The redeveloped old harbour designed by Renzo Piano for the 1992 Columbus Expo, with the Bigo crane-like panoramic lift, the Biosphere and waterfront promenades.
The Porto Antico is Genoa's redeveloped old harbour in Liguria, Italy, reshaped by the architect Renzo Piano for the 1992 Columbus Expo that marked 500 years since the voyage to the Americas. Once a closed industrial port separating the city from the sea, it is now an open waterfront district of promenades, piazzas, museums and cafes, and the main gathering point for visitors and locals alike.
The Bigo is the best-known landmark: a white structure of spreading steel arms recalling a ship's loading crane, from which a glass panoramic lift rises to give a 360-degree view over the harbour, the old town rooftops and the coastline. Nearby stands the Biosphere, a glass sphere housing a tropical plant environment, while the waterfront promenades link the Aquarium, the Galata Museo del Mare and open-air spaces used for events. Walking the quays gives views of moored boats, cranes and the medieval harbour wall.
A visit lasts one to two hours. The promenade is free and open at all times, while the Bigo lift runs roughly from 10:00AM to 6:00PM, with Monday opening from 2:00PM and longer hours in summer. A ticket costs about EUR 4 to 6, with reduced fares around EUR 3 for children aged 4 to 12. Combined Planet Aquarius tickets covering the aquarium, Bigo and Biosphere start at about EUR 37. The lift stops in strong wind or weather alerts, so status should be checked at portoantico.it or acquariodigenova.it.
The area is about five minutes on foot from San Giorgio metro station. Late afternoon into sunset is the best time, when the light warms the old town facades and the harbour lights come on. Crowds peak on weekends and summer evenings around the aquarium; weekday mornings are quieter.
| Admission | Adult Bigo lift about EUR 4-6 (~$5-7) (older listing EUR 4); promenade free · Child Reduced about EUR 3 (~$3.50) ages 4-12 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Promenade open at all times; Bigo lift roughly 10:00AM-6:00PM (Monday from 2:00PM), longer in summer; closed in weather alerts. Confirm at portoantico.it or acquariodigenova.it |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon through sunset |
| Getting there | About 5 minutes on foot from San Giorgio metro station |
| Address | Area Porto Antico, 16128 Genoa GE, Italy |
Location
Area Porto Antico, 16128 Genoa GE, Italy
44.4089, 8.9266 View on map
Highlights
- Bigo panoramic lift with 360-degree views over the harbour and old town
- Renzo Piano waterfront redevelopment from the 1992 Columbus Expo
- Biosphere glass sphere with tropical plants
- Free promenades linking the Aquarium and Galata Museo del Mare
Tips for visiting
- Combined Planet Aquarius tickets (aquarium, Bigo and Biosphere) start from about EUR 37 (~$43)
- Check the Bigo status before going; it closes in strong wind
When to visit
Late afternoon through sunset. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Accessibility
The waterfront promenades are flat and wheelchair friendly. Confirm Bigo lift access with the operator at acquariodigenova.it.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Porto Antico take?
One to two hours covers a promenade walk and the Bigo ride. Allow more if visiting the Aquarium or museums.
How much is the Bigo lift?
About EUR 4-6 for adults and around EUR 3 for children aged 4-12. Check the current price at acquariodigenova.it.
What happens to the Bigo in bad weather?
It closes in strong wind or weather alerts. Check its status before going.