One of the largest aquariums in Europe, on the Porto Antico waterfront, with sharks, dolphins, seals, a rainforest hall and Mediterranean habitats.
The Aquarium of Genoa (Acquario di Genova) stands on Ponte Spinola in the Porto Antico, the redeveloped old harbour of Genoa in Liguria, Italy. It opened in 1992 as part of the Columbus anniversary celebrations and was designed by architects Renzo Piano and Peter Chermayeff. It is among the largest aquariums in Europe and has become one of the most visited attractions in northern Italy. The visit follows a one-way route through several buildings and a large ship moored alongside, so visitors move steadily from one habitat to the next without backtracking. Highlights of the route include large tanks with sharks and rays, a dolphin facility, seals, a rainforest hall with tropical plants and animals, and a series of Mediterranean habitats that show the marine life found off the Ligurian coast. Many exhibits are arranged so that visitors walk beside or beneath glass, giving close views of the animals. A complete visit normally takes three to four hours, and families with children often stay longer, particularly if they time their visit around feeding and show schedules posted on site. The aquarium is open 365 days a year, from 9:00AM to 8:00PM, with last admission at 6:00PM. Online tickets are sold for fixed dates at prices that change daily, starting from about EUR 26 for adults, while open-date tickets cost around EUR 34. Children aged 4 to 12 pay about EUR 16, and children aged 0 to 3 enter free. The building sits directly on the waterfront, so the exterior and the surrounding Porto Antico promenade offer good photo angles of the harbour, the moored ships and the Bigo structure nearby. Crowds are heaviest on rainy weekends, school holidays and summer midday hours; arriving at opening time on a weekday, or after 3:00PM, gives the quietest conditions. The site is a short walk from San Giorgio metro station, about 15 minutes on foot from Genova Piazza Principe, and close to Galata Museo del Mare and the Old Port restaurants.
| Admission | Adult From EUR 26 (~$30) for a fixed-date online ticket (13 and over); open-date ticket about EUR 34 (~$39) · Child EUR 16 (~$18) ages 4-12; free ages 0-3; reduced EUR 20 (~$23) for over 65, military and certified disabled visitors |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, 9:00AM to 8:00PM (last admission 6:00PM), open 365 days a year. Confirm seasonal changes at acquariodigenova.it |
| Typical visit | 3-4 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings right at 9:00AM or after 3:00PM; avoid rainy weekends when queues are longest |
| Getting there | Metro to San Giorgio station (about 5 minutes on foot); about 15 minutes on foot from Genova Piazza Principe station along Via Balbi and Via Gramsci |
| Address | Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola 16, 16128 Genoa GE, Italy |
Location
Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola 16, 16128 Genoa GE, Italy
44.4101, 8.9263 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the one-way route past sharks, rays and large open tanks
- Explore the rainforest hall and the Mediterranean habitats of the Ligurian coast
- See seals and dolphins in dedicated facilities
- Combine the visit with a stroll around the Porto Antico waterfront
Tips for visiting
- Buy fixed-date tickets online at acquariodigenova.it; prices are dynamic and change daily
- Allow at least three hours; the visit route is one-way and covers several buildings
When to visit
Weekday mornings right at 9:00AM or after 3:00PM are quietest. Rainy weekends and summer middays have the longest queues.
Accessibility
The aquarium is a large modern complex with a long one-way route; visitors with mobility needs should confirm lift and wheelchair arrangements with the venue before travelling. Reduced-price tickets are offered to certified disabled visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Aquarium of Genoa take?
Most visitors need three to four hours because the route covers several buildings. Families and those attending talks or feedings often stay longer.
Is the Aquarium of Genoa worth it for kids?
Yes. The sharks, seals, dolphins and rainforest hall suit children, and ages 0-3 enter free while ages 4-12 pay a reduced fare of about EUR 16.
Should tickets be bought in advance?
Fixed-date tickets bought online at acquariodigenova.it are the cheapest option and avoid the longest queues. Prices are dynamic, so they change from day to day.
Is the aquarium open every day?
Yes. It is open 365 days a year, 9:00AM to 8:00PM, with last admission at 6:00PM.