanesque style and covered in alternating bands of black and white marble, is a monumental art and architecture that serves as a constant reminder of the historical wealth and power of the former maritime power. The main church is free, but visiting the museum inside (Treasury of San Lorenzo) costs around 6 euros.
Museum of the Royal Palace
The Royal Museum, known to the Italians as the Palazzo Reale, was built by the Genoese aristocracy during the heyday of Genoa and is one of the city's most magnificent residences. Experience the opulence of the Baroque era by visiting the sumptuous interiors and the rich art gallery of this place. Today, the Palazzo Reale is a museum, with a collection of exquisite antique furniture and rooms decorated with beautiful frescoes, stucco, and paintings by famous artists, including works by Tintoretto and Van Dyck. Entrance fee: 6 euros.
Palazzo Ducale
From the 14th to the 18th century, the rulers of Genoa were called doges, and they ruled from the Doge's Palace - Palazzo Ducale, which is located in the historical part of the city. Today, the palace is a museum, so anyone can walk through its magnificent halls. The Doge's Palace was built in the 1250s, and the finishing touches were added only in the 1530s. In the past, the palace served as the seat of the government of the Republic of Genoa. Over the years, it was expanded and partially rebuilt twice, once after a fire in the 1770s. Entry varies based on exhibitions, typically between €6 to €13.
Palazzo Rosso
Palazzo Rosso was built as a private home in the 1670s for the influential Brignole-Sale family. They owned the palace for two hundred years until one of the family members decided to give it to the city. The palace can be found among many similar homes built for other noble families on Via Garibaldi in the historic center of Genoa, the same part of the city that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Entry costs around €9.
Practical Information and Tourist Tips
We offer you Genoa walking tours, where you can immerse yourself in the history of the city. Our tours last on average about two hours and are conducted in Spanish. If you want to get more detailed information about the Genoa city tour, click on its name. You can also read reviews from other tourists:
Free Tour of the Magnificent Genoa by Siete Travel
“Our experience with Manuel has been very enriching, he has shown us places with charm, history, art and curiosities.”
Free Tour Around Genoa by Free Tour Turin
“Excellent!!! Very informative. Thank you very much!”
By plane, you can get to the city at Genoa Cristoforo Colombo International Airport (GOA). It is located about 7 kilometers west of the city center and offers both domestic and international flights. As for the railway, the city has a main station - Genova Piazza Principe. It serves most long-distance and international trains, as well as regional and high-speed trains.
Book a Genoa Free Tour
If you want to see what medieval architecture looks like, then visit Genoa. There are fascinating buildings here, most of which you can visit. So book a free walking tour in Genoa and enjoy a leap into Italy's past.
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