Victoria Lupascu 
There’s nothing like the Italian Riviera! The food, the wine, the culture, all of them will make you fall in love with this region, especially with the city of Genoa! If you’re headed there for your holiday and need help planning where to stay in Genoa, then come along, as I have been researching on this topic!
Old Town is the best area to stay in Genoa, where you’ll find all the historical attractions and some great hotels! Certainly, many other areas have great travel connections, amazing culture, great food, fun nightlife, and some super family hotels: Piazza del Principe, Maddalena, Nervi, Porto Antico, and Castelletto, are my picks.
Since I love offering you all the possible options, I made sure to add a short bonus with some unique boutique hotels!
The Italian Riviera is super popular with tourists and tends to be a bit more expensive. That’s why I recommend booking your hotels here in advance, to secure your spot and not pay a fortune!
Ready to explore your next holiday destination?
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Old Town (Molo) – where to stay in Genoa for the first time
- 2. Piazza del Principe – where to stay for travel connections
- 3. Maddalena – where to stay in Genoa for culture lovers
- 4. Nervi – where to stay in Genoa for foodies
- 5. Porto Antico – best place to stay in Genoa for nightlife
- 6. Castelletto – where to stay in Genoa for families
- BONUS: Best boutique hotels in Genoa
- FAQs about hotels in Genoa
If you are in a hurry
If you’re in a hurry and only for a quick look, find below the best hotels in the Old Town:
Check out the map below that will help you visualize all the areas in Genoa that I’ll talk about in this post:
- Old Town: for first-timers
- Piazza del Principe: for travel connections
- Maddalena: for culture lovers
- Nervi: for foodies
- Porto Antico: for nightlife
- Castelletto: for families
1. Old Town (Molo) – where to stay in Genoa for the first time
Genoa’s Old Town, also known as Molo, is the perfect area to base when visiting the city! Rich in history and boasting beautiful narrow alleys, gorgeous architecture, and historical buildings, this area is one of the most picturesque districts in town. You shouldn’t miss the chance to explore it or even stay in one of its fabulous hotels!
As in any other historical centre, Molo is filled with the main tourist attractions! Here you’ll find Genoa Cathedral, the Doge’s Palace, plus some museums! There are plenty of ways you can explore the center of Genoa and the main attractions, but the ones I recommend are:
- Taking the hop-on/hop-off sightseeing bus for those of you who want to explore at your own pace
- A Segway tour for those of you who like to see everything without getting tired
- A classic walking tour for those of you who want to feel like a local and not miss anything!
While you’re out and about exploring Genoa, you’ll probably get super hungry, and luckily, the Old Town is absolutely packed with fabulous restaurants where you can indulge in the yummy Ligurian dishes and some bars, too!
When it comes to Genoa hotels, I recommend securing yours early! This place gets so many tourists, and it’s better to be prepared rather than missing a room in your favorite hotel.
What a gorgeous place to stay in Genoa, within walking distance of all the attractions! Set between residential buildings, this comfortable accommodation comes with elegant rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a Turkish bath, and a hot tub. Start each morning with a buffet breakfast, then head out to explore the town!
Other accommodation options in Old Town (Molo)
This stylish place offers rooms with a private bathroom, air-conditioning, and a central location
A cheap accommodation for budget travelers that has rooms with sea views, a terrace, and free Wi-Fi
Set in a historic building, this place comes with 2 spacious rooms, a kitchen, and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in Old Town (Molo)
- Admire the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
- Visit the beautiful Doge’s Palace
- Cool off at the fountain in Piazza De Ferrari
- Check out Christopher Columbus’ House
- Explore the narrow streets in the Old Town
2. Piazza del Principe – where to stay for travel connections
Planning to explore other nearby regions or cities while you’re in Genoa? I think that’s a great idea and I would recommend finding a place to stay in Piazza del Principe.
This area is home to the town’s main railway station (it has the same name, Piazza Principe Train Station), which has frequent regional trains that connect Genoa to many towns in Italy and other European cities (usually you can take a high-speed train).
If you’re in the mood for a day trip, you can head to Cinque Terre and spend a night there! We’ve got a great post on where to stay in Cinque Terre and another with some unique boat tours, so you don’t need to fret over this trip!
Back to Genoa, Piazza del Principe is great for people traveling on a budget. There are lots of affordable restaurants and bars since the area is frequented by students due to some university buildings located here.
In terms of attractions, you won’t find many, but luckily you can use Genoa’s excellent urban transport system and get to the Old Town super fast!
Grand Hotel Savoia, Piazza del Principe
This Genoa accommodation looks so good! Set opposite the Piazza Principe Train Station, the hotel offers modern rooms with large windows overlooking the city. During your holiday, you can enjoy all the spa facilities and romantic dinners on their outdoor terrace.
Other accommodation options in Piazza del Principe
Set right near the train station, this place in an Art Nouveau building offers rooms service, and a terrace
Enjoy an Italian breakfast at this hostel that comes with family rooms, bike hire, and a terrace
You’ll love this stunning apartment that has beach access and a balcony overlooking the ancient port
Things to do in Piazza del Principe
- Visit Villa del Principe – Palazzo di Andrea Doria
- Grab a drink at La Bitta Genova
- Enjoy the sea views at Ponte dei Mille
- Take the train from Piazza Principe Station to another Italian city
3. Maddalena – where to stay in Genoa for culture lovers
If you want to be close enough to the historic center but not so close to the tourist crowds, then you might consider staying in Maddalena!
Set within walking distance of the Old Town, this area is filled with incredible cultural attractions! Maddalena is home to the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Via Garibaldi (also known as “new street”), filled with gorgeous palazzos owned by rich families who spent some time in Genoa.
Most of them are museums that usually host exhibitions you can visit, either by yourself or on a guided tour with a local guide who will tell you all about how they came to be and what’s remarkable about each one.
Otherwise, the best way to explore Maddalena is to walk around the streets! That way, you can find all the hidden gems and admire each historic building! You’ll also find plenty of restaurants in this area, some bars, and lots of cool places to stay! Check out some of them below.
Hotel Le Nuvole Residenza d’Epoca, Maddalena
Wake up to the sight of a beautiful fresco on the ceiling while staying at this hotel that has spacious rooms with a private bathroom and a terrace! The hotel also offers room service and bikes to rent out!
Other accommodation options in Maddalena
Set in a historic building, this family-friendly accommodation offers free breakfast and a terrace
This super stylish hostel is super well-equipped, and it organizes movie nights for guests
An amazing place that has a great style, 2 spacious rooms, a kitchen, and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in Maddalena
- Admire the art in Palazzo Bianco
- Check out the architecture of Palazzo Rosso
- Learn the history of the palazzos on a guided tour
- Grab a drink at Cambi Café’
- Visit la Basilica di San Siro
4. Nervi – where to stay in Genoa for foodies
Want to stay in a place that’s packed with Liguarian restaurants, and it’s a bit quieter than the rest of the areas in town?
Then check out Nervi, which is kind of a small town on its own! This old fishing village is pretty far from the city center, but there is a train station that has frequent trains going to Genoa’s city centre (it usually takes around 20 min) and to other cities located north of the area.
You’d think that since this area is not close enough to the main attractions, you’d find more affordable accommodations, but that’s not the case for Nervi. Since it’s such a quaint little “town” which looks pretty incredible, the hotel prices can be higher than you’d normally pay in Genoa!
More reason to book in advance!
Another great thing about this former fishing village located east of the city center, besides all the mouth-watering food, is that it has lots of beaches, making it the perfect place for a beach vacation by the Mediterranean Sea!
A gorgeous home in this coastal suburb is perfect for a group of 4 people or a family! This accommodation comes with a kitchen, a swimming pool and access to the beach so you can get there super fast!
Other accommodation options in Nervi
This family-run villa comes with antique furnishings, parquet floors, breakfast, and a garden
Enjoy your stay in Genoa at this hotel that has family rooms with a TV and free parking spaces
Offering incredible sea views, this accommodation also has a kitchen, air-conditioning and an outdoor terrace
Things to do in Nervi
- Explore the fishing village
- Visit Castello di Nervi Museum
- Take the train to Old Town Genoa
- Enjoy the sun at Bagni La Scogliera
- Admire the art at Galleria d’Arte Moderna
5. Porto Antico – best place to stay in Genoa for nightlife
Planning a fun city break to Genoa where you can eat yummy food, explore the narrow streets and art museums all day long, and even go clubbing?
Then Porto Antico is one of the best neighborhoods for you! Set right near the historic center, this area is packed with live music venues, museums, and fun attractions like the Genoa Aquarium and FantaCinema!
Yep, it’s the perfect place to have a good time and enjoy Genoa’s party scene!
While you’re here, you can enjoy late-night walks by the water, stay up late and have some delicious dinners with wine on the outdoor terraces and then head to the bars and venues for music and dancing!
This is also where most of the boat tours depart from. If you have the time, I recommend going on a Cetacean watching cruise,
I wouldn’t recommend this part of town to stay for families or people who’d prefer a more tranquil atmosphere since it can get pretty noisy here!
One of the best luxury hotels in Genoa with such an elegant design, access to public transport, and spa services! The accommodation is beautifully decorated with artwork and has a great restaurant on-site where you can indulge in yummy Italian dishes.
Other accommodation options in Porto Antico
This hotel has great views of Porto Antico, rooms with a kitchenette and a terrace, and free Wi-Fi
Perfect for budget travelers, this B&B comes with comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi and a terrace
You’re going to love this loft that has 2 spacious rooms, a kitchen and a gorgeous waterfront location
Things to do in Porto Antico
- Get tickets to explore the Genoa Aquarium
- Take your kids to The City of Children and Young Museum
- Immerse yourself into your fave movies at FantaCinema
- Grab a drink at La Goletta Seaside pub
- Visit the Maritime Museum
- Admire the views from Bigo Panoramic Lift
6. Castelletto – where to stay in Genoa for families
Taking the whole family to Genoa? Then I’m guessing you’re not really looking to stay in the historic center, which can get pretty hectic at times!
Not to worry! I’ve found this other amazing area for you that’s not so close to the city center but has public transport connections to it so you can go there whenever you want (Genova Brignole train station is set near Castelletto).
Castelletto is a pretty big area, and it has numerous residential buildings and some cool attractions that you could visit before heading all the way to the historic center.
There aren’t so many big chain hotels here, mostly B&Bs that are super affordable, which I’m sure, as a family, you’ll appreciate. The area’s tranquil atmosphere and calmness are why lots of families choose to stay here.
Il Giardino della Tartaruga, Castelletto
This family-friendly accommodation is perfect for your holiday! Set in a historic building, the hotel comes with spacious rooms, a sun terrace where you can enjoy their yummy breakfast, and a picnic area.
Other accommodation options in Castelletto
You’ll fall in love with this place that has antique furnishings, family rooms, and a shared lounge area
One of the best cheap hotels for families that offers rooms service, spacious suites, and free Wi-Fi
Such a great apartment, perfect for 4 guests that has lots of space, a kitchen and toys for kids
Things to do in Castelletto
- Take the kids to La Gelateria Di San Nicola
- Admire the city views from this scenic spot (map)
- Spend a fun day at Parco Avventura Righi
- Eat yummy sweets at Panificio Corona
- Take a train from Genova Brignole station to another city
| 👑 Luxury price: | €200 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €160 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €120 |
| 📍 Best area: | Old Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Meliá Genova |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Affittacamere B&B |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Aquarium Rooms |
BONUS: Best boutique hotels in Genoa
There are so many fabulous hotels in the blog’s first section but if you’re looking for a place to stay in Genoa that’s a bit more special then definitely have a look at the options below! I’ve searched the web for some of the best boutique hotels in town and came up with 3 incredible accommodations!
I’ve already ordered them from most to least expensive, and the prices start from €200 to €400:
- Hotel Palazzo Durazzo Suites – enjoy the unique experience of staying in one of those former Italian palazzos in this amazing 5-star hotel! This is the best accommodation for culture lovers, and I love how they modernized the rooms and made the whole decor fit so well with the building! The accommodation comes with a spa center, and it offers breakfast!
- Hotel Bristol Palace – a gorgeous hotel with a classic style that has rooms decorated with antique furnishings, frescoes, and a beautiful staircase! Start your morning with a yummy breakfast in your suite, then head out to explore the city center.
- Grand Hotel Savoia – set in the Porto Antico area, this accommodation comes with large windows overlooking the sea, modern rooms, and an outdoor restaurant where you can enjoy candle-lit dinners!
FAQs about hotels in Genoa
🤔 What is the best part of Genoa to stay in?
The Old Town is one of the best areas to stay in Genoa! This area is filled with incredible attractions and amazing hotels like Meliá Genova.
⛔ Where not to stay in Genoa?
You should avoid staying in areas like Cornigliano and Sampierdarena, which are not so suitable for tourists.
🔝 Is Genoa city worth visiting?
Yes! Genoa is a gorgeous city in Northern Italy filled with so much history, amazing places to visit, beaches, and delicious food!
📅 How many days should you spend in Genoa, Northern Italy?
I would recommend spending at least 3 days in Genoa! That will give you plenty of time to explore around and visit all the attractions! You can even take a guided tour to be sure you haven’t missed a place!
Conclusion
What a unique city! I hope that this well-researched guide on where to stay in Genoa gave you some insight and helped you find your favorite hotels! Make sure you also check the bonus section, as I added more options there!
As always, I recommend booking your hotels in advance! Especially for a place like Genoa that gets so many tourists!
I know it’s hard to pick just one accommodation from such a long list, so if you need a bit of inspiration, check out my 2 favorite hotels below:
- Meliá Genova – this unique hotel is set near the main shopping street in town, and it comes with an indoor pool, an outdoor terrace with city views and a spa center.
- Affittacamere B&B – stay near the metro stations in this amazing hotel that offers rooms with wood-beamed ceilings and a shared kitchen.
There you have it!
Enjoy your holiday, everyone, and don’t forget that I’m always around if you’ve got any questions! You can leave me a comment below, and I’ll answer ASAP!
Safe travels,
Victoria
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