Dive into an immersive experience where Renzo Piano's architecture merges with the sea. Discover sharks and dolphins in a glass showcase at the heart of the Porto Antico, Italy's largest aquarium.
Prices and conditions
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Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"The Shark Bay is absolutely breathtaking. With its 1.2 million liters, you feel tiny in the face of such power. The informational panels are clear, and the natural light is perfect for flash-free photos."
"We bought the combo ticket with the Cité des Enfants, which is a great value option. The kids loved the touch tanks and the explanations about the dolphins. Renzo Piano's architecture perfectly frames this marine immersion."
"Entry is strictly timed, so we had to wait 15 minutes outside. However, the visit to the Ice Kingdom at the beginning was calm. The penguins are stunning. The place is vast, so allow at least 3 hours and wear comfortable shoes."
"The Siren Lagoon offers a unique tropical atmosphere. Seeing the jellyfish and turtles in this lush, plant-filled setting is very relaxing. Renzo Piano's ship-shaped structure is iconic and very photogenic at the Porto Antico."
"Prices are a bit high (€33), but booking in advance helps you save. The Cetacean Pavilion is impressive, and the feeding shows are well-explained. Stroller access is smooth thanks to the elevators connecting the two levels."
"A must-do in Genoa. The neighboring Biosphere offers a beautiful view of the harbor after the visit. We loved the organization of the tour, which allows you to appreciate the biodiversity (600 species) without too much of a crowd if you arrive on time."
"It gets busy in the summer, but the immersion is still successful. The 100-meter auxiliary ship added in 1998 greatly enriches the experience. The kids were captivated by the spinner dolphins. Make sure to leave time for a walk in the Old Harbor afterwards."
"The architecture by Renzo Piano is sublime; the building really looks like a ship ready to sail. The quality of animal care and the clarity of information on natural habitats make it a high-level educational experience."
"We visited on a weekday morning, and there was very few people. The Shark Bay is even more magical in the quiet. The tips for taking photos without flash are crucial. It's a modern, accessible place that fully justifies its European reputation."
"The entry system is rigid, so watch out for time slots. But the space dedicated to manatees and dolphins is very well done. The natural lighting in the tanks is superb. After covering 27,000 square meters, your legs will get tired, so flat shoes are a must."
"An absolute gem. The immersive scenography and illuminated panels make the visit flow smoothly. We even got to see rare species like the giant octopus. The setting at the Porto Antico adds a magnificent historical touch to this excursion."
"Perfect for a family trip. The combo ticket with the Cité des Enfants offers the best value for money. The kids followed everything with enthusiasm. The proximity to Ligurian restaurants allows you to pleasantly extend your day."
Everything you need to plan your visit
PMR
Full PMR access with elevators and ramps on all levels.
Family
Ideal for families with children, strollers accepted and dedicated activities.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
The history and key figures of the Genoa Aquarium
Opening year (Expo 92)
Visitors per year
Species represented
Total water volume
Located in the heart of the Porto Antico, the Genoa Aquarium is much more than a simple tourist attraction. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano for the 1992 World Expo, this iconic building houses over 12,000 animals. With its 70 tanks holding 6 million liters of water, it offers an educational immersion into global ecosystems.
The Genoa Aquarium was born during the 1992 World Expo, celebrating the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's voyage. Genoese architect Renzo Piano designed a building with clean lines, resembling a ship ready to set sail. This emblematic structure symbolizes the deep bond between the city of Genoa and the sea, transforming the old port into a major cultural space.
In 1998, the building was expanded with the addition of a 100-meter 'annex ship', connected to the main building by a walkway overlooking the water. This extension significantly broadened the exhibition and reception spaces. Today, managed by Costa Edutainment and a member of EAZA, the aquarium maintains international standards of conservation and scientific ethics.
Renzo Piano's architecture favors natural light and transparency, creating a sense of openness to the Mediterranean. The building integrates harmoniously into the landscape of the Porto Antico, next to the Biosphere. This design allows visitors to feel immersed in the marine environment upon arrival, even before entering the interior tanks.
The tour often begins with the Kingdom of Ice, where you discover penguins and polar species. This area is ideal for early photos, as it is generally less crowded at the start of the day. Next, the path leads to tropical waters, with colorful corals and multicolored fish that illustrate the richness of equatorial biodiversity.
The highlight of the route is the Shark Bay, a vast 1.2-million-liter tank housing sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Panoramic windows offer an unobstructed view of these majestic predators. Nearby, the Cetacean Pavilion allows you to observe bottlenose dolphins and Caribbean manatees in a reconstructed natural environment.
The Mermaid Lagoon offers a moment of calm with its jellyfish and flatfish, while the mangrove zone presents crocodiles and giant turtles. The aquarium counts a total of over 600 species distributed across 70 tanks. Each section is designed to educate visitors on the specific ecological challenges of each ecosystem, from the poles to the tropics.
The Genoa Aquarium is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility and strollers. Elevators and ramps are available to facilitate movement between the two levels of the 27,000 m² surface area. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as the visit involves a lot of walking. Allow approximately 2h30 to 3h30 to fully enjoy all the exhibitions without stress.
Opening hours vary by season: in summer, opening is advanced to 8:30 AM, while in winter, it starts at 10 AM on weekdays. Entry is strictly timed, so it is crucial to respect the reserved slot. Arriving too early may force you to wait outside, while being late may result in denied entry. Always check the hours before your visit.
For families, discounts are available for children, seniors, and groups. Combined tickets with the Children's City or the House of Christopher Columbus allow you to save on multiple attractions in the Porto Antico. After the visit, enjoy the restaurants of the Old Port for lunch with a view of the Biosphere, completing an ideal day in Genoa.
An immersion into global biodiversity
Insider tips
The entry system is strictly timed. Arriving too early will force you to wait outside, while a delay of more than a few minutes may result in denied entry. Always aim for 10 minutes before your slot to secure your access without stress in the Porto Antico area.
This area is often the least crowded at the beginning of the visit, as most visitors head straight to the Shark Bay. Take advantage of this to admire the penguins and take photos in a calmer, brighter setting, near the Cetacean Pavilion.
Flash significantly disturbs sharks and other marine animals. Use your phone's night mode or a light-sensitive camera to capture beautiful images without disturbing the wildlife. The glass contrast already provides perfect natural lighting in the tunnel.
After the visit, enjoy the many restaurants in the Old Port to taste authentic Ligurian cuisine. The view of the Biosphere and the Aquarium from the terrace adds a magical touch to your meal, extending the immersive experience in a friendly and typical Genoa setting.
If you are traveling with children, the combined Aquarium + Children's City ticket is an excellent economical option. It allows you to visit two major attractions of the Porto Antico in a single day, offering a complete and varied program for the whole family, designed by Renzo Piano.
With 27,000 m² to cover across two levels, the visit requires good physical condition. Avoid heels or sandals that do not stay on well. Comfortable walking shoes will allow you to fully enjoy the 70 tanks without excessive fatigue.
Hours change drastically depending on the period: 8:30 AM-8:00 PM in summer versus 10:00 AM-8:00 PM on weekdays in winter. Do not rely on summer hours in November, as you risk arriving before opening and losing precious time.
The Biosphere is located just next to the main entrance. Even if interior access is sometimes restricted, the exterior is a must-see photo spot. Take the time to walk around to capture the glass and steel structure against the Genoese sky, a symbol of the 1992 Expo.
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Book my ticketsLittle-known anecdotes
The main building of the Aquarium strangely resembles a ship ready to set sail. Designed by Renzo Piano for the 1992 Expo, it celebrated the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas, thus anchoring the architecture in the maritime history of Genoa.
In 1998, the aquarium underwent a major expansion with the addition of a 'ship-annex' 100 meters long. This structure is connected to the original building by an aerial walkway, creating a unique architectural complex that extends over the sea.
The largest tank in the facility contains 1.2 million liters of water on its own. This immense volume allows it to house large species, such as sharks and rays, in optimal animal welfare conditions within the Shark Bay.
The Aquarium houses more than 600 species, totaling approximately 12,000 animals. This exceptional biodiversity recreates ecosystems ranging from icy polar waters to tropical coral reefs, offering an underwater tour of the world.
The Genoa Aquarium is internationally recognized for its high standards of conservation and ethics. As a member of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), it actively participates in scientific research programs and the preservation of endangered species.
With more than 1.2 million visitors per year, the Genoa Aquarium is one of the most visited attractions in Italy. This influx explains why online booking with a time slot has become essential to guarantee smooth, wait-free access in the Porto Antico area.
Three itineraries depending on time available
The Genoa City Pass is the official tourist pass that allows you to discover the city.
From 63,50 €
More must-see experiences in Genoa
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Make time to explore the surrounding area
2 min walk
Spherical structure made of glass and steel suspended over the sea, a must-see photo spot right next to the aquarium.
5 min walk
Historical museum dedicated to the famous Genoese navigator, located in a 16th-century palazzo in the heart of the Porto Antico, retracing the voyage of Christopher Columbus.
On-site
Numerous restaurants offering stunning views of the Biosphere and the Porto Antico docks, perfect for lunch after your visit.
10 min walk
Former residence of the Doria-Pamphilj-Landi family, now an art museum and cultural space in the historic center of Genoa.
15 min walk
Italy's oldest active lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the bay and city from the adjacent Lanterna garden.
5 min walk
A labyrinth of medieval alleys typical of Genoa, ideal for an immersive stroll after your maritime visit in the Caruggi.
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : (metro) (3 min walk) Bus : Porto Antico (1 min walk)
Find a hotel near Genoa Aquarium
Everything you need to know before your visit
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
See what to expect during your visit
Quick comparison with other major sites
| Genoa Aquarium | Barcelona Aquarium | Lisbon Oceanarium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of creation | 1992 | 1995 | 1998 |
| Area | 27,000 m² | 23,000 m² | 10,000 m² |
| Adult rate | 30€ | 19€ | 12€ |
| Visit duration | 2h30 - 3h30 | 2h - 3h | 1h30 - 2h30 |
| Feature | Renzo Piano Architecture | Underwater tunnel | Glass tunnel |
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