Europe's largest aquarium is one of Genoa's biggest draws and a must-see for travelers with children.

The structure alone is remarkable, resembling a ship and built alongside a pier in the old harbor (the aquarium is about a 15-min. walk from Stazione Principe and about 10 min. from Via Garibaldi).

Inside, more than 50 aquatic displays re-create Red Sea coral reefs, pools in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon River basin, and other marine ecosystems.

These environments provide a pleasant home for sharks, seals, and just about every other known kind of sea creature, and even the displays are fun -- one room is a forest of transparent columns eerily lit and filled with jellyfish; the playful seals and dolphins like to blow trick bubbles to entertain you; and there are small rays in a shallow pool that you can pet.

All the descriptions are posted in English. There's also a 3-D film on ocean life (ask for a sheet with the narration in English).

Open Hours

Mon-Fri 9:30am-7:30pm; Sat-Sun 9:30am-8:30pm

Prices Admission

13€ ($17) adults, 8€ ($10) ages 4-12

Transportation

Bus: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, or 15

Email: info@acuario.ge.it

Website: http://www.acquario.ge.it

Attraction type

Aquarium