Aquarium, Genoa

Aquarium in Genoa

Genoa Aquarium With Biosphere — Genoa Aquarium with Biosphere

CC BY-SA 2.0 / VillageHero

The Genoa Aquarium is one of the things to do in Genoa for travellers of all ages, offering a deep dive into the world's oceans without ever leaving the city. Opened in 1992 to mark the 500th anniversary of the voyage of Genoa's most famous native, Christopher Columbus, the aquarium anchors the city's vast Porto Antico waterfront redevelopment. Its mission has always been to present marine species within environments that remain as faithful as possible to their natural habitats, making it one of the top attractions in Genoa for anyone fascinated by the oceans.

Within its soaring structures and long galleries, visitors can encounter sharks, dolphins, jellyfish, penguins, tropical fish, seals, and countless other species. A standout feature is Renzo Piano's extraordinary biosphere-a spherical steel-and-glass greenhouse that floats above the water, housing a tropical micro-ecosystem filled with rare plants, butterflies, exotic birds, and delicate rainforest species. This spot is one of the best places to see in Genoa for those interested in the connection between climate, conservation, and biodiversity, and it is often visited on walking tours of Genoa's modern harbour.

History and Significance of the Genoa Aquarium
Things to See and Do in the Genoa Aquarium
How to Get to the Genoa Aquarium
Practical Tips on Visiting the Genoa Aquarium
Where to Stay close to the Genoa Aquarium
Is the Genoa Aquarium Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Genoa Aquarium
Nearby Attractions to the Genoa Aquarium

History and Significance of the Genoa Aquarium

The aquarium was conceived as part of the 1992 Expo, which celebrated Columbus' expedition and reconnected Genoa with its maritime past. The Porto Antico waterfront-once a busy industrial port-was redesigned by Renzo Piano into a modern cultural hub. The aquarium became the centrepiece of this transformation, blending education, research, conservation, and public engagement.

Over the years, the complex expanded to include new pavilions, open-air tanks, and specialised exhibits highlighting Arctic, Mediterranean, and tropical environments. Today it serves not only as a major visitor attraction but also as a scientific institution working on rescue, rehabilitation, and marine conservation initiatives.

Things to See and Do in the Genoa Aquarium

Exploring the aquarium offers a wide variety of immersive experiences:

• Large marine tanks featuring sharks, rays, and colourful tropical fish.
• Penguin enclosures designed to replicate Antarctic conditions.
• The Cetacean Pavilion with its dolphin tanks and underwater viewing galleries.
• Hands-on educational exhibits for families and curious travellers.
• The Renzo Piano biosphere, home to a tropical forest suspended over the water.
• Open-air panoramic terraces overlooking the harbour.

Whether you're fascinated by marine biology or simply love aquariums, this is one of the must-see places in Genoa.

How to Get to the Genoa Aquarium

Most international visitors arrive via Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, with shuttle buses and taxis to the Porto Antico area. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Genoa on Booking.com.

Genoa Piazza Principe and Genova Brignole railway stations offer connections from across Italy, with buses and the metro providing quick access to the aquarium. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

Travellers arriving by car can park in Porto Antico’s multi-storey garages, just a short walk from the entrance. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Genoa Aquarium

Suggested tips: Buy skip-the-line tickets in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak queues.
Entrance fee in Euros: Typically €25-€30 for adults; discounts for children and families.
Opening hours: Usually 09:00-20:00, extended in summer; check ahead for seasonal changes.
Official website: Acquario di Genova.
How long to spend: 2.5-4 hours, longer if visiting the biosphere and nearby attractions.
Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Facilities: Cafés, restrooms, museum shop, baby-changing areas.
Photography tip: Capture the biosphere from the waterfront at sunset for dramatic reflections.
Guided tours: Available in several languages, including behind-the-scenes options.
Nearby food options: Restaurants, gelaterie, and cafés line the Porto Antico promenade.

Where to Stay close to the Genoa Aquarium

The Porto Antico area offers some of Genoa's most convenient accommodation choices. NH Collection Genova Marina sits directly beside the aquarium with harbour views. Nearby, Hotel Palazzo Grillo offers boutique charm in a restored palace. For elegant comfort, Hotel Bristol Palace places you within walking distance of the historic centre.

Is the Genoa Aquarium Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Whether you're travelling with family, exploring Porto Antico, or simply curious about the underwater world, the Genoa Aquarium delivers an engaging and well-designed experience. Its mix of marine habitats, conservation exhibits, and striking architecture make it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Genoa and a highlight of the city.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (78,447)

Acquario di Genova, on the Porto Antico waterfront at Ponte Spinola 16, is a large harborside aquarium with extensive aquatic ecosystem tanks showcasing a wide variety of marine and freshwater species—from colorful tropical fish and jellyfish to sharks and Mediterranean inhabitants—designed to feel immersive and educational; visitors find it easy to reach and family-friendly, often busy but with good flow if you buy tickets in advance, though some note it can be pricey and experiences with staff friendliness vary.

Sabrina Miranda vieira

a week ago

"The Aquarium of Genoa was a really enjoyable experience and definitely worth visiting. It has a huge variety of animals, from colorful tropical fishto sharks and many Mediterranean species, all displayed in large and well-designed tanks. Walking through the different areas feels immersive and educational at the same time. It’s also known as one of the largest aquariums in Europe, located right at the Porto Antico, which makes the visit even more special. Overall, it was a fun and interesting experience that I would recommend to anyone visiting Genoa. I book my ticket on Get Your Guide - 5% off with the code SABRINAAMV5..."

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Isla Lily

3 weeks ago

"Amazing! Travelled from Umbria to visit and it didn’t disappoint. The kids loved all the animals and there was so much to see. All the animals lookedhappy and well taken care of. The only thing to note is that the staff are not very friendly or helpful - so would try to limit contact with them if I returned...."

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kent

a month ago

"I love visiting aquariums. My favorite places among the aquariums I've visited so far are L’Oceanogràfic Valencia, Monterey Bay Aquarium, OkinawaChuraumi Aquarium and Moskvarium. This aquarium Genoa is quite small but it's easy to visit location for tourists and jellyfish tanks were lovely. I visited there during the winter off-season and there was no line so I am not sure if it was necessary to buy the on-line entrance ticket in advance...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Genoa Aquarium

Often it requires a separate ticket-check before visiting.

Yes, the Cetacean Pavilion allows underwater viewing of dolphins.

They can be long in peak season; advance booking is recommended.

Yes, it is highly family-friendly with many interactive exhibits.

Yes, cafés and snack bars are available.

Nearby Attractions to the Genoa Aquarium

Porto Antico Waterfront: Renzo Piano's modern harbour redevelopment.
Bigo Panoramic Lift: A rotating observation pod with sweeping views.
Galata Maritime Museum: Italy's largest maritime museum.
Biosphere: A tropical micro-climate sphere beside the aquarium.
Genoa Old Town: Narrow caruggi streets filled with history and cafés.

The Aquarium appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Genoa!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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