Genoa’s compact, walkable center makes it a perfect city for exploring on foot. Narrow alleyways, grand palaces, and lively markets are best appreciated when you’re strolling through them at your own pace—and with a knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re interested in uncovering secret corners, sampling local food, or capturing memories with photos, Genoa offers a variety of walking tours that fit different interests and budgets. We especially like tours that combine history with taste, like the Genoa Walking Tour: Discover Hidden Treasures and Street Food, which offers a deep dive into Genoa’s past along with delicious local bites.
Genoa’s rich architecture, vibrant street life, and storied past make it a city best explored on foot. These tours give you a chance to see the city’s most famous sites and lesser-known corners without feeling rushed. Whether you want a comprehensive day-long experience or a quick snapshot, this list will help you find the perfect walking adventure.
Quick Overview
Our top picks for Genoa walking tours include a well-rounded full-day explore-and-taste experience, a private personalized walk to uncover hidden gems, a fun photoshoot combined with sightseeing, a shorter guided tour focusing on key landmarks, and a culinary walk featuring hands-on cooking. Each offers something unique—from in-depth history and local insights to personalized attention and photo opportunities. Read on to find the tour that suits your interests and schedule.
1. Genoa Walking Tour: Discover Hidden Treasures and Street Food

At number 1 on our list, this 6-hour tour combines the grandeur of Genoa’s palaces with its lively street food scene, guided by a local with a deep knowledge of the city’s stories and secrets. Starting with Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, you’ll walk past historic palaces built in the 15th to 17th centuries. These magnificent buildings reflect Genoa’s wealth as a banking hub that once kept Spain under its control for centuries. The guide will explain how this financial power fueled the city’s impressive architecture.
The tour continues to Spianata Castelletto for what many say is the best view of Genoa—a panoramic spot that’s worth the climb. Then, you’ll visit the Museo di Palazzo Reale, where you’ll learn how Genoese aristocrats spent their riches to impress European courts. The final stops include the massive Palazzo Ducale, known for its marble façade and cultural exhibitions. Along the way, you’ll sample local pesto, focaccia, and Prosecco, making this a tasty and educational experience.
This tour stands out for its combination of top sights, hidden corners, and food stops that highlight Genoa’s culinary heritage. All entrance fees and transportation within Genoa are included, making it easy to relax and focus on discovering the city. With 80 reviews and a perfect 5.0 rating, it’s clear travelers love the lively storytelling and authentic flavors.
Bottom line: A comprehensive, engaging way to see Genoa’s most important sites and hidden treasures with plenty of tasty surprises along the way.
2. Genoa Private Walking Tour with a Local

Skip the cookie-cutter tours and personalize your experience with the Genoa Private Walking Tour with a Local. For between 2 and 6 hours, a passionate local guide will craft a route tailored to your interests, whether that’s exploring secret alleyways, learning about local legends, or discovering favorite spots only residents know.
This tour’s biggest strength is its flexibility. You can ask questions, focus on specific neighborhoods, or simply follow your guide’s lead. Travelers who appreciate authentic, one-on-one experiences find this ideal—no fixed route, just genuine connection. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the crowds and get a sense of Genoa’s real rhythm. Reviews highlight how guides share tips and tricks, making the city feel approachable and personal.
While it’s less structured than larger group tours, this private walk opens doors to unexpected discoveries and local stories that are often missed in standard itineraries. It’s especially suited for travelers who like customizing their days and value personal attention.
Bottom line: Best for those who want a personalized, flexible look at Genoa with an enthusiastic local guide sharing insider secrets.
3. Things to do in Genoa: Private Photoshoot & Walking Tour

For a more memorable souvenir, consider the Private Photoshoot & Walking Tour. This 1.5-3 hour experience combines sightseeing with a professional photographer capturing your visit. Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers wanting high-quality images, this tour takes you through Genoa’s most photogenic spots.
The photographer will guide you to iconic landmarks and hidden corners, ensuring you get stunning shots that showcase both the city’s charm and your personality. After the session, you’ll receive high-resolution edited images within 72 hours, with options for printed photos (extra fee). It’s a relaxed, enjoyable way to document your trip, especially if you’re camera-shy or want professional-quality photos without the hassle of doing it yourself.
The personalized approach means you can customize the route based on your schedule and interests. Reviews indicate that travelers loved the chance to see parts of Genoa they might not explore on their own and appreciated the quality of the photos.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting keepsake photos while exploring Genoa’s most scenic spots.
4. Guided Walking Tour in Genoa

At number 4, this 2-hour guided walk offers a quick, focused overview of Genoa’s core sights. Starting from a central meeting point, you’ll visit Piazza De Ferrari, the lively heart of the city, and the impressive Palazzo Ducale. The guide shares engaging stories behind these landmarks, making history come alive.
This tour suits travelers with limited time who want a broad overview of Genoa’s main attractions without a long commitment. It’s also a great way to get oriented before exploring on your own, especially since it covers key sites like the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The small group size (max 15) allows for interaction and questions along the way.
While the tour is shorter and less detailed than longer options, it offers good value for its price and provides enough context to navigate the city afterward independently. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guide and the convenient location as highlights, though some note that the tour could be longer for a more in-depth experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for a quick introduction to Genoa’s must-see sights, especially if you’re short on time but want some local insights.
5. Genoa Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine

For food lovers, the Genoa Walking Tour & Cooking Class with Wine offers a hands-on experience combining sightseeing and culinary skills. Over about three hours, you’ll explore local markets and artisan shops with a guide, learning about the ingredients that make Ligurian cuisine unique.
Then, in a cozy home setting, you’ll participate in preparing a traditional Genoese dish—likely a pasta or seafood specialty—guided by a local chef. After cooking, you’ll sit down with your group to enjoy your meal paired with regional wine. This interactive experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy learning cooking techniques and appreciate authentic regional flavors.
The included market visits and cooking make this tour stand out, offering a true taste of local life. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, leisurely afternoon immersed in Genoa’s culinary culture. Reviewers appreciate the warm hospitality and the opportunity to take home a delicious dish and new skills.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice for foodies eager to cook and eat like a Genoese.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which Genoa walking tour fits your trip, consider your interests and schedule. If you want an in-depth exploration with local bites, the full-day Discover Hidden Treasures is hard to beat. For a personalized experience, Private Tours let you tailor your route and stories. If capturing memories is your priority, the Photoshoot provides professional photos while sightseeing. Short on time? The guided 2-hour tour offers a quick overview. And for a culinary twist, the Cooking Class and Tour combines sightseeing with hands-on cooking and regional wines.
Think about your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer a private or group experience. Booking early is advisable, especially in high season, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Genoa offers a rich mix of history, architecture, and food, all easily explored by foot. For most travelers, a top choice is the Genoa Walking Tour: Discover Hidden Treasures and Street Food, which balances sightseeing with local flavors. Those seeking intimacy and tailored routes will love the Private Walking Tour, while food lovers shouldn’t miss the Cooking & Walking Tour.
No matter your style, booking early and choosing a tour that matches your interests will ensure a memorable visit to Genoa. With so many ways to explore, you’ll find plenty to discover—just lace up your shoes and enjoy the journey.