Aquarium of Genoa
Zoo Large Mediterranean aquarium with diverse marine exhibits
Genoa’s Aquarium occupies the old harbour with Mediterranean and tropical tanks, otters, jellyfish and educational exhibits; it functions as a large, family‑oriented marine attraction.
The Aquarium of Genoa is Italy’s largest aquarium, located in the Porto Antico area of Genoa’s historic harbour and opened in 1992 during a major redevelopment of the waterfront. It presents a sequence of large tanks and themed habitats intended to represent Mediterranean and tropical marine environments.
Major displays include open-water and predator tanks, tropical reef basins and interactive, educational exhibits suitable for families and school groups. The facility focuses on species diversity and public interpretation rather than a single iconic specimen.
The aquarium was a cornerstone of the port’s regeneration and remains one of Genoa’s primary visitor attractions, within easy walking distance of the city centre and the old harbour promenade.
- Scale and opening: Opened in 1992 as part of the Porto Antico redevelopment, it is Italy's largest aquarium and presents thousands of animals representing hundreds of species.
- Visiting tip: Early morning visits on weekdays are usually quieter; many visitors combine the aquarium with other historic-port attractions and museums nearby.
What to See #
- Main tanks and basins: Large main tanks and themed basins presenting Mediterranean and tropical species in life-sized habitats.
- Shark and predator exhibits: A shark exhibit and other predator tanks that display mid-size marine species in open-water settings.
- Interactive exhibits: Interactive touch pools and educational displays designed for families and school groups.
How to Get to Aquarium of Genoa #
The Aquarium sits in Porto Antico in central Genoa, adjacent to the Old Port. From Genova Principe station it’s about a 20-25 minute walk along Via Roma or a short taxi ride. Several urban buses stop nearby (lines 35, 36), and there are clear signs from the harbour promenade.
Tips for Visiting Aquarium of Genoa #
- Buy timed-entry tickets online to avoid long queues; late-afternoon entries are quieter.
- Start at the shark and sea lion tanks and save the tropical jellyfish display for last - it's dim and calming when tired.
- Bring a light jacket: the large tanks and sea spray make galleries noticeably cooler than the city.
Best Time to Visit Aquarium of Genoa #
Best visited in shoulder seasons for lighter crowds; summer afternoons are busiest.
Weather & Climate near Aquarium of Genoa #
Aquarium of Genoa's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1242 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (218 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
