The Acquario di Genova is the largest aquarium in Europe — 12,000 animals, 70 tanks, 27,000m² of exhibition space in the Porto Antico (Old Port), redesigned by Renzo Piano in 1992 for the Columbus Expo. Dolphins, sharks, jellyfish, penguins, manatees, and the Biosfera (a glass sphere greenhouse, also Piano, with tropical plants and butterflies). The best family attraction in Liguria and the reason to spend a day in Genova before heading to Cinque Terre.
Highlights: Dolphin tank (watch from above and underwater gallery). Open ocean shark tunnel (walk through). Jellyfish room (blacklit, mesmerizing). Antarctic penguin habitat. Manatee bay. The Biosfera: Renzo Piano's glass sphere on the water — tropical plants, butterflies, chameleons (€5 separate or combo). Galata Museo del Mare (adjacent, €17 or combo — maritime museum with a real submarine you can enter).
Practical: Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola. €28 adults, €21 kids (combo with Biosfera €32). Open daily 9am-8pm (summer), 10am-6pm (winter). Duration: 2.5-3h. From Milan: 1.5h train. From Cinque Terre: 1.5h train.