The Aquarium of Genoa (2026 Ticket Prices and Opening Hours)
The Aquarium of Genoa (Acquario di Genova) is the largest aquarium in Italy. It was inaugurated in 1992 for the exhibition celebrating the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America. The aquarium's structures were designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano, who is also known for creating other buildings in Italian cities like Milan and Turin, as well as in other cities across Europe and beyond.
The aquarium is the main tourist attraction in Genoa and draws a large number of visitors every day.
Where is the Aquarium Located?
The Genoa Aquarium is located in Porto Antico (the Old Port), near the Galata Maritime Museum.
You can easily reach it on foot from the center (about 10 minutes from Via Garibaldi) or from the Piazza Principe Railway Station (in 15-20 minutes).
The San Giorgio metro station and the bus stops in Piazza Caricamento are located just a few minutes away from the aquarium.
If you are arriving by car, you can use the Aquarium's parking lot, which has 163 spaces and is open 24 hours a day.
The parking rates are:
- 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM: €2.2/ hour
- 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM: €1.1/ hour
Genoa Aquarium Ticket Prices
The Genoa Aquarium complex consists of three main structures:
- The Aquarium itself
- The Biosphere
- The Bigo Panoramic Lift
These can be visited individually or together with an integrated ticket. Please note that tickets allow for a single entry only (you cannot exit and re-enter multiple times on the same day).
Aquarium Tickets
Aquarium entry ticket prices vary depending on where you purchase them.
Tickets purchased on-site, directly at the ticket office:
- Adult: €32
- Child 4-12 years: €23
- Under 4: Free
Tickets purchased online, via platforms like GetYourGuide or Tiqets:
- Adult: €30
- Child 4-12 years: €20
- Under 4: Free
Tickets purchased online via the official Aquarium website have dynamic pricing (rates change based on availability and how far in advance you book - the earlier, the better):
- Adults: €26-€32 (Fixed-date ticket) or €34 (OpenFlexi ticket)
- Children 4-12 years: €18.5-€23
- Under 4: Free
Fixed-date tickets require you to select a specific entry time. OpenFlexi tickets are more expensive but allow you to choose your visit date and time up to 24 hours in advance.
In other words, it is generally most cost-effective to book on the official website if you are buying well in advance. Otherwise, third-party ticket sites may offer cheaper rates. On these platforms, you can also find combination packages that pair the Aquarium with other Genoese attractions, such as: the Galata Maritime Museum, the Città dei Bambini e dei Ragazzi (Children's Educational Park), FantaCinema, the Genoa Lighthouse, Christopher Columbus's House, or with lunch vouchers.
Another package combines the Aquarium tickets with a whale-watching cruise.
Buying tickets at the counter should be your last resort. You will pay the highest price and likely face long queues, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Biosphere Tickets
The tickets to visit the Biosphere have the following prices:
- Adult: €6
- Child 4-12 years: €4.5
- Under 4: free
Bigo Panoramic Lift Tickets
Tickets for the Bigo Panoramic Lift cost:
- Adult: €6
- Child 4-12 years: €5
- Under 4: free
Integrated Tickets (Aquarium, Biosphere, and Bigo Lift)
All three structures of the Aquarium complex can be visited with a single integrated ticket. The prices are:
Ticket purchased-on site:
- Adult: €43
- Child 4-12 years: €31.5
- Under 4: Free
Ticket purchased online (dynamic pricing):
- Adult: €35-€43
- Child 4-12 years: €25-€31.5
- Under 4: Free
Please Note: The Biosphere and the Bigo Panoramic Lift are not open at all times. Before purchasing this type of ticket, be sure to check the operating schedule!
Aquarium Opening Hours
Aquarium Schedule:
- May 4 - May 29, 2026: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
- May 30 - June 2, 2026: Monday-Sunday, 8:30 AM-8:00 PM
- June 3 - October 31, 2026: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
Last entry to the Aquarium is 2 hours before closing.
Biosphere Schedule:
- April 1 - September 30: Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Last entry to the Biosphere is 30 minutes before closing.
Bigo Panoramic Lift Schedule:
- March 1 - May 31, 2026: Monday 2:00 PM-6:00 PM; Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
- June 1 - August 31, 2026: Monday 5:00 PM-10:00 PM, Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
- September 1 - September 30, 2026: Monday 2:00 PM-6:00 PM; Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
The last ascent on the Bigo lift is 15 minutes before closing.
Our Tips:
- Whenever possible, try to plan your visit to the Aquarium in advance. The earlier you purchase your tickets, the lower the prices will be.
- Try to avoid weekends, public holidays, and peak hours. During these times, the Aquarium can become very crowded, which might prevent you from fully enjoying the experience.
- Turn off the flash on your camera or mobile phone. Using a flash inside the Aquarium harms the animals and is strictly prohibited.
- If you are passionate about marine life, set aside plenty of time - a visit to the Aquarium can easily last several hours. It offers spectacular views and surprising moments, making it an unforgettable experience.
- Start by going up the Bigo Panoramic Lift, continue with the Biosphere, and save the Aquarium for last.
Book Tickets for the Genoa Aquarium
Visiting the Genoa Aquarium
1. The Aquarium
The Aquarium houses a vast collection of fish and marine animals. The layout is beautifully designed, allowing you to view the tanks both from above and from the lower levels beneath the water's surface. This often provides surprising perspectives, making the experience all the more immersive.
A visit to the Genoa Aquarium generally lasts about 2 hours and gives you the opportunity to observe nearly 12,000 specimens and 600 species from various seas across the globe. Even the most skeptical visitors will be won over by the grace of the seahorses, the playfulness of the seals - who almost seem to be playing with you - and the vibrant colors of the tropical fish.
2. The Biosphere
The Biosphere is located right next to the Aquarium and catches your eye as soon as you approach the port area. It is a glass and steel sphere that recreates the atmosphere of a tropical forest. The space is not very large, and a visit typically lasts about 15 minutes. Within the lush, vibrant green trees and plants, colorful birds fly from one side to the other. If you're lucky, you'll meet the undeniable star of the greenhouse - the parrot that constantly draws the delighted exclamations from tourists.
3. Bigo Panoramic Lift
The Bigo Panoramic Lift is located just a few minutes' walk from the Aquarium, right on the esplanade. It is suspended from an arm of the architectural structure of the same name, which resembles a spider and was designed by the same architect, Renzo Piano.
The name Bigo comes from the cranes that were once used for loading and unloading ships in the harbor.
The lift raises you to a height of 40 meters while rotating gently, providing a complete 360-degree panorama of the port area as well as the historic city.
