Genoa Shopping and Districts

(Genoa / Genova, Liguria, Italy)

Genoa is one of the most popular places to shop in the Liguria region. It is relatively easy to walk around Genoa and there is no shortage of busy shopping streets to explore.

The Old Town district offers some of the best shopping, with historic streets that are full of character and where you are more likely to find specialist goods. There are also plenty of larger stores, supermarkets and markets scattered all around central Genoa and beyond, more than satisfying most daily needs.

When to Shop and Opening Hours

Taking a trip to Genoa in January can make good sense if you're looking to pick up some clothing bargains. This is the time of year when Italy holds its annual sales and large reductions can often be found.

Generally, shops open from 9:00 until lunchtime, at around 13:00. They tend to reopen from 15:30 or 16:00, closing for the day at 19:00 to 20:00. It's worth noting that some smaller shops may close for one or two afternoons a week and on Sundays. On the other hand, larger shops and department stores in Genoa operate continuously during the day and sometimes open on Sunday mornings.

Where to Shop

Most visitors will particularly enjoy the specialty shopping that can be found in Old Town Genoa. In Via Soziglia, for example, there are rows of small shops with regional products on display. These range from luxurious chocolates and jars of locally-produced pesto, to fine silver and gold jewellery, handmade lace and objects carved out of olive wood.

Visitors shopping for something special to wear should head to Via XX Settembre, in central Genoa. Here you will encounter most of larger department stores, including UPIM and COIN, along with the city's most fashionable designer boutiques. Less expensive clothes shopping can be found on Via San Luca. And, of course, a trip to an Italian city like Genoa wouldn't be complete without browsing in its many shoe shops.

Fresh produce can be found in colourful abundance at Genoa's vibrant Mercato Orientale, along with some impressive displays of parmesan cheese. Other markets can be found on Via XX Settembre, Piazza Banchi and Via degli Orefici. The Piazza Colombo hosts a regular secondhand book market. Antique-hunters in Genoa should head to the monthly market held in Palazzo Ducale's courtyards each year between October and July. Meanwhile, for those everyday purchases and general food shopping, visitors can try the popular STANDA supermarkets.