If you’re visiting Genoa, you need to know there’s a unique way to appreciate its beauty: seeing it from above.
Hi! I’m Andrea of Discover Genoa and I’m a local.
In this article you will find out the top 5 panoramic viewpoints of Genoa: I will tell you the most romantic ones and the best places to take pictures for your Instagram.
I will tell you where they are, how much the entrance fee is and how to get there.
Unfortunately, since I had to make a selection, I had to leave out some other panoramic viewpoints of Genoa
If you have any suggestions, you can write them in the comments. 😉
Are you ready? Let’s start!
Seeing Genoa from above : the top 5 panoramic viewpoints
Big and small cities seen from above show a new side of themselves and Genoa lives up to the expectations… well, it’s even more beautiful from the above.
You will find several panoramic viewpoints, each one different from the other, but equally breath-taking.
Spianata Castelletto
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The truly panoramic viewpoint par excellence is Spianata Castelletto, an amazing “terrace” suspended on the old town, where you can enjoy a romantic view of the entire city and its port.
Once you get there, you will suddenly see the Spianata and the view is astonishing.
You should taste an almond-flavoured granita (a semi-frozen dessert) at Gelateria Don Paolo or a coffee at Guarino, then sit on a bench and enjoy the view on the slate roofs of the old town, the port, the Lanterna and the sea.
What do I think about it?
It’s one of the most romantic views of the city.
I’m sure you don’t want to miss it.
- Price: Free entrance
- Address: Belvedere Luigi Montaldo, 16124 Genoa
Palazzo Rosso’s terrace
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It’s a panoramic terrace located on the roof of Palazzo Rosso, one of the most beautiful historic buildings of Via Garibaldi.
Not many people are aware of this beautiful spot in the city (I only found out about it a few years ago).
While standing on the terrace, you will be in the middle of the largest old town of Europe and you will enjoy a stunning view!
- Price including terrace + museum: 9,00 € (full price ticket) 7,00 € (reduced-price ticket)
- Address: via Garibaldi 18, Genoa
Righi
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If you are looking for more characteristic spots in order to take pictures of picturesque landscapes, you should go to Righi!
Righi is a neighbourhood on the uplands of Genoa, quite far from the centre, so that you should be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the city, but be near enough reach it in the blink of an eye.
You can reach Righi with the funicular railway, that will bring you up to 292 metres above sea level.
The funicular railway is in the city centre, in Piazza della Nunziata, 2 minutes from the historic via Garibaldi and within 5 minutes walking distance from the Porto Antico and the Aquarium.
When you get off the funicular railway, you will find an incredible view, in a place where there are cycling routes, the Parco Urbano delle Mura (park of the city walls), paths through the woods, trekking courses and several other activities.
You can choose to take a panoramic photo where the funicular railway stops or to explore the paths, perfect for a summer walk.
It’s simply the highest spot of Genoa.
Here you can enjoy the most fascinating view of the entire city!
- Funicular railway ticket: 1,50 €
- Address: via Mura delle Chiappe 30, Genoa
Bigo
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In the Porto Antico area, not far from the Galata Museo del Mare (a Maritime Museum) and in front of the famous restaurant Eataly there’s the Bigo, a panoramic lift that offers a 360-degree view on the entire Port of Genoa.
Once you’re inside, the lift will take you gently up to 40 metres high and you’ll enjoy a breath-taking view: on one side you will see the city with its ancient buildings, its narrow alleys (called caruggi) and its bell towers that stand out against the slate roofs, on the other side the Porto Antico and the sea.
The lift is completely made of glass and there’s no air conditioning inside. I warn you: in the summer it’s going to be really hot, but I think it’s worth it!
- Price: 4,00 € (full price ticket), 3,00 € (reduced-price ticket)
- Address: Calata Cattaneo, 16128 Genoa
The Lanterna
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The Lighthouse (called Lanterna) is definitely the undisputed symbol of Genoa.
It was built in 1128 and renovated in its current form in 1543, it’s 77 metres high and, at the top, you can enjoy a view of the city extending up to 50 kilometres.
The only tours available are on Saturday and Sunday.
It is in the port area, next to the power station; I suggest visiting it anyway because it’s the symbol of the city and it represents the greatness and the power of Genoa and its port.
- Price: 6,00 € (full price ticket), 5,00 € (reduced-price ticket)
- Address: Rampa della Lanterna, 16126, Genoa
Seeing Genoa from above: the Maps of Panoramic viewpoints
Where to Sleep in Genoa
If you are planning to visit Genoa, you must know that it’s basically impossible to find a free parking space in the central area.
So, if you are travelling by car, I suggest finding a B&B or a hotel that offers a parking service.
Click here to find the best hotel and B&B in Genoa Italy.
What to see in Genoa: the video
The panoramic viewpoints are discussed at number 5 of this TOP 10 😉
Best views in Genoa: conclusions
If you are going to take some nice pictures or spend a romantic moment seeing Genoa from above, I hope I have given you some interesting ideas.
I would be very happy if you could leave a comment on this post: questions, constructive criticism and thoughts are always well accepted.
Your feedback is very important to me.
Happy holidays,
Andrea
