When talking about Italian art cities, the first names that come to mind are almost always Rome, Florence, and Venice. Yet, there is another city that in recent months has been drawing increasing attention from the international press, thanks to its artistic heritage, its gastronomy, and a historic center waiting to be explored. It is Genoa, which according to Forbes is experiencing a true golden moment.
In an article published on October 15, 2026, the foreign correspondent invites travelers to rediscover the Ligurian capital before it becomes an even more frequented destination. Its strength? The possibility to live a cultural experience comparable to that of other major Italian cities, but without having to face the crowds that characterize destinations like Venice.
Why Forbes Recommends Genoa
According to Forbes, Genoa is one of the Italian destinations to watch for a coming trip. The American magazine highlights especially its balance between history, art, sea and authenticity, qualities that allow discovering a city still far from the dynamics of mass tourism.
The numbers confirm the growing interest of visitors: Genoa welcomes about 1.9 million tourists a year, with an 11% growth compared to 2019. A figure that speaks to a destination in evolution, yet that preserves a different atmosphere from some of Italy’s most visited cities.
It isn’t the first time the Ligurian capital has attracted foreign press. In 2026, even the New York Times listed it among the 52 destinations to visit that year, while The Wall Street Journal pointed to it as a stop to include in a new Italian Grand Tour.
Forbes also pays attention to the city’s transformations, beginning with the Levante Waterfront, the promenade redevelopment project signed by Renzo Piano. An intervention that helps redraw the relationship between Genoa and the sea, pairing new public spaces with the historic heritage.
What to See in Genoa According to Forbes
One of the first stops recommended by the magazine is the Museums of Strada Nuova, housed in the historic palaces of Via Garibaldi. Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria-Tursi shelter important artworks, including paintings by Van Dyck and Caravaggio and the famous violin of Niccolò Paganini.
Space is also given to the Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage site that in 2026 marks twenty years since the recognition. This is a system of noble residences that, during the Republic of Genoa, were used to host illustrious figures and high-ranking visitors.
The journalist then suggests getting lost among the caruggi of the historic center, one of the most extensive and intricate in Europe, where you encounter the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Ducale, and numerous historic shops. Among them are the Antica Farmacia di Sant’Anna, Pasticceria Liquoreria Marescotti and Finollo, stores that preserve commercial and artisanal traditions handed down through the ages.
Of course, the Old Port isn’t missing, with the Acquario, the Biosphere and the Bigo, the panoramic lift designed by Renzo Piano. Finally, Forbes invites readers to also discover Ligurian gastronomy beyond the famous pesto and focaccia. Among the cited specialties are corzetti with walnut sauce, the white cuisine of the Ligurian Alps, and mesciüa, a traditional soup originating from La Spezia. Also worth a visit is the Mercato Orientale, where you can explore local products and flavors of the territory.
