Aquarium of Genoa

The Aquarium of Genoa (Acquario di Genova) is not just an attraction, but a true underwater world in the heart of Genoa. As the largest aquarium in Italy and the second largest in Europe, it offers an unforgettable immersion into the mysteries of the ocean. Located in the picturesque old port, it attracts over a million visitors from all over the world every year.

The aquarium building itself is a work of art. Designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano, it resembles a massive ship ready to set sail. This unique architectural concept harmonizes perfectly with the maritime theme and port surroundings, creating a special mood even before you step inside.

Inside, 70 massive tanks await you, housing approximately 12,000-15,000 marine inhabitants representing hundreds of different species. Here, you can encounter a wide variety of creatures: from colorful tropical fish and majestic dolphins to sharks, penguins, and rare reptile species. The total volume of water in the aquarium is an impressive 6 million liters, allowing for the creation of the most natural environment possible for its many residents.

To plan your visit, check current ticket prices, or opening hours, you can contact the Aquarium of Genoa directly. All the necessary information is available through the following contacts.

A visit to the Aquarium of Genoa is an opportunity to embark on a world tour of the deep sea without ever leaving Italy. The exhibition takes you through 70 themed tanks, where ecosystems from around the world are recreated: from the Mediterranean Sea and cold northern waters to coral reefs and the Mozambique Channel. Here, you will meet the most popular marine inhabitants—dolphins, formidable sharks, playful seals, and slow-moving turtles. In addition, you can see rare manatees, penguins, jellyfish, and many species of colorful tropical fish in the aquarium.

The aquarium offers not just observation, but engaging interaction with the underwater world. One of the most memorable moments for many is a visit to the special touch pool, where you can gently pet rays. Visitors also have the chance to observe animal feedings, which provides a better understanding of their habits and daily lives. For younger guests, there is an interactive "FishMaking" zone where they can create their own virtual fish and release it to swim in a digital aquarium.

An integral part of the complex is the "Biosphere"—an impressive glass orb designed by architect Renzo Piano. Inside this unique structure, a real tropical forest has been recreated, where bright birds fly freely among exotic plants. Here, you can see the scarlet ibis, various butterflies, and reptiles up close, fully immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the Amazon jungle.

The Aquarium of Genoa is located in the heart of the city, in the famous Old Port (Porto Antico di Genova), which serves as the cultural and tourist hub of Genoa. Thanks to this convenient location, getting there is quite easy. If you are staying in the city center, a pleasant walk is an excellent choice—the route takes little time and allows you to enjoy views of the historic port. For instance, you can reach the aquarium from the main railway station, Piazza Principe, in just 10-15 minutes.

The most convenient way to reach the aquarium by public transport is the metro. The nearest station, San Giorgio, is just a few steps from the entrance. This makes the metro an ideal option for those arriving at one of the city's two main railway stations: Genova Piazza Principe or Genova Brignole. By taking the metro from either of these stations, you will reach the aquarium quickly and without transfers.

In addition to the metro, numerous city buses run to the Old Port. Look for routes that stop at Caricamento/Acquario or Turati/Metrò San Giorgio—both are in the immediate vicinity of the attraction. For those who prefer maximum comfort, a taxi is always an option to take you directly to the entrance of this incredible underwater world in the heart of Italy.

The history of the Aquarium of Genoa is inextricably linked to one of the most important events in the city's modern history. It was built specifically for the Genoa Expo '92 exhibition, dedicated to a grand milestone—the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by the navigator and Genoa native, Christopher Columbus. This origin explains why the entire complex is permeated with the spirit of great geographical discoveries and exploration.

A team of designers from Cambridge Seven Associates, led by Peter Chermayeff, was responsible for the original concept and design. The initial idea of the exhibition was twofold: on one hand, to show visitors the sea route Columbus took—from the Ligurian Sea through the North Atlantic to the Caribbean reefs. On the other hand, from the very beginning, the project carried an important mission—to draw attention to environmental issues and the need for careful stewardship of marine ecosystems. This philosophy remains central to one of the main aquariums in Italy.

The aquarium did not stop developing after its opening. A significant milestone in its history was the expansion in 1998. It was then that an impressive hundred-meter ship was added to the main building, connected to the original structure by a picturesque bridge. This new section, known as "Nave Italia" ("Ship Italy"), significantly increased the exhibition space and added new, even more exciting displays, solidifying the aquarium's status as a leading maritime museum in Europe.

When planning a visit to the Aquarium of Genoa, you should allow for about 2.5 hours—this is the average time it takes to see the main exhibition. This time is quite sufficient to leisurely walk through all 70 tanks, get acquainted with the amazing variety of marine life, and visit additional pavilions, such as the "Biosphere" with its tropical forest.

However, the duration of your visit may vary depending on your interests. If you are traveling with children, plan to watch the dolphin show, observe animal feedings, or simply enjoy looking at the sea creatures and taking photos, feel free to set aside up to 4 hours. For those who want to get the most out of their experience, there are combined tickets available that include visits to other Old Port attractions, such as the Bigo panoramic lift or the Galata Maritime Museum, which can turn your aquarium visit into an exciting half-day adventure.

The Aquarium of Genoa is open to visitors 365 days a year, but its opening hours vary depending on the season. In the spring, early summer, and autumn months (March–June, September–October), it typically operates from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM on weekends. During the peak tourist season in July and August, hours are extended—from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM or even 10:30 PM daily. In the winter period, from November to February, the aquarium opens slightly later, usually starting at 9:30 AM. It is important to remember that last entry is typically two hours before closing.

Given the immense popularity of the Aquarium, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance. This will not only guarantee your entry on a specific date and time but also help you avoid long queues at the ticket offices, which are especially likely on weekends and holidays. For a quieter visit, it is better to choose morning hours on weekdays. Since the schedule can change, it is always worth checking the official aquarium website for the latest information on opening hours and ticket availability before your visit.

Visiting the Aquarium of Genoa is a wonderful opportunity to discover other treasures of Genoa, as it is located in the heart of the bustling Old Port (Porto Antico). A stroll around the surroundings of this famous port city of Italy will enrich your experience and allow you to discover new interesting places, many of which are just a few steps away.

To help you find your way around, we have prepared a list of nearby attractions and interesting establishments. All of them are within comfortable walking distance of the aquarium, making them especially convenient to visit.