Where to Stay in Genoa: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels
Deciding to go to Genoa is easy. The capital of the Liguria Region is one of our favorites in Italy. It’s full of heritage, art, food, and fun warm people.
However, deciding where to stay can be tricky. Genoa is big, diverse, and offers just about everything. You have to choose the right location based on your tastes and fancies.
We are here to help. We’ve been to the city several times and love it. Follow our advice and you will have the trip of your life!
Centro Storico and Porto Antico
Genoa’s old town (Centro Storico) is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. We are talking about a bunch of outstanding baroque and renaissance palaces built along gorgeous streets next to the coast.
Most of the places to visit in Genoa are in the Old Town and in the adjacent Porto Antico, the port. We absolutely recommend staying here if you don’t have much time.
You will be able to walk to most attractions in no time and to experience the city. This area is still pretty authentic. There are tons of delicious restaurants and bars.
We Recommend These Hotels in Centro Storico and Porto Antico:
Hotel Palazzo Grillo
Our favorite hotel in Genoa is the Palazzo Grillo, in the heart of the Old Town. The stunning 16th Century Palace is full of art but has modern day amenities. We loved our room with city views!
Hotel de Ville
The Hotel de Ville faces the port and is next to the city’s top attractions. You can walk everywhere. The rooms are huge and super comfy. We stayed here with friends in a quadruple room.
San Vincenzo and Carignano
If you are into luxurious hotels and shops you have to stay in San Vincenzo and Carignano. The boutiques under the neighborhood’s porticoes are fantastic. The incredible Mercato Orientale food market is here too.
Fancy Carignano is next to the coast. The area is famous for its lavish residential buildings and the incredible Santa Maria Assunta Church on top of a hill.
You can walk to the Old Town and Antico in less than 20 minutes. The metro under De Ferrari square connects you to the entire city. The magnificent Genova Brignole Train Station is here too.
We Recommend These Hotels in San Vincenzo and Carignano:
Bristol Palace
The Bristol Palace next to De Ferrari square opened in 1905 and became the playground of the rich and famous. Its uber luxurious. Hitchcock himself stayed here. The hotel’s outstanding staircase inspired him for Vertigo.
Meliá Genova
We love the Meliá Genova because it has an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub on the rooftop. The hotel is on tree lined Corsica Avenue. The best rooms have terraces with memorable views.
Castelletto
If you like gardens and quiet areas stay in Castelleto. It’s the area that borders the Old Town and goes up the hill that towers above Genoa.
The area is mostly residential, with sprawling villas with gardens. Our favorite is Villa Gruber. Take the art nouveau lift to the stunning Castelleto Belvedere for epic views over the city and the sea.
You can walk to the Old Town in less than half an hour. There are also buses. Stay in Castelletto if you want peace, historic architecture, and views. It’s a great area for families looking for an apartment.
We Recommend These Hotels in Castelletto:
Il Giardino della Tartaruga
If you want your family to stay in a historic Villa with a splendid garden and views, book a room at the Il Giardino della Tartaruga. The place is stunning and the complimentary breakfast the best we had in Genoa.
Genova46 Suites & Rooms
Considering its class and location, Genova46 Suites & Rooms is great value for money. The grand building is near Villa Gruber. Their fully equipped 2-bedroom suites are perfect for families.
By the Sea
We’ve stayed by the sea on the outskirts of the center when we visited in the middle of summer. We wanted to be as close to the beaches as possible.
The area south of the city is full of grand villas with massive gardens, cute beaches, and splendid gardens. You can go to the center with a bus or train in no time.
Most locals go to the closest beaches Boccadasse and Vernazzola. However, our favorite is Nervi. The historic fishing town is the starting point of pedestrian path next to the sea with epic views.
We Recommend These Hotels by the Sea:
Rex Hotel Residence
The Rex Hotel is meters from Boccadasse beach. It offers big rooms and fully equipped apartments. The best ones have balconies with garden views. It has its own parking.
Capitolo Riviera
If you have the money to splurge do so at the Capitolo Riviera, the best hotel in Nervi. It’s in the middle of a lush garden close to the sea. It has a pool and the most amazing spa in Genoa.
How Long to Stay in Genoa
Genoa has so much to offer that you can spend months in the city without a dull moment. If you don’t have much time, we strongly recommend spending at least 2 nights in Genoa.
You will have to rush a bit, but you will get to see the city’s best attractions. Genoa is a great place to set base and explore Santa Margherita, Portofino and Cinque Terre.
Again, we believe you should stay at least one night in Santa Margherita or Portofino, and another night in Cinque Terre. However, you can go for the day and come back to Genoa.
