10 things to see in Genoa with kids

The destination of Sunday trips for its beautiful Aquarium, Genoa deserves a more in-depth visit to discover unique views, unusual means of transportation, and a wonderful history of a city enclosed between sea and hills. Visiting Genoa with children will be an opportunity to discover a still little-known city that has always been accustomed to defending itself and jealously guarding its beauties without making them known to "outsiders."
As a Genoese and lover of my city, I take you to 10 things to see in Genoa with children, not as tourists.

1 - Sottoripa and the historic center of Genoa

Having finished the visit to the Aquarium, to leave the area of the Porto Antico , just cross Piazza Caricamento we find ourselves in the historic center of Genoa, one of the largest historic centers in Europe
Four steps in the old town is in itself a fascinating experience, with its maze of alleys and little squares, little churches and historic stores, and with its palaces so close together that they seem to be an architectural whole, it is a real jewel, declared a UNESCO heritage site in which every corner, every palace and every little square tells stories about its past inhabitants.

If you are afraid of getting lost or ending up in unrecommendable areas, here is a very simple itinerary to discover Genoa's historic center with children, to see the most beautiful palaces and churches and admire the treasures of the ancient Maritime Republic that together with Venice dominated the entire Mediterranean.

Gourmand Tip: right in front of the Aquarium is Sottoripa, a long row of arcaded palaces, on the ripa, i.e. the seashore, here if you're hungry don't miss the chance to try a carton of fried food in the ancient fry shops of Sottoripa or the legendary sandwiches of the Gran Ristoro, a destination for generations of students.
To discover all the specialties of Genoa. book a Gastronomic Tour of Genoa will take you to ancient inns known only to the most passionate Genoese.

Glimpse of the historic center of Genoa

2 - Genoa from above: the Castelletto elevator

Perched between the sea and the mountains, Genoa has developed a varied public transportation system: not only buses and the subway, but also elevators, funiculars, and small trains, which connect the city center with the hillside districts, offering spectacular views.
From Piazza Portello, a short distance from the downtown area, you can take the Castelletto elevator, which in a short time will take you to Spianata Castelletto, a square built on the site of an ancient castle, on which today stands a wonderful panoramic terrace. From the top of Spianata Castelletto there is a wonderful view of the sea and the city. The ideal place to stop and admire this breathtaking view that few cities give!

Gourmet tip: In Castelletto don't miss the ice cream parlors in the area, I can't tell you which one is the best because some people love one, some love the other..

The panorama of Genoa from Spianata Castelletto

3 - The Righi funicular

In Largo della Zecca, a little more than a 10-minute walk upstream from the Old Port, there is instead the stop of the Righi funicular, a very picturesque little train that, climbing up the hillside on a moderate slope, reaches the highest part of the city, namely the Righi hill. From here there is an exceptional view of the Port and the rest of the city from above. It is great fun for children to ride this quaint little inclined train! The funicular takes about twenty minutes to make all the stops that go all the way to the terminus and is the quickest way to reach this hilly neighborhood, a long way from the center.

When the funicular arrives, you can enjoy the view of the entire city, or take a walk to get a closer look at the Righi astronomical observatory and the view towards the forts of Genoa, ancient military constructions built for defensive purposes around the end of the 1700s on the mountain tops around the city, which formed Genoa's city walls, now among the most impressive systems of fortifications in the world.
From the Righi funicular stop, on fine days, a half-hour walk takes you to Forte Sperone.
At Righi there is also a Adventure Park with trails for all ages from children to adults.

Getting off instead at the Madonnetta stop, you can visit a huge nativity scene that reproduces glimpses of the Genoese landscape and scenes of daily life in Genoa in the 1700s and 1800s with statues of characters in period costumes.

Fort Sperone

4 - Giacomo Doria Museum of Natural History

Returning to downtown, you can visit the Museum of Natural History Giacomo Doria, whose collections are mainly zoological but also botanical and geological.
The museum is a large collection of stuffed animals from all over the world, from savannah lions to polar bears from Antarctica. The museum is very different from an aquarium or a zoo with live animals, but it is one of the few places in the world where you can see the snout of a brown bear just inches from your nose!

Among the various areas of the museum are sections devoted to paleontology and minerals, but throughout the year there are also thematic exhibits devoted to dinosaurs, insects, and every kind of animal that has ever lived on Earth.

The Giacomo Doria Museum of Natural History.

5 - The Sea and Boccadasse

If you are in Genoa and want to indulge in a walk overlooking the sea, you cannot miss Corso Italia, the city's seafront promenade. As you walk along this wide and relaxing avenue, about three kilometers long, you can enjoy the smell of the sea and the view, with the possibility of stopping to play with the children in the Punta Vagno playground.

At the end of Corso Italia hides a little gem: the ancient fishermen's village of Boccadasse. After skirting a church, all you have to do is turn the corner and go down a short flight of steps to find yourself immersed among the characteristic colorful little houses that make Boccadasse one of the most beloved corners of Genoa.
This village, still inhabited by a few fishermen, has kept its charm intact over time. The small pebble beach, the rocks and the narrow "creuze" that climb between the houses provide a unique atmosphere.
And for a tasty break? Boccadasse lacks nothing: seafood restaurants, focaccerie, friggitorie and creperie offer a wide choice for all tastes and budgets.
But a visit here cannot be said to be complete without an ice cream from the historic Gelateria Amedeo! For grown-ups, don't miss the gusto panera, a delicious semifreddo made with cream and coffee, typical of Genoa.

Seeing the sea and Boccadasse is definitely worth the experience in Genoa, especially with children!

If you then want to take a dip during the warm season, there are several lidos along Corso Italia, but for a really special dip we recommend the beaches of the Levante, from the Quarto dei Mille Monument onward, particularly in Quarto, Quinto and Nervi.

The village and beach of Boccadasse

6 - The monumental cemetery of Staglieno

Perhaps not everyone knows that the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno is the largest monumental cemetery in Europe. History and art lovers will be surprised by the amount of sculptures created in tribute to the deceased. Among the most recurring subjects are the large statues of angels that accompany the entire visit somewhat. There is the possibility of taking guided tours designed for children and families, but the grave of Giuseppe Mazzini is always among the must-see destinations. The full tour of the cemetery is a bit too long for small children, but the main route is passable even with a stroller as it is paved. Special areas include the American and Jewish cemeteries to show visitors other cultures as well. The place is shrouded in silence, interrupted only by the bus engine inside the route and the tolling of bells; it may seem unsuitable for children, but it is a great idea to be able to spend a few quiet hours among centuries of history. In case of rain, guided tours are held mainly in the covered areas of the arcades.

Among the most famous and visited tombs are those of: Giuseppe Mazzini, Mary Constance Wilde, wife of Oscar Wilde, Fabrizio de Andrè, and Gilberto and Rina Govi.

In summer it is advisable to bring mosquito repellent, the area is surrounded by greenery and among trees and hedges it is easy to encounter .

7 - Genoa and its hinterland - The little train in Casella

On a visit of a few days to Genoa, an out-of-town trip is also a must. For fans of vintage trains, the historic little train of Casella has recently reopened to discover the green hinterland of Genoa.
The little train, departing from a small station near Piazza Manin in the heights of Genoa, but just minutes from the city center, leads to Casella, a quaint village in the Scrivia Valley.
The 25-kilometer route, with tight curves and gradients quite different from those of the trains we are used to, is very scenic, in the first few stretches enjoying a view of Genoa from above and then passing through forests, parks and villages until it reaches Casella.
The small station, the singular track and the view are carved in the hearts of children, and no longer children of Genoa, but are almost unknown to tourists.

For all fans of trains like the Casella train, we have written an article on Italy's most fascinating historical trains: Aboard a vintage train - 10 Itineraries with children

The historic little train in Casella

8 - The Parks of Nervi

On sunny days, the Parks of Nervi, with their lawns and ancient trees, are worth a visit. These are large gardens, once belonging to old private villas, which now represent a botanical complex overlooking the sea. In addition to beautiful plants to admire, there is also a large playground, a rose garden-open especially in spring-and lawns on which you can play ball or simply have a picnic.
A short walk from the Nervi parks is the beautiful seaside promenade, with a path that winds for about two kilometers above the sea. The path is breathtaking but very safe and there is no danger in walking it with children!

Nervi Parks in Genoa

9 - Villa Durazzo Pallavicini in Pegli

In Genoa, among the many things to see with children, in Pegli, the neighborhood that comes before Voltri, about 20 minutes by train from the center and very close to the train station, there is an elegant 19th-century Villa with a very large park and a beautiful camellia garden:Villa Durazzo Pallavicini.
It was built as a residence in 1800 by Marquis Ignazio Pallavicini and his wife Clelia Durazzo.
The route begins immediately next to Pegli station and leads to the entrance of the villa through a long tree-lined avenue. The visit to the park is organized as a theatrical tale in acts, in which the protagonist is nature and its different forms: it starts with the garden of camellias, one of the most important in Italy, and going on you can see rare plants, century-old trees and little streams with small lakes and waterfalls.
Among the things worth seeing along the itinerary are the Mausoleum and the Captain's Castle but especially the spectacular water features of Lago Grande.
The management of Villa Durazzo Pallavicini also organizes guided tours and educational workshops for children and school groups by reservation; accompanying persons do not pay. Must try! For information visit the Official website of Villa Durazzo Pallavicini.
The trail is about three kilometers long and appropriate footwear should be worn.
The path, a bit bumpy and with many steps, not all of it is suitable for strollers, so it is advisable for those who want to do the entire walk to use a baby carrier or baby sling.
Admission costs 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children and young people aged 7 to 18. Children under 6 years old do not pay.

The Villa inside houses the museum of Ligurian archaeology, which organizes educational workshops for children on topics such as: working with clay, building a mosaic and "mummy hunting."

The garden of Villa Durazzo Pallavicini in Genoa Pegli.

10 - Villa Duchessa di Galliera, a park with deer in Genova Voltri

In Genova Voltri, on the western outskirts of the city, there is one of the children's favorite parks, Villa Duchessa di Galliera, a park with deer.
The first area open to the public is a green and well-kept area with small fountains, statues, trees and paths leading directly to the Villa itself. Caves and small waterfalls enrich the sounds of the park giving an impression of peace and tranquility. Continuing the tour, however, one moves on to a landscape much more like the countryside. On fine days it is possible to picnic in the villa's large lawns. Following the path you come to the children's favorite area, the deer area!
This is not a narrow cage, but a large fenced area from which children will be able to feed the deer, staying within a few inches of the animals, without any danger.

Villa Duchessa di Galliera.

Read also

💥 Guide to Genoa's Old Port and Aquarium with children
💥 Discovering the historic center of Genoa with kids
💥 Visiting Genoa with children: practical information
💥 Where to eat in Genoa with children