Welcome to your free tour guide to Genoa! This journey takes you from the stunning Porto Antico with its iconic lighthouse and Mediterranean views through elegant Strada Nuova promenades where sailors, merchants, and chefs have created a unique cultural atmosphere, to the breathtaking Riviera coastline where azure waters meet ancient stone beneath pine trees. Genoa doesn’t try to impress, but we can’t help showing it to you!
At Wingman, we’re your local friend, guiding you to authentic food spots where Genoese residents gather, and to peaceful lookout points perfect for enjoying a glass of local Vermentino as the sun sets over the harbor.
We’ll walk with you from the impressive Spianata Castelletto with its panoramic views across the city to the beautiful historic port precinct, sharing Genoa’s special feeling—part sophisticated maritime republic, part medieval labyrinth, and always wonderfully Mediterranean. Let us show you beyond the postcard views.
Get ready! Our free tour guide takes you beyond Genoa’s postcard views. Discover more than just the Lanterna and Porto Antico – follow us into the heart of Genoa’s medieval caruggi!
Discover Genoa Like a Local with Wingman.
Navigate the city’s hidden gems with our GPS-guided audio tours, taking you beyond the tourist spots to authentic local experiences.
Tucked away near Genoa’s elegant Carignano district lies a hidden walking route that many visitors completely overlook. This peaceful path winds through the Acquasola Park, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Genoa’s harbor, historic center, and the Ligurian Sea from angles you won’t see on postcards.
Local Guide Tip: Visit during sunset when the golden light transforms the ancient stone walls and Mediterranean vegetation into magical silhouettes. For the ultimate secluded experience, take the narrow staircase that branches toward the western side (look for the wrought iron gate near Via Palestro) which leads to a pristine viewpoint rarely visited even by locals.
Coordinates: 44.4111° N, 8.9338° E
Hidden beneath the neo-Gothic façade of this early 20th-century castle lies a network of atmospheric underground chambers and passages that many tourists never discover. These mysterious spaces, originally designed by architect Gino Coppedè, feature intricate stonework, medieval-inspired details, and a unique ambiance that transports visitors back in time.
Local Guide Tip: While the castle itself functions as an auction house, arrange a private tour through Genoa’s tourist office to access these subterranean rooms. The most impressive chamber contains a perfectly preserved medieval-style fireplace and stained glass windows that create ethereal light patterns. Ask specifically to see the “Sala delle Armature” (Armor Room), which most guided groups miss entirely.
Coordinates: 44.4065° N, 8.9531° E
Concealed behind an unassuming door in Genoa’s medieval quarter lies a tranquil 12th-century cloister that feels worlds away from the bustling caruggi. This architectural gem features delicate marble columns, ancient frescos, and a peaceful garden courtyard where time seems to stand still amid the surrounding urban energy.
Local Guide Tip: Access requires finding the small brass buzzer beside the wooden door on Salita Superiore San Rocchino (not the main church entrance). The caretaker opens the door between 10am-12pm most mornings, but few know to ask. Bring a small donation for maintenance (€2-5 is appreciated). The northern corner contains remnants of Roman inscriptions incorporated into the medieval stonework – a fascinating historical layer that even guided tours rarely mention.
Coordinates: 44.4086° N, 8.9291° E
At Wingman, we’re passionate about transforming your travel experiences from typical to tremendous.
Each city is a new chapter in your adventure book, filled with unique cultures, sights, and sounds for you.Â
Why stop at one? Explore our global network of destinations, from the romantic streets of Paris to the vibrant landscapes of Bangkok.
Dive into diverse cultures with our expertly crafted tours designed to enlighten and entertain.
This UNESCO World Heritage collection of Renaissance and Baroque palaces once housed visiting dignitaries and royalty.
Insider Tip: While many palaces charge admission, Palazzo Lomellino on Via Garibaldi offers free access to its stunning courtyard and garden; visit on the first Sunday of each month when many Rolli palaces open their doors for free guided tours.
Redesigned by architect Renzo Piano, this revitalized harbor area features the Acquario, Bigo elevator, and maritime museum.
Insider Tip: Skip the expensive Bigo lift and head to Castello d’Albertis for the same panoramic views at a fraction of the cost; time your visit to the port for sunset when local fishermen return with their catch and you can buy fresh seafood directly from their boats near Ponte Embriaco.
Genoa’s most elegant street lined with 16th-century palaces and museums.
Insider Tip: Purchase the combined Musei di Strada Nuova ticket which grants access to three palace museums for the price of almost one; the often-overlooked Palazzo Rosso has a rooftop terrace with spectacular city views that few tourists discover.
This striking black and white striped cathedral dates to the 12th century and houses religious artifacts including the controversial Holy Grail.
Insider Tip: Visit during weekday mornings to see sunlight streaming through the rose window, creating dramatic light effects; ask the guard about the unexploded WWII bomb in the right nave that miraculously never detonated.
The symbol of Genoa since 1128, this 76-meter lighthouse is one of the world’s oldest still in operation.
Insider Tip: Rather than taking a taxi, follow the dedicated 800-meter pedestrian path (“Lanterna Walk”) from the Genova Sampierdarena station for dramatic approaching views; climb the 172 steps just before sunset for the perfect golden hour photography of the city and port.
A picturesque fishing village with colorful houses now absorbed into Genoa’s eastern coastal area.
Insider Tip: Skip the crowded waterfront gelaterias and try Antica Gelateria Boccadasse on Vico Boccadasse instead; visit early morning (before 8am) to observe local fishermen mending nets and preparing their boats while enjoying the village without any crowds.
Europe’s largest medieval center with a labyrinth of narrow alleyways filled with shops, restaurants, and hidden squares.
Insider Tip: Download the “Genova Medieval” app which uses augmented reality to reveal historical details invisible to the naked eye; explore the area around Via di Ravecca early on weekday mornings when locals hang laundry from windows and shopkeepers set up their stalls.
The largest aquarium in Italy and one of Europe’s most impressive marine life centers.
Insider Tip: Book tickets online for the first entry slot (usually 9am) to enjoy the exhibits before bus tour groups arrive; alternatively, visit after 3pm on weekdays when Italian school groups have departed and you can linger at popular tanks without crowds.
This opulent royal palace features original furnishings, artwork, and the Hall of Mirrors inspired by Versailles.
Insider Tip: Request access to the normally restricted Noble Apartment section when purchasing your ticket; most visitors miss the stunning rooftop garden accessible via an unmarked door in the main gallery – just ask an attendant to point the way.
One of Europe’s most impressive monumental cemeteries with remarkable sculptures and tombs.
Insider Tip: Take bus #34 from Piazza della Nunziata rather than more crowded tourist routes; focus your visit on the Boschetto section where you’ll find the famous statue of Caterina Campodonico (the peanut seller) and fewer visitors than the main galleries, despite equally impressive artworks.
Ever dreamed of crafting your own tour, showcasing your favorite spots or hidden gems? With Wingman, it’s not just a possibility—it’s your next venture! Our platform empowers locals and travel enthusiasts alike to build personalized tours, add unique landmarks, and even earn money with every purchase made.
Turn your local knowledge into a lucrative opportunity. Whether you’re guiding visitors through bustling city streets, serene parks, or to the doorstep of the obscurest eateries, your insights are valuable. Each tour purchase puts money right back in your pocket.
By joining Wingman, you’re not just building tours; you’re joining a community of creative and passionate tour architects from around the world. Share ideas, get inspired, and expand your reach as you bring your unique perspective to travelers eager for authentic experiences.