Genoa is simple, but not obvious
This private experience is a relaxed way to discover the real Genoa with me: hidden streets, panoramic viewpoints, local food recommendations and the parts of the city that are easy to miss on your own.
You'll see the landmarks that matter, but also the quieter corners most visitors never reach. Small piazzas hidden behind stone archways, rooftop viewpoints above the city, local cafés, unexpected details and the everyday side of Genoa that makes people fall in love with it.
When I first moved to Genoa, I didn't understand why locals loved it so much. It took years of walking, exploring and getting lost before I began to notice what makes it special. More than ten years later, the city still surprises me.
Some of the best views are hidden above the rooftops, some of the best food is easy to miss, and some of the most beautiful corners are only a few steps from the busy streets. That's what I love sharing.
There is no rush and no fixed script. I show you Genoa as I would show it to a friend visiting from abroad — with the right mix of highlights, hidden corners, local stories and personal recommendations, shaped around your pace and interests.
Half Day or Full Day
Choose Half Day for the essential Genoa experience, or Full Day to add the city's seaside and enjoy Genoa at a slower pace. The price is a private group total: Half Day is €170-€290, and Full Day is €330-€490 depending on group size.
Half Day
The essential Genoa experience: the old town, hidden corners, panoramic views and authentic local food recommendations.
Full Day
Everything included in Half Day, plus Genoa's seaside: Boccadasse, Corso Italia or Nervi, with more viewpoints, local stops and a relaxed pace.
Both options are private and flexible. Food, drinks, transport and tickets are paid separately only if you choose them along the way.
Which one should you choose?
You are short on time, arriving by cruise, or want the essential old town, hidden streets, a panoramic viewpoint and local recommendations without filling the whole day.
You have one full day in Genoa and want to understand why locals love living here: the old town, the sea, Boccadasse or Nervi, more views, food stops and a slower local rhythm.
I host this walk myself.
I'm Nefset, and I've been living in Genoa since 2015. I share the city the way I would with friends visiting for the first time: the essential places, the hidden corners, the food stops and the small details that make Genoa feel alive.
What’s Included
This keeps the day flexible: I suggest the best local stops and options, and you only pay separately for what you actually choose to eat, drink or enter.
A sample route, not a checklist
The standard meeting point is in the historic center at Via della Mercanzia 2. If you are staying centrally or arriving by cruise, we can confirm the most convenient meeting point after booking.
A grand avenue lined with historic palaces, leading to one of Genoa's most dazzling churches — a sober façade hiding an interior covered in gold and frescoes.
A hidden little square with old communal washing basins — a glimpse of everyday Genoa that most visitors walk right past.
The UNESCO-listed "Street of Kings" — a row of aristocratic palaces, including Via Garibaldi 12, where Genoa's wealthiest families once hosted royalty.
Up via the charming Art Nouveau Liberty lift to a terrace with one of the best panoramas over the rooftops, domes and harbor.
Genoa's grand main square around its great bronze fountain — the lively heart of the city, framed by the opera house and elegant palaces.
A baroque jewel just off the main square, home to two original Rubens masterpieces that most visitors never realize are there.
The towering medieval city gate and, right beside it, the boyhood house of Christopher Columbus.
Genoa's striking striped-marble cathedral — one of the oldest in Italy, full of stories most tourists never hear, including an unexploded WWII shell still kept inside.
We wander the vicoli — the narrow medieval alleyways full of real local life — and pause for food or coffee if you feel like it.
We finish by the sea at the revitalized old harbor — the perfect moment for your last questions and personal tips for the rest of your stay.
The exact path changes with the weather, your pace and what feels right on the day. Half Day focuses on the essential old town and a panoramic viewpoint. Full Day lets us add the sea-facing Genoa: Boccadasse, Corso Italia or Nervi, more views and a slower local rhythm.
From the experience
What travelers say
150+ private experiences hosted in Genoa and Liguria. Here are some stories from the people I've had the pleasure of showing around.
We loved spending the day with Nefset. We enjoyed hidden gems of Genoa, walked gardens and castles, enjoyed espresso, wine, aperitivo, focaccia, pesto, gelato, and more. Nefset started as our host, but we parted as friends.
We had a blast. Nefset was extremely knowledgeable, energetic, and easygoing. She was able to change the tour without any notice and customize it to our desire to experience Genoa like a local. It was truly a highlight of the trip and the chance to make a new friend.
Nefset was easy-going and shared her love for her adopted city. Her approach is not as the history and art teacher spouting details that can never be remembered, but as one who lives and breathes the local life. It made us feel very comfortable during our short stay.
Nefset was charming, knowledgeable, humorous and very dedicated to showing us her beautiful city's most amazing sites. She tried — and succeeded — in making this tour individual to our family. My granddaughter listed it as a highlight of her vacation in Italy. The experience was worth three times what we paid.
Nefset was able to adjust the tour to suit our requests. She was not only an interesting and informative host but also excellent company during our tour. We would happily recommend this tour and Nefset.
We had a most wonderful day out with Nefset. She was warm, friendly and knowledgeable. We were a group with a toddler in a pram as well as grandparents and were able to take the tour at our own pace. Would highly recommend.
We toured amazing sites and had scrumptious food! Nefset took us to places you would not see on a large tour. She was very personable and engaging.
We had a great tour with Nefset. We learned a ton about Genova, got to see so many amazing sites, and ate delicious food. My son and husband said the gelato was some of the best they've ever had.
We had a wonderful tour with Nefset, very knowledgeable on all things Genoa. Food tastings were great and the tour through the city was perfect. We highly recommend her.
Nef pointed out things that we would have never known or noticed without her guidance and it made our time in Genoa so much more meaningful.
Nefset did a great job with our group of five all around Genoa. She answered our questions and dealt with the needs of individuals, keeping us all comfortable all day long!
You will see places you will have never found on your own. We had a really great experience being shown all the most beautiful spots in the city. Very pleasant company to be around.
Nefset was wonderful. She asked what we were looking for and went beyond to make our day enjoyable. Her pleasant personality and knowledge of English only enhanced our experience.
Nefset orchestrated a beautiful journey along the Portofino and Camogli Italian coast. It was a first class experience that exceeded our expectations. Her special photographs captured will last us a lifetime. Nefset is the Best!
Nefset wanted us to explore our areas of interest and truly cared about being a detailed host. We saw amazing views of the city and a spectacular church along with the castle and other main attractions.
Nefset was a delightful host who showed us a lot of the off the beaten path areas of Genoa.
Nefset was a nice easy host. We had a great time with her in Genoa.
Nefset was a great communicator in the lead up to the experience and after. We were a group with a toddler as well as grandparents — she adapted perfectly to our pace.
She went above and beyond any host I've ever had. The experience was worth three times what we paid. Highly recommend.
We enjoyed hidden gems of Genoa, walked gardens and castles, enjoyed espresso, wine, focaccia, pesto, gelato, and more. Nefset started as our host, but we parted as friends.