No, Mercure Genova San Biagio is in Bolzaneto, in the green Val Polcevera valley, about a 20-minute drive from Porto Antico and the caruggi. It suits visitors arriving by car or attending events at the Genoa Fair more than those wanting to walk straight out into the old town.
Discover Authentic Genova: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Genova, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the Lanterna lighthouse, Boccadasse and the palaces of Via Garibaldi.
Top 5 Things to Do in Genova
Porto Antico
Renzo Piano's redesign of the old port opened the waterfront back up to the city, and it now anchors Genoa's Aquarium (the largest in Italy), the Bigo panoramic lift, and the porticoes of Sottoripa where fried-fish stalls have operated for generations. Walk it in the late afternoon when the light off the water is best.
The caruggi and Via del Campo
The historic center's caruggi, narrow alleyways that predate cars entirely, form one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe. Via del Campo is one of the most storied, name-checked in Genoese song, and it's where you'll find old-school delis, savory pie shops, and the occasional artisan workshop that's been in the same family for decades.
Boccadasse
This former fishing village, tucked between Corso Italia and Capo Santa Chiara, is still lined with pastel houses and small fishing boats pulled up on a pebble beach. It's the spot locals actually go for sunset, not just where the postcards are shot.
Via Garibaldi and the Palazzi dei Rolli
This UNESCO-listed street of 16th-century palaces once hosted visiting dignitaries in rotation, and several are now open as museums, including Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco. The frescoed courtyards alone are worth ducking into even if you skip the paid galleries.
Sciamadde and farinata
A sciamadda is a small, often family-run eatery specializing in farinata, a thin savory chickpea-flour pancake baked in a wood-fired oven and eaten standing up, cut into wedges. Look for a genuinely blackened wood oven in the window; that's usually the tell for the real thing over a tourist imitation.
Explore Genova's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Genoa
We've mapped local spots around Genoa, from Renaissance palaces to a fishing village by the sea.
Historic Genoa
Porta Soprana and the historic centre
The old eastern gate opens onto one of Europe's largest medieval centres – 113 hectares of narrow caruggi spilling into small squares. Wander without a plan.
Centro storico · Old town · Made for wandering
Via Garibaldi and the Palazzi dei Rolli
A street of majestic aristocratic palaces and gardens, part of the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli. Peek into the courtyards.
Centro storico · UNESCO site · Perfect for architecture
Palazzo del Principe
Begun in 1529 by admiral Andrea Doria, Genoa's richest noble residence, with magnificent frescoes and tapestries.
Fassolo · Palace · Ideal for history
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
A black-and-white striped cathedral built around 1098, said to hold the ashes of St John the Baptist.
Centro storico · Cathedral · Great for architecture
Sea & views
Lanterna
At 77 metres, the tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean and Genoa's symbol, reached by an 800-metre walkway with port views.
Port · Lighthouse · Perfect for views
Spianata di Castelletto
A terrace hanging above the historic centre, with sweeping views over the city and port. Walk up, or ride the Art Nouveau lift.
Castelletto · Viewpoint · Made for sunset
Corso Italia and Boccadasse
Follow the seafront promenade to Boccadasse, an old fishing village of colourful houses and boats pulled up on a little beach. Gelato in hand.
Boccadasse · Fishing village · Ideal for an evening stroll
Aquarium, Biosphere and Bigo
One of Europe's leading aquariums, with some 11,000 animals, beside Renzo Piano's glass Biosphere.
Porto Antico · Aquarium · Great for families
Food & drink
Osteria Le Colonne
An osteria in the cellars of Palazzo Squarciafico on Piazza Invrea.
Centro storico · Osteria · Perfect for Ligurian food
Trattoria Rosmarino
A small bistro-style trattoria in the heart of Genoa, with tables on Piazza De Ferrari.
Centro · Trattoria · Ideal for dinner
Il Marin
Chef Marco Visciola's ode to the Ligurian sea: sustainable, creative cooking.
Porto Antico · Restaurant · Made for seafood
Antica Osteria del Santi
Ligurian cooking with room for creativity: artisanal pasta, fresh fish and homemade desserts.
Osteria · Perfect for pasta
FAQ
Trofie al pesto, since this is where basil pesto originated. Order it at a trattoria in the caruggi with a short menu rather than a place aimed at passing tourists.
By car it's about 20 minutes via the A7, or you can walk roughly 16 minutes to Genova San Biagio station and take the train in, both straightforward options depending on whether you have a rental.
The Spianata di Castelletto, a terrace above the historic centre reached by an Art Nouveau lift, looks over the whole city and port. The Lanterna lighthouse walkway also offers great port views.
Wander the caruggi from Porta Soprana, admire the striped Cathedral of San Lorenzo and walk Via Garibaldi, lined with the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli.
Stroll along Corso Italia to Boccadasse, a former fishing village with colourful houses on a small beach, or visit the Aquarium at the Porto Antico.
Where to Sleep in Genova
See Mercure hotels in Genova, all within reach of these picks.