Aquarium of Genoa Entry Ticket, Genoa

The Aquarium of Genoa in Porto Antico

The Aquarium of Genoa opened in 1992, when the old harbour was redeveloped for the celebrations marking Columbus's voyages, and it has been one of the city's best-known attractions ever since. It sits at the end of a pier in the Porto Antico, so the walk from the old town is short and flat. Many visitors search for Aquarium of Genoa tickets before arriving because the building draws steady crowds, especially at weekends and in school holidays.

An entry ticket with a fixed time slot lets you arrive when you are expected and skip the ticket queue. The aquarium is among the largest in Europe, so plan about two to three hours inside, longer if you travel with children and like to stop at every tank.

What you see inside: sharks, seals, penguins and reefs

The route is arranged by habitat. You pass large tanks of sharks and rays, a seal pool, a colony of penguins, and rooms of jellyfish that glow under soft lighting. Other sections reproduce coral reefs, tropical rivers and rainforest, with small fish, amphibians and reptiles alongside the big animals. Check the signs on arrival for the areas and displays open that day.

If you wonder whether the Aquarium of Genoa is worth visiting, the answer is yes for anyone who enjoys marine life: the tanks are tall, the walkways are wide, and most signs are also in English. Feeding times and special displays change through the day, so look at the schedule board near the entrance.

Planning your visit: opening hours, entry and facilities

Aquarium of Genoa opening hours change by season and on busy holidays, so rely on the slot shown on your voucher rather than a fixed time. The entrance is wheelchair-accessible and the route is largely step-free. Choose a morning slot if you want calmer rooms, or a late-afternoon slot in summer to avoid the strongest heat; the best time to visit the aquarium is usually a weekday outside school holidays.

Bring your voucher on your phone and arrive a little before your slot. A guided tour is not part of this ticket, but the signs are clear enough to explore by yourself.

Around the Porto Antico and how to get there

Getting to the Aquarium of Genoa is easy: the nearest station is Genova Principe, from where a bus or a taxi reaches the harbour in minutes, and the Metro stop at Darsena is a short walk away. From the old town, Via San Lorenzo and the Galata Maritime Museum lead straight to the water.

After your visit, stay on the Porto Antico: the Bigo panoramic lift, the waterfront promenade and the old galleon replica moored nearby make an easy afternoon. If you chose the option with a street food takeaway, you collect it from the address shown on your voucher at any time of the day.