Genoa Walking Tour: Discover Hidden Treasures and Street Food
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Genoa, Italy
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
The Italian city of Genoa, where pesto got its start, is home to antique shops; stunning 15th-, 16th-, and 17th-century palaces; and scores of outstanding restaurants and bars. This tour leads you through the top sites, secluded squares, and hidden spots. You’ll try local Prosecco, coffee, pesto, and focaccia, all with the expertise of a local guide.
- Visit top sites and hidden gems in the historic center of Genoa
- Try local food and drinks like pesto, focaccia, and Prosecco
- Includes all entrance fees and a local guide
- Any transportation in while in Genoa also included
What's Included
- All Focaccias and Pesto.
- All Drinks in Bars and restaurant.
- Lunch in one of the Best Restaurant in Town in a Great Location.
- All transports (Trains, Bus, Lifts, Cable-way)
- Aperitivo (one cocktail)
- Guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR.
- Everything not listed in 'Inclusions'
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Genova Piazza Principe16134 Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy
Pleased to meet you At 10.00 am. at the TRAIN STATION "GENOVA PIAZZA PRINCIPE" kindly stay in front of the TICKET OFFICE in the MAIN HALL please (please note there are 2 Railway Station in Genoa Brignole and " Principe "; we meet at PRINCIPE). COORD:44°25′00″N 8°55′14″E
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.10:00 am
Itinerary
1
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
2
Spianata Castelletto
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Museo di Palazzo Reale
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
4
Palazzo Ducale
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Via Pre
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
La Commenda di Pre
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Stroller accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Near public transportation
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 82 reviews
laura_Y, Oct 2025
This is one of the most amazing tours I’ve ever taken, and Karl is amazing. His so knowledgeable about the history of Genoa and the food and Prosecco was delicious! This is one of the most unique experiences I have had and I would absolutely recommend this!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thaaaaaaank You :-) :-) :-) .
Ciao Hoipe you are well and life is nice. keep going travel and enjoy . Saluti da rapallo and more Prosecco for everybody may be with a Focaccia with Onion ?
ciao grazie mille K
Robert_H, May 2025
Wonderful experience. The food and tour were well done. Karl is very informative and enthusiastic. Be prepared for plenty of walking. Easy to access from the cruise port. Bring your appetite as Karl will offer many stops to try local food/drink. The history of Genoa was fascinating. We enjoyed this tour over the cruise bookings we did in other Mediterranean stops.
gabbieandgg2, Feb 2025
I’m not sure if Karl does this tour anymore but it was amazing!! He was knowledgeable, kind and generous. We had a great day exploring Genoa!!
Gail_A, Oct 2024
Karl was amazing. We had a blast and learned a ton about the history of Genova. Also I love the snacks along the way!! Best way to spend a day getting to know Genova is with Karl.
Heidi_F, Sep 2024
Carl was our guide and made Genoa come to life. The palaces and the food were amazing. He had so much energy and really made the tour interesting. He also was very aware of how hot it was and accommodated us to keep it cool.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
:-) :-) :-). Ha ha ha you were an examnple of stoicism indeed :-). I 'm so sorry that the weather was " a Bit " hot .
Thank you for your appreciaton and hopefully we will meet again in a cool place ? but not too cold ok ?
Ciao Heidi :-)
Samuel_L, Sep 2024
Karl was incredibly lively and passionate about the history of Genoa which made the experience very enjoyable. It was our first time in Genoa and the topography and architecture and history of the city was all incredible.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-).
Thank you so muchfor your words guys. Easy task . Ok then, keep traveling and enjoy the world.
:-) ciao
Kathy_C, Aug 2024
This tour took was very memorable! We saw so many beautiful sites in Genoa. Museums, stores, great food - as described! You truly do see the hidden gems of Genoa. Our tour host, Karl, was extremely knowledgeable and had a passion for everything Genoa has to offer. He was flexible with our group and made adjustments to keep us cooler on such a hot day. Thank you Karl!
tony_c, Aug 2024
We had a great day with Karl. Not only was he knowledgable about his city, he took pride in caring for our group of 8 people. He was checking to make sure if people needed water, bathroom breaks, or Prosecco. He was a great host for our delicious lunch that was included with our tour. The food, wine, conversation and air conditioning were delightful. Highly recommend this tour and Karl.
Rona_S, Aug 2024
Karl and this tour were the best part of our European trip! He was full of information and we loved all of the sites he took us to. Even my 13-year-old son was kept interested!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
:-). Good Day Rona :-) .
If i got the interest of a 13 old guy... then probably the tour is worth :-).
It was a bit too hot probably but the day was lovely anyway no ? I'm happy you enojy the day . About the best tour of European trip... well.... i dont know what to say :-) . thakn you for coming :-) . ciao keep going traveling.
K
melissa_k, Aug 2024
Karl had such a vibrant personality. He really made Genoa come to life for us. We’ll never forget our tour with him - such amazing food, company and history. We felt this tour gave us such a good feel for the city.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Ciao Melissa :-) how are you ? thank yoy so much for your words. It has been easy. You and Chad are two beautiful persons and was a pleasure to look at the kindness you had to each other... ah Love what a magic medecine to enjoy life :-). Consideer that plus pesto and you surely would have enjoy the Tour ... and probably even with another guide :-), :-) but i will believe your words :-) :-) :-) . say ciao to Chad please ok ? ciao grazie mille.
Beth_M, Jul 2024
Karl! There is nothing I can that would say enough nice things about this man and the incredible tour he offered. Genoa was a stop on our cruise ship and I wasn't sure if it would be one of our favorites and it turned out to be because of Karl. He took us to all these churches and hidden spots with the best art. He was a wrath of knowledge and stopped when we needed for refreshments and foodie delights. He listened to what we needed and was so engaging with each member of our family - including my autistic brother and his children who also have special needs. There was even a little family drama with my niece at one point and he handled it all beautifully. So patient and kind. He went out of his way buying little treats for members of our family during the tour which was above and beyond. He knew the entire area like the back of his hand. Just perfection. Even stayed well beyond the time allotted to ensure we had a chance to have the best focaccia in town. My boys still rave it was one of their favorite cities all because Karl was so wonderful! Bravo! And thank you Karl! We would love to visit Genoa again in the future.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hi Beth and all of you :-):-).
How are you all ? I'm ok and happy , here very hot but the sea can help :-).
Was a pleasure Beth, really you all were fantastic and your laugh is the most beautful one that a man can desire to hear. I presume that your colleague Love to work with you ; i surely would ask to work with ytou for sure. energy, intelligence, beauty and kindness all together. A rarity nowaday.
But all of you where wonderful. Ireen such a Beauty, a Nordic Princess that Loves beauty and get touched in the soul by it. The very little girl absolutely fascinating; the sister that went to find the bravelet is me heroin and the little boy a smart one too. The whole of you were great , ireally enjoy the day ands to see that you loved the city gave me a great pleasure for sure.
Well, I 've your e.mail and i 'll let you know about new things if are interesting. Anything you need dyou know how to contact me ok ?
Ciao hoper to hear your laugh again , i loved it.
Ciao ragazze a ragazziiiii :-) :-) :-)
David_L, Jul 2024
Our guide (Karl Ziegler) was the best!! He made our tour of Genoa come to life in a way that we never would have experienced without him. We did a private family tour with 5. Very highly recommend to anyone looking to learn about the history of the city, enjoy some great food and great conversation!!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hoilà , how are you ? Haopppy you enjoy it. Me too :-).
WHat can i ask more then , smart conversation, good food and a nice day :-). I shoudl write review about hte guest and 5 stars would be for all you in this case; thank you so much .
Hope you are ready for another trip who knows where :-) enjoy life ok ? is a bit too short indeed.
Ciao grazie mille
.
K
Erin_K, Jun 2024
An unforgettable experience! Karl is a wealth of knowledge, full of great and fun energy and a pleasure to be with. We got to see and know parts of the city we would have missed. He even kept my teenage sons engaged and entertained
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you.
Teenage are the future and i extremely like them, they are kind, intelligent and curious and i always want to deal with them as i see myself at heir age and they deserve much attention and trust, tough, thank you for bring them. They will became intreresting persons .
keep going traveling and see the beauty of this planet as long as you can :-).
Ciao thank you so much.
K
Lisa_K, Jun 2024
I have taken many city tours, but this one was by far the best! Our guide, Karl was passionate about the history and culture of the city of Genoa. He took us all over the old city and even stayed longer with us to make sure we got to see everything that was promised. The food was wonderful and plentiful as was the wine! Take this tour!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hey good morning and thank you for the nice review.
Guys, eat, drink, beauty and history can make any tour nice :-). In this case the combination of those factors was Genova, et voilà. THank you for coming to see this city and for do the tour with me and for the nice day of chat and walk. I'm a lucky man to talk with smart people in front of Pasta and a Cathedral. What to say ... thank you Lisa :-). Ciao and keep traveling ok ?
Hugs .
K
Lisa_S, May 2024
Riccardo was a very informative guide about the history of Genoa during our Old Town walking tour. Being from Genoa, he took us to local restaurants to eat Pesto, Focaccia, pasta and gelato. Was a terrific day despite the rain!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Great Colleague of mine Riccardo : i 0''m happy to read the review and that he is doing very well . thank you for coming and hope to meet you one day. Keep going traveling and let us know when back for a beer.
Cioa k
Jeffrey_G, Oct 2023
Karl is a great guide. He waited for me because my train was half hour late. Passionate about his tour, knowledgeable about Genoa, and a lot of fun to be with. He made every effort to make sure I enjoyed my day in Genoa. I highly recommend this tour. It felt like I made a new friend! Thanks Karl. Jeff
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Hey Jeff :-) :-) :-) , nice to see you and sorry for the delay but i left for a while. Thank you for your kind words and as friends drink together , when here again let me know and i take you to the bar of Genoa. Thakn you again and see you somewhere and keep traveling: Peace on the planet and more Pesto for all.
Karl
Shelley_D, Sep 2023
Amazing, informative, fun, great walks, and delicious food. Was better than I had imagined. Would Di it again and definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear Shelley thank you for your review. Well as usual i wonder if i'm really so reliable as i think that i do just my best to give you emotion and see this difficult city how it should be seen. Anyway, thaaaaank youuu :-) :-).
Please keepo traveling and do not forget to go to Asia too when possible and use Bali just as an point to move to thailand, Laos, vietnam and cambodia. Do not forget Sardinia too eh ? The most stunning Island in this part of the world. Peace on the planet and more Pesto for all :-).
Thank you K
Clare_E, Sep 2023
We had an amazing walking tour with Karl! He shared so much interesting history about Genoa and tons of fun facts about the city while showing us around. It was particularly nice that the tour was all-inclusive - we stopped for various snacks, drinks, and had a great lunch which was all included in the price. Karl did an amazing job of tailoring the tour to our interests and energy levels and really went above and beyond to ensure it was a great day. Highly, highly recommend! Grazie, Karl!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) . hahaha sometimes you guests embarrase me ( i don't know if embarasse is written in a correct way , i presume not :-) ) but i 'm happy when i read those feedbakc because probably you had a good day and we ( Genoa and I ) left good think to remember.
Keep going traveling and hope for peace on the planet and pesto for all.
Ciao K .
Prego it was a pleasure.
Lori_L, Sep 2023
Karl was an excellent tour guide. We saw and learned so much about Genoa. The lunch was delicious and very enjoyable. The pesto was so good. Thank you for a wonderful day.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Ciao :-), hahahah i m happy you liked the Pesto ... you know Genoese are so proud of it ;-) . It has been my pleasure to hear from you.
Ciao hope to see you again and keep going traveling :-).
Maria_N, Sep 2023
If you want a taste of local flavor and insight into the Genovese mindset, Karl is your guide! His deep knowledge of the city and its people, as well as his warm and gregarious personality, made for a truly enjoyable introduction to Genova.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Sometimes i think that the guest exagerate :-) anyway thank you very much for your words. We must also think that Genoa is such a fascinating and unknown city that if you " see " the old city and learn what these people did.. well i easy to have a positive feed back with a place like this :-).. thank you Genoa you made us happy.
Hugs and enjoy traveling as much as you can please ok ? ciao
Richard_V, Aug 2023
We just had the most amazing day. Karl was an unbelievably knowledgeable and gracious guide and host of the city of Genoa. If you only have a day in the city and really want an intimate experience, this is a fantastic option. We ate great food, laughed, learned, and got to appreciate the history, present and future of this important city. As long as you are able to walk a lot, I highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
:-) :-) :-), hey Richard how are you ? Well... too nice of you . You have been a great people to do the Tour with you.
Your kids are wonderful and is such a pleasure to see that the future can be very bright with such a new generation.
You and your wife are doing a great job indeed. Once you got a chance see an exibition of Bosh and do notforget the Rajiksmusuem in Amsterdam and why not, a couple of book of book of Bukoski.
Ciao guys keep going travelling.
Karl
Michael_M, Jul 2023
Karl is one of the best tour guides I have ever experienced. We met on a Sunday morning at the train station, enjoyed a coffee, and then set off. Karl was very thoughtful to measure how much I was interested to learn about Genova, and how much I was willing to walk! I was a high measure on both.
Karl is incredibly knowledgeable about the long and detailed history of Genova, taking his time throughout the day to weave a wonderful narrative. I can honestly say that I saw the very best Genova has to offer, and many of the best sights are hard to find, but Karl would navigate through many small streets to find an incredible site. Genova is a wonderful city, a true hidden gem with most of the unique elements tucked away and only recognizable to a local like Karl.
This was an exceptional tour and I offer my highest recommendation that you book Karl! He has a personal website that is also worth checking out.
Neal_W, Jun 2023
Our day with Karl was fascinating, extensive, fun, and never boring. He gave us the option up front as to what kind of a tour we were interested in, and we said that we wanted to know the story of Genoa, as opposed to just Instagram photos that everyone else has already posted plus shopping. He was so excited and his story telling was colorful and exciting as he escorted us around not only the highlights, but back ways, palaces, and places that we would never even know about on our own. Plus, he knows contacts at many private and beautiful places that let us in just because we were with Karl. (He seems to have friends in important places all over town.) At the end of our day, we really felt like we understood the core of Genoa and it’s history. (Hint: Genoa is still run by a cartel of 24 families that got rich during the middle ages.) Absolutely fascinating!
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you :-) for your visit and I m hippy that you enjoy Genoa.
Yes you are right this city is fascinating and doing this tour with guests that Love history is a wonderful add on. Thank you so much for your kindness and enthusiasm:-).
Keep going traveling -:) . Ciao
Peter_P, Nov 2022
Wonderful day spent walking through the city of Genova, learning about it's rich history and sampling delicious local cuisine. Karl was a fantastic tour guide.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
:-) , it was my pleasure as you all are very interesting persons and i learned a lot apart from the book you suggest me, that i m going to buy straight away. Ciao ejoy your trip and again thank you so much. =:)
Lucinda_M, Oct 2022
We had the best guide - Karl. Wonderful - he was amazing!!
Great sights and wonderful food. Karl had great stories - brought the city to life.
Highly recommend him as a guide.
Lynn_C, Sep 2022
Karl was an absolutely wonderful guide. Full of interesting history and passion for Genova. We had a fabulous lunch and learned a lot. Because of Karl we also visited the Cemetery of Genova which should not be missed. We highly recommend this tour if you want to learn a lot and have a great time.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Hey Ciò :-),
So happy you went to the cimitery :-), wonderful eh?
Guys thank you so much to all of you for coming toGenoa and for your kindness and appreciation. :-) ciao
Alison_S, Sep 2022
Karl was incredible. Not only was he warm and friendly, he is so knowledgeable and passionate about Genoa. Despite the pouring rain we had a fantastic time, learned a lot and really enjoyed Karl’s company. We would highly recommend Karl as a guide.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Dear Alison 🤩 ,:-),
Thank you so much for your kindness. Well... Don't know what to say :-), :-), :-)
Grazie Alison 🤩 you are too kind .
Ciao
Peter_E, Jul 2022
Our tour guide Karl was excellent. We saw places in Genova that only a local could show us-the narrow streets, the places for pesto, an elevator to an overlook-all hidden gems.
This is a must when visiting Genoa. It is recommended at the start of your trip so you will know the places you want to go back to.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Good day and thank you so much for your visit :-). It was a pleasure to meet you discover the city.
And also thank you for the ... Excellent 😊, too nice of you. Keep travelling :-)
Katherine_B, Jul 2022
Karl was so great and gave us such a thorough tour. He was accommodating and thoughtful, but most of all fun! I highly recommend it!
Response from Host, Jul 2022
:-). Ciao :-). As usual you are always too nice. It was my pleasure to tour with you. This is a very strange job indeed, I metnice people , talk about history and eat good food. Blessed.. . Keep going travelling and... Spread your knowledge.
Hugs
Kristen_R, Jul 2022
Karl was an excellent guide, providing lots of history about the city. He stopped us several times for water and rest as it was an unusually hot day. It was everything I'd hoped for -- local food and a tour of the city.
From $214.87
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