During our three weeks in Italy, we stopped in La Spezia on our way from Pisa to Cinque Terre. We had a great time exploring the city at a relaxed pace, but looking back, there were quite a few places we missed!
That’s why I wanted to put together this guide with all the things to do in La Spezia that I wish I had known about before our visit. Whether you’re stopping by for a day or using the city as a base to explore Cinque Terre, there’s more to see here than you might expect.
To help you make the most of your visit, here are the best things to do in La Spezia, along with some tips on where to stay and what not to miss.
Table of Contents
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Is La Spezia Worth Visiting?
Yes! I firmly believe that every destination has something to offer and is worth experiencing. La Spezia is a beautiful coastal city in Liguria, home to one of Italy’s major commercial harbours and an important Italian Navy base. Its location also makes it a great hub for exploring nearby destinations like Cinque Terre and Pisa, and it’s a popular stop for cruise passengers.
Compared to some other Italian destinations, La Spezia wouldn’t be at the top of my list. But that’s mainly because Italy has so many incredible places to choose from! If you decide to visit, I recommend making the most of La Spezia itself rather than focusing on what it might lack compared to other destinations.
The city center is within easy reach of the train station, making it a convenient stop if you’re traveling through the area or using La Spezia as a base for day trips.
I’d say half a day to a full day is enough to see most of the main sights in La Spezia. It’s a lovely place to explore at a relaxed pace, enjoy some local food, and take in the coastal views before heading to your next destination.
Great Things To Do In La Spezia
From beautiful seaside views and historic sights to local markets and shopping streets, La Spezia has plenty to offer, even if you’re only visiting for a short time. Here are the places I’d recommend adding to your itinerary!
Walk Along The Costantino Morin Promenade
The Passeggiata Costantino Morin is a beautiful waterfront promenade lined with palm trees, offering lovely views of the harbour and surrounding area. It’s car-free, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxing walk by the water and take in the atmosphere of the city.
It’s also a lovely spot to slow down for a while and enjoy the coastal views.
Castello di San Giorgio
This is one of the main sights in La Spezia that we unfortunately missed, which annoys me a little because we were so close to it.
Castello di San Giorgio is a historic castle dating back to the Middle Ages, located on a hill overlooking the city. Inside you’ll find archaeological collections featuring sculptures and other historical objects. The castle is also known for its views over La Spezia and the harbour.
If you enjoy history and want to see the city from above, this is definitely one to add to your list. I’ll make sure not to miss it next time!
📍Via XXVII Marzo
ℹ️ www.museilaspezia.it
Cross the Thaon di Revel Bridge
The Ponte Thaon di Revel is a modern pedestrian bridge connecting the waterfront areas of La Spezia. It’s a lovely place for a short walk and offers a different perspective of the harbour and the city.
I’d recommend crossing the bridge and taking a moment to look back at the waterfront. It’s a simple stop, but a great way to enjoy La Spezia from another angle.
Relax in the La Spezia Public Gardens
The Giardini Pubblici are located close to the waterfront promenade and are a lovely place to take a break during your visit. You can sit in the shade, enjoy a coffee or snack, and escape the busy streets for a little while.
While you’re there, look out for the equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian general and revolutionary who played an important role in the unification of Italy.
It’s an easy stop to include in your walk around the city, especially if you’re exploring the waterfront.
Visit The Naval Technical Museum
La Spezia has a long connection to the sea, so visiting the Naval Technical Museum is a great way to learn more about the city’s maritime history.
The museum features collections related to naval technology, ships, and Italy’s naval traditions. It’s an interesting stop if you enjoy history or want to learn more about the city’s connection to the Italian Navy.
📍 Naval Technical Museum La Spezia
Climb the Scalinata Lazzaro Spallanzani
One of the more unique places to explore in La Spezia is the Scalinata Lazzaro Spallanzani, a pedestrian staircase built above a tunnel.
It’s a little different from the usual historic sights and makes for a nice detour while wandering around the city. If you enjoy discovering interesting corners and hidden spots when traveling, this is worth adding to your walk.
📍 Scalinata Lazzaro Spallanzani
Explore Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is a lively square in the city center and a natural meeting point for locals. It’s surrounded by streets filled with shops and places to eat, making it a good spot to stop while exploring La Spezia.
One of the main features of the square is the Dialogue Fountain, an abstract structure made from white Carrara marble. Its modern design stands out among the surrounding buildings and makes the square worth a quick visit.
Look Out For The Fun Art
One thing that surprised me about La Spezia was how many fun and unusual pieces of art we came across while walking around the city.
Among the historic streets and buildings, you’ll find a mix of classic monuments and more modern art. I especially enjoyed seeing the creative roundabouts, including the one near the train station pictured below and the red-and-white lighthouse roundabout.
It’s these little details that make exploring a city on foot so much fun. Keep your eyes open as you walk around, because you never know what you’ll find!
📍 “Oplà” di Giuliano Tomaino (pictured below)
📍 Faro bianco e rosso
Search for Treasures At Market Square
While walking through the streets of La Spezia, we stumbled upon a market selling all kinds of things, from food and flowers to antiques and other items.
I always love visiting local markets because you never know what you might find! They’re also a great way to experience everyday life in a destination and discover something a little different from the usual tourist sights.
If you enjoy browsing market stalls as much as I do, this is a fun stop to include in your itinerary.
Try The Local Cuisine
La Spezia is located in Liguria, the region along the Italian Riviera, which is known for its delicious local food. Some specialties to look out for include freshly baked focaccia, farinata (a thin, savory pancake made from chickpea flour), and pesto alla Genovese.
Thanks to its coastal location, seafood is an important part of the local cuisine. However, Ligurian food also offers plenty of meat dishes, so there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer fresh seafood, meat, or traditional Italian dishes.
Restaurants in La Spezia:
🍝 Cantieri Concept Restaurant (pictured)
🍝 Osteria Giobatta
Go On A Food Tour
If you want to try several local specialties and learn more about Ligurian food, joining a food tour is another great option.
A guided tour can introduce you to local dishes and ingredients while giving you a chance to discover more about the food culture in the region. It’s also a fun way to explore if you enjoy learning about a destination through its cuisine.
Wander Along Via Del Prione and Corso Cavour
Via del Prione and Corso Cavour are two of the main streets in La Spezia and are great places to explore on foot.
You’ll find a mix of shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants, making these streets perfect for a relaxed stroll. Stop for a coffee, browse the shops, or simply enjoy watching everyday life in the city.
They’re easy to include in your walk around the center, especially if you want to combine sightseeing with a little shopping.
Take A Day Trip From La Spezia
One of the biggest advantages of staying in La Spezia is its location. The city is a convenient base for exploring several other destinations in the region and beyond.
Of course, Cinque Terre is one of the main reasons many people visit La Spezia, with its colorful villages, coastal views, and scenic walking trails. But there are plenty of other places worth considering, too.
You could visit Pisa to see its famous Leaning Tower, explore the charming streets of Lucca, spend a day discovering the art and architecture of Florence, or look into visiting Livorno.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or using La Spezia as your base for a longer stay, its location makes it easy to add more destinations to your Italian itinerary.
Where To Stay In La Spezia
If you’re planning to visit La Spezia, staying in the city center is a great choice. You’ll be close to restaurants, shops, and the main attractions, as well as the train station for easy day trips to Cinque Terre. Here are three hotels worth checking out:
The Poet Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: A modern hotel in a great location in the historic center. The rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, and you’re within walking distance of everything you need.
NH La Spezia ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Located near the harbor, this hotel is a great option if you enjoy sea views. Some rooms offer beautiful views of the water, and the hotel also has a restaurant and bar overlooking the harbor.
Boutique Hotel Novecento: A charming boutique hotel in a central location. The decor is simple but creative, with unique art and details that give the hotel its own character.
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