One Day in Genoa, Italy, A Cruise Port Stop with Kids!

Last Updated on September 7, 2026 by Tori Pines

Okay, I’m going to be completely honest with you about Genoa, because that’s what this blog is about. One day in Genoa was our least favorite port stop on our Mediterranean cruise, and I want to give you a really real, useful rundown of what we did, what worked, what didn’t, and how I would do it differently if we went back. Because here’s the thing: even though it was our least favorite stop, there were still genuinely great moments, and the lunch we stumbled into ended up being one of the most delicious meals of the entire trip. So stick with me.

Genoa is a port city with a lot going on under the surface. It’s gritty and chaotic and genuinely a little rough around the edges in some areas, but it’s also the birthplace of pesto, one of the most beautiful and labyrinthine old towns in all of Europe, and home to what is billed as the largest aquarium on the continent. With the right plan and realistic expectations, one day in Genoa from a cruise ship with kids can actually be a really interesting and delicious experience. Here’s everything you need to know.

Getting from the Genoa Cruise Port to the City Center

The good news about Genoa as a cruise port is that the port sits very close to the city center and the aquarium is about a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal, making it one of the more conveniently located ports on the Mediterranean circuit. You have several solid options for getting into the city depending on where you want to go.

Walking

For attractions in the Porto Antico area like the Aquarium and the Galata Museum, walking is genuinely the easiest option. The Aquarium of Genoa is located right in the historic Porto Antico and is about a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal, which is very manageable even with a stroller. The waterfront walk along the port is pleasant and straightforward.

Taxi

For getting further into the city center, taxis are readily available right outside the terminal building and are a fast, easy option for families with strollers and bags. A taxi to the historic center or Piazza de Ferrari runs approximately €10 to €15 and takes just a few minutes.

Public Transit

Genoa has a comprehensive AMT public transport network including buses, metro, funiculars, and public lifts, and in 2026 the new Tap-and-Go system allows you to pay with a contactless card or phone directly on the bus, metro, or vertical lifts. A single tap costs €2.00 and is valid for 110 minutes across the entire network. The metro from Genova Piazza Principe station, which is just above the port on the west side, is a quick and easy way to reach the city center. Very budget-friendly if you’re comfortable navigating it.

Rideshare

Uber and similar services operate in Genoa and are a convenient option for people who want a door-to-door ride without the unpredictability of hailing a street taxi.

While these are all good options, you’ll probably just want to walk.

One important safety note: Genoa’s historic center can be disorienting. While the aquarium, Porto Antico, and major piazzas are completely safe and tourist-friendly, some of the narrower caruggi away from the main tourist path can feel less welcoming, especially with a stroller and small children like us. Stick to the well-traveled areas and main streets, especially if you are unfamiliar with the city. We had a walk to lunch that felt a bit sketchy in spots, and while we were fine, I would have planned our route more carefully in hindsight.

Our One Day in Genoa Itinerary from a Cruise Ship with Kids

The Acquario di Genova (Genoa Aquarium)

Our main activity for the morning was the Genoa Aquarium, and it was the obvious choice for a family with young kids. Europe’s largest aquarium is Genoa’s biggest draw and a must-see for travelers with children. The structure itself is interesting, resembling a ship and built alongside a pier in the old harbor, and inside more than 50 aquatic displays recreate Red Sea coral reefs, Amazon River pools, and other marine ecosystems that are home to sharks, seals, dolphins, penguins, piranhas, and just about every other known kind of sea creature. Look out for the tiny orange frogs from Madagascar the size of a thumbnail!

Here is my honest review, the aquarium was fine. It was big and well-maintained and had a good variety of animals, and the kids enjoyed it. But for the price and the billing as the largest in Europe, I expected to be a little more wowed than I was. Almost €100 for three people to enter, is a significant investment for what amounts to a couple of hours of just okay entertainment. Other reviews echo this sentiment, with many visitors noting it’s a solid aquarium but perhaps not quite living up to its headline status.

That said, with little ones, it absolutely works as a morning activity. Kids love the sharks and the penguin areas, the tanks are impressive, and it is conveniently located right at the Porto Antico within easy walking distance of the cruise port. If you go, buy your tickets online in advance to avoid lines and get the best price. Adult tickets are typically €25 to €30 with discounts available for children and families. Let’s just say I don’t plan on going back.

Enjoy an Authentic Pesto Lunch

After the aquarium we made our way toward lunch, and this is where I want to give you a genuine heads up: the walk from the Porto Antico area through parts of the old city felt pretty sketchy in areas. In hindsight I would have taken a longer route and stayed on the main streets. If you’re heading deeper into the old town, look up your route in advance and stick to the main streets like Via San Lorenzo and Via Garibaldi rather than wandering through the narrower backstreets without a plan.

Now. The lunch itself. Was absolutely incredible and completely redeemed the entire port stop. I knew I wanted to have some authentic pesto pasta since this is the birthplace of pesto afterall. But there aren’t a ton of great recommendations online for restaurants in Genoa. I finally picked one after reading a short review on it and am SO glad we went there!

Osteria Il Cadraio serves the most delicious, fresh, authentic Genovese food, and we ordered pesto. Obviously we ordered pesto. Pesto alla Genovese is a fragrant blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, and eating pesto here is one of the most delicious experiences you can have in Italy.

We ordered lots and lots of pesto in various forms and everything was absolutely outstanding. Every little bite of it was perfect.

We got back on the ship right after lunch, which felt like the right call after the aquarium and the walking, and honestly we left feeling full and satisfied even if the day overall was a bit of a mixed bag.

What I Would Do Differently in Genoa

Since this was our least favorite stop and I want this post to be genuinely useful, here’s what I’d do differently if we had another one day in Genoa from a cruise ship:

Take a Boat Tour to Portofino

I was soooo close to booking this 5 hour tour by boat to the town of Portofino. They take you on a 1.5 hour ride along the Italian Riviera to the small fishing village of Portofino. You then get 2 hours of free time to explore town and have a quick lunch (where I would definitely recommend eating lots of fresh pesto!) before hopping back on the boat for a ride back to Genoa.

The reason I decided against it was because I was afraid it would be a little repetitive from all of the other port days (like Palma or Cannes), and very similar to our next day in Cinque Terre. So for variety’s sake I chose the Aquarium instead. But really, we probably would have preferred the boat ride and visit to this quaint and beautiful little town.

Take a Cooking Class

Another incredible way to spend one day in Genoa from a cruise ship with kids is by going to a cooking class. I am a HUGE fan of cooking classes in Italy, because the food here is probably half the reason you came! These people know how to make delicious food, and we have done a different cooking class each visit to Italy and love them so so much! (Watch our video in Florence to see the cooking class we did here with our kids, and read my Florence post!) This would be a great way to have an amazing time in Genoa without relying on the lack of great sights to see here. This rooftop pesto and pasta class would be SO much fun with kids!

Additional Things to Do in Genoa with Kids

Porto Antico

The old harbor area where the aquarium is located is actually really lovely and worth spending time in even beyond the aquarium itself. There are waterfront restaurants, open plazas, the Galata Museum of the Sea, and a beautiful general atmosphere right along the water. Completely stroller-friendly and easy to navigate. Just be aware of the people trying to sell you things. They will tie a bracelet on your wrist and then demand money. A stern “no, grazie” will be enough to keep them away, but just be prepared and avoid them as much as you can.

Galata Museo del Mare

Unfortunately it’s the Galata museum, not the Gelato museum like I originally thought haha! The Galata Museo del Mare is an interactive maritime museum in Porto Antico has fascinating exhibits about Genoa’s seafaring history and is particularly engaging for kids with its hands-on displays and actual ship recreations. It’s a great alternative to the aquarium if you want something more educational and often less crowded.

Via Garibaldi and the Palazzi dei Rolli

The grand Renaissance palaces lining Via Garibaldi, collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once hosted visiting nobles and dignitaries and now house some of the city’s finest museums and art galleries. Even just walking the street and admiring the architecture from outside is wonderful.

Spianata Castelletto

Take the public lift from Piazza Portello up to Spianata Castelletto, this stunning panoramic terrace for sweeping views of terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Ligurian Sea below. A really beautiful and very easy activity that kids tend to love. The lift itself is fun and the views from the top are spectacular.

Boccadasse

This colorful seaside fishing village neighborhood on the outskirts of the city center retains its charm with pastel houses, small boats, and a pebble beach where locals gather. It’s a perfect place to pause, enjoy gelato, and soak in quiet coastal Italy. A lovely option if you have time and a taxi budget.

Places to Eat in Genoa with Kids

If there is one thing I can tell you with complete confidence about one day in Genoa: eat the pesto. Eat as much of it as you possibly can. Here are the spots to seek out:

Sà Pesta – One of the other restaurants I read about when researching for our trip. It’s located not far from the aquarium which makes it very convenient. This would be the perfect place to try both homemade pesto and farinata! (more on that below!) They are closed on Sundays so keep that in mind!

Trattoria dell’Acciughetta – Located very close to the Aquarium and the Galata Museum in the Porto Antico, this vibrant little trattoria offers homemade pasta with delicious pesto and is known for great attention to detail and friendly staff.

Antica Osteria Ravecca – Another option that I had seen was highly reviewed! It’s a little further out of the way, but if you’re wanting to walk and explore the city a bit more then this could be a great option! They serve homemade pesto, pasta and so much more. They also offer gluten free and dairy free options if needed!

Trattoria delle Grazie – Located in the old town, within walking distance of Piazza de Ferrari and the Porto Antico, this trattoria offers traditional Ligurian dishes.

Trattoria Ugo – A family-run trattoria in the city center known for its outstanding pesto served with potatoes and green beans in the classic Genovese style.

Food to Try

Street focaccia from a local bakery – You do not need a sit-down restaurant to experience one of Genoa’s greatest culinary gifts. Just pop into any local forno (bakery) in the old town, grab a piece of fresh Genovese focaccia, and eat it on the street. It is thin and olive-oily and salty and absolutely perfect. One of the best and cheapest things you can eat anywhere in Italy.

Farinata – Don’t miss farinata, a thin, savory pancake made from chickpea flour that is a Genovese street food staple and the perfect snack while walking between sights. You’ll find it at street food vendors throughout the old town and it is delicious, filling, and costs almost nothing.

Tips for One Day in Genoa from a Cruise Ship

Plan your route carefully before you go

Genoa’s old town is genuinely maze-like and some areas feel rougher than others. Download an offline map, know your key destinations in advance, and stick to the main tourist-friendly streets especially if you’re with young kids.

Book aquarium tickets online in advance

Summer lines can be long and the online price is often better than the door price. Buy them before you arrive at the port.

Eat the pesto

I cannot say this enough. You are in the birthplace of pesto. Order it on everything. Try the trofie al pesto, eat the focaccia, get a piece of farinata from a street vendor. Genoa’s food scene is genuinely extraordinary and it is the single best thing about this city.

Allow extra time to get back to the port

The Via Gramsci road outside the terminal is a major bottleneck and if returning by taxi you should allow an extra 20 minutes for potential traffic, especially in peak season. Don’t cut your return time too close.

Keep valuables secure

Like any large port city, Genoa has pickpocket activity in crowded tourist areas. Keep bags zipped and close to your body and be aware of your surroundings especially in the market and busy pedestrian areas.

Packing List for One Day in Genoa from a Cruise Ship

• Stroller: Most of the Porto Antico and main streets are stroller-friendly. The very narrowest caruggi lanes can be tricky but the main routes are manageable.
• Baby carrier: Essential for the tightest old town alleys and for any moments when the stroller is more trouble than it’s worth.
• Comfortable walking shoes: The cobblestones in the caruggi are uneven and varied. Wear shoes you trust.
• Sunscreen stick and powder sunscreen: Easy to reapply on the go throughout the day.
• Sun hats for the whole family: Non-negotiable in the summer sun.
• Cash euros: Many smaller trattorias and street food vendors prefer cash. Have some on hand especially for focaccia and farinata purchases.
• A downloaded offline map: The caruggi are genuinely confusing to navigate even with good signal. Download your map before you go ashore.
• Snacks from the ship buffet in a ziploc bag: Between the aquarium and wandering to lunch, hungry toddlers happen. Have something on hand.
• Portable battery: You’ll use your phone for maps constantly in Genoa’s labyrinthine streets.
• Your ship’s all-aboard time written somewhere accessible. And plan to leave shore with plenty of buffer, factoring in the potential taxi traffic on Via Gramsci.

Final Thoughts on One Day in Genoa with Kids

Look, Genoa isn’t going to be everyone’s favorite port stop and it certainly wasn’t ours. But it has real magic in it if you know where to look and what to eat. The pesto alone is worth the stop. The old town, labyrinthine and ancient and unlike anywhere else, is worth the stop. And stumbling into a wonderful little local restaurant and eating the most vibrant, fresh pesto of your entire life? Absolutely worth the stop.

Go in with realistic expectations, plan your route in advance, eat everything that’s put in front of you, and keep your eyes open for the moments of beauty that Genoa hides around its corners. Because they are there, and they are genuinely wonderful.