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must-visit in GenoaZoo & Aquarium

Acquario di Genova

📍 Ponte Spinola 16, Area Porto Antico, 16128 Genova GE, Italy
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4.5/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
Italy, Genoa
Category
Zoo & Aquarium
Duration
2-3 hours
Address
Ponte Spinola 16, Area Porto Antico, 16128 Genova GE, Italy
Coordinates
44.4093, 8.9096

Introduction

The Acquario di Genova was built for the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage in 1992 and is the largest aquarium in Europe, set in the old harbour at Porto Antico. Across 12,000 square metres of exhibit it holds some 12,000 specimens of more than 400 animal species, organised into tropical seas, temperate seas, cold seas, tropical forest and freshwater habitats. A full visit takes two to three hours, and the layout deliberately mimics a journey from the equator toward the poles. The most praised exhibits are the shark tank (sandtiger and nurse sharks, multi-level viewing plus an underwater tunnel), the jellyfish pavilion (backlit cylinders, quiet enough to warrant a pause), the manatee pool (rare in Europe), the penguin section (Magellanic and rockhopper) and the Amazon freshwater zone (piranha and river turtles). The dolphin pool has had no performances since 2016 and is observation-only.

✨ Highlights

1
Shark tank and tunnel
Sandtiger sharks, nurse sharks and rays seen from several levels plus an underwater tunnel - the signature experience of the building.
2
Jellyfish pavilion
A whole area of backlit cylindrical tanks whose slow rhythm makes you slow down; one of Europe's better jellyfish displays.
3
Manatee pool
Manatees are a rarity in Europe, sharing the Amazon freshwater zone with piranhas and river turtles at water-level viewing height.
4
Penguin section
Magellanic and rockhopper penguins in a chilled enclosure, the most popular room for families in winter.
5
Five habitat zones
Moving through tropical, temperate, cold, rainforest and freshwater in turn amounts to a trip from the equator to the poles.
6
Pianeta Acquario add-ons
Renzo Piano's Biosfera glass sphere, a 27C rainforest microclimate with butterflies and tropical birds, is walkable or covered by combo tickets.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：Ponte Spinola 16, Area Porto Antico, 16128 Genova GE
→Opening：Mar-Jun and Sep 9:00-20:00; Jul-Aug 8:30-20:00; Nov-Feb weekdays 10:00-19:30
→Time needed：2-3 hours
→Note：The dolphin pool has had no performances since 2016 and is observation-only
→Opening Hours：Open 365 days; Mar-Jun and Sep 9:00-20:00 (last entry 18:00); Jul-Aug 8:30-20:00; Oct 9:00-19:30; Nov-Feb weekdays 10:00-19:30 (last entry 17:30)
→Transportation：About 10 min walk from Genova Piazza Principe station; metro San Giorgio or Darsena; 167-space car park open 24 hours

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Dynamic official pricing: adults from EUR 26 (EUR 32 at the door), children 4-12 from EUR 16, under 4 free, reduced from EUR 20; AcquarioVillage combo from EUR 49; annual pass EUR 74

💡 Tips

• Official pricing is dynamic and rises as the date approaches; buying on site means paying full price. In peak season book a timed ticket online and use the pre-booked lane.
• Last entry is two hours before closing, a much bigger gap than the closing time - do not treat 18:00 as your entry deadline.
• The shark tank and jellyfish pavilion sit in the outer ring, so if you only have an hour start there rather than working inward to the freshwater zones.
• The dolphin pool has had no shows since 2016 and is observation-only - do not expect a performance, and never tap the glass or attempt to feed.
• Individual tanks can close for maintenance without advance notice; ask staff for an alternative route if you find one shut.
• Tickets admit you once and cannot be re-entered the same day, so visiting Pianeta Acquario afterwards requires a separate or combo ticket.
• Families may prefer the AcquarioVillage combo, which adds the children's city and the Biosfera as wet-weather backups.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Acquario di Genova?

Open 365 days; Mar-Jun and Sep 9:00-20:00 (last entry 18:00); Jul-Aug 8:30-20:00; Oct 9:00-19:30; Nov-Feb weekdays 10:00-19:30 (last entry 17:30)

How much is the admission for Acquario di Genova?

Adult: Free; Dynamic official pricing: adults from EUR 26 (EUR 32 at the door), children 4-12 from EUR 16, under 4 free, reduced from EUR 20; AcquarioVillage combo from EUR 49; annual pass EUR 74

Any practical tips for visiting Acquario di Genova?

Official pricing is dynamic and rises as the date approaches; buying on site means paying full price. In peak season book a timed ticket online and use the pre-booked lane. Last entry is two hours before closing, a much bigger gap than the closing time - do not treat 18:00 as your entry deadline.

How long should I spend at Acquario di Genova?

A typical visit takes 2-3 hours.

Prices and seasonal hours follow acquariodigenova.it; dynamic pricing moves with booking date and individual tanks may close for maintenance without notice.