The Best Markets in Genoa

Located in the heart of the shopping district, this lively covered market is an absolute paradise for food lovers and a cornerstone of local daily life. The aisles are packed with vendors selling mountains of vibrant fresh produce, huge wheels of cheese, glistening local seafood, and aromatic spices. The air is thick with the scent of fresh basil, indicating exactly where the city's famous pesto ingredients are sourced. The central area has been beautifully modernised into a sleek food hall, where you can grab a glass of wine and sample exceptional local street food. It is a fantastic place to absorb the energetic, authentic culinary culture of the region.

Nestled in the picturesque Carmine neighbourhood, this charming historic market building has been beautifully restored to serve the local community. It features a smaller, highly curated selection of stalls focusing on sustainable, zero-kilometre produce directly from Ligurian farmers and fishermen. The architecture itself is notable, with an elegant iron and glass structure that allows natural light to flood the interior. Inside, you will also find a fantastic casual restaurant that cooks up whatever is fresh from the stalls that day. It is an ideal spot to experience a quieter, more intimate side of the city's food scene away from the main tourist crowds.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the grand Palazzo Ducale, this regular outdoor market is a treasure trove for collectors and curious browsers. Dozens of stalls pop up across the elegant square, offering a fascinating array of vintage furniture, old prints, antique jewellery, rare books, and quirky maritime memorabilia. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, with locals carefully inspecting the goods and haggling with the knowledgeable vendors. Rummaging through the eclectic displays feels like digging through the attics of the city's historic palaces. It is the perfect place to find a unique, authentic souvenir while soaking in the majestic surrounding architecture.