UlisseFest 2026 in Genoa: Lonely Planet's Festival and Where to Stay to Experience It Up Close

Stay at Acquario House, in the heart of the historic centre, just a few minutes' walk from the festival venues →

In 2025, Lonely Planet included Genoa in its "Best in Travel" list as the only Italian city featured. That recognition sparked a bond that returns to Genoa every summer in festival form: UlisseFest, the travel festival created by Lonely Planet/EDT, now in its ninth edition.

When it takes place and what it's about

UlisseFest 2026 runs from 10 to 12 July, with this year's theme "In Praise of Escape." Three days across the historic centre and the Porto Antico, with more than 40 events and over 100 guests among writers, journalists, travellers and musicians.

The essential programme

The full UlisseFest 2026 programme is available on the festival's official website.

Opening night, 10 July, Palazzo Ducale: Mayor Silvia Salis in conversation with former New York mayor Bill de Blasio.

Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet, in conversation with Chiara Francini.

Other guests include Cecilia Sala, Paolo Giordano and Pablo Trincia.

Live music at the Arena del Mare: Francesco Gabbani on 10 July, Negramaro on 11 July.

The main venues are Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Tursi, Palazzo Rosso, Giardini Luzzati and Isola delle Chiatte — all within walking distance of the historic centre.

Genoa, a city already "on the map"

It's not just the festival: some of the city's historic addresses have also caught Lonely Planet's attention. Among them, Pasticceria Liquoreria Marescotti di Cavo, a Genoese shop dating back to 1780, named in 2025 as a recommended stop in the heart of the historic centre.

Where to stay to enjoy UlisseFest hassle-free

Acquario House is located in Genoa's historic centre, just a few minutes' walk from Palazzo Ducale, Giardini Luzzati and the main festival venues — the ideal base for moving between events without relying on a car.

One more detail for guests staying here: check-in takes place directly at Marescotti, the same shop recommended by Lonely Planet, and all P&P House guests receive a voucher for 10% off to spend there.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is UlisseFest 2026 taking place in Genoa? From July 10 to 12, 2026, with the theme "In Praise of Escape."

Is UlisseFest free? The festival offers events spread across various venues in the historic centre and the Porto Antico; for detailed access and tickets for individual events, we recommend consulting the official programme.

Why is Genoa hosting UlisseFest? Genoa was included by Lonely Planet in the "Best in Travel 2025" ranking as the only Italian city, and since then it has hosted the publishing house's travel festival every summer.

Where is the best place to stay to follow UlisseFest in Genoa? In the historic centre, near the main festival venues: Acquario House is just a few minutes' walk from the Palazzo Ducale and the Giardini Luzzati.