How to spend top weekend in Genoa - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Visit the Oceanarium

If you want to see marine life in conditions as close to nature as possible but do not want to do any diving or snorkeling, then come to the oceanarium of Genoa. The locals call it an aquarium. It was built in the Old Port in 1992. It has the shape of a ship. The total area of its 70 tanks is 6 million liters.

The oceanarium is open from 9:30 to 21:00 every day of the week. The entrance ticket costs 17 euros. The oceanarium is home to dolphins, sharks, seals, turtles, and penguins. You will find several entertainment programs here. You will see a dolphin show, take part in feeding sea animals, and swim in the contact pool. You can pet the stingrays.

Unusual Ferris Wheel IL Bigo

There is an unusual Ferris wheel Il Bigo in the Old Port of Genoa. It was established in 1992. It is a panoramic elevator that looks like a spider. The Ferris wheel consists of several arrows. It is on the largest of them that the elevator with one booth moves. It has a length of 40 meters. You need to pay 3 euros for the opportunity to see the beauty of Genoa from a height. You will be in a slowly rotating booth and enjoy a magnificent view of the city, its surroundings, the bay, port, ships, and coastal cliffs. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Journey to the Statue on the Seabed

One of the most popular attractions of Genoa is located on the seafloor in the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. This is a statue called "Christ of the Abyss". Its height is 2.5 meters. It was created in 1954 by the sculptor Guido Galletti in memory of the deceased friend of the driver Duilio Marcante. You will get to the place where the statue is installed by boat. You will pay 30 euros. This amount includes renting a mask and fins.

You will be able to look at it if you are an experienced diver. You will have to go on a fascinating journey to a depth of 17 meters. If you are a beginner, hire an instructor. His services cost 80 euros. You will take a scuba dive under his guidance. You will see this amazing sculpture and representatives of the local fauna: octopuses, moray eels, and sea bass.

Excursion to the Genoese Lighthouse

The symbol of Genoa is the lighthouse La Lanterna. It was built in 1128. It reaches 117 meters in height. You can get inside this attraction on weekends and holidays. There is a museum here. You will pay 6 euros for admission. You will also have the opportunity to climb to its top by 375 steps to see the beauty of the Genoese Harbor.

View the City from a Height

You can climb the unusual Ferris Wheel IL Bigo, which is located in the Old Port of Genoa, to see the city from a height. You will also be able to admire the city from a height if you visit the observation deck. It's called the Belvedere Luigi Montaldo. You will climb to it by a special elevator with large windows. It was created in 1910. You will look at the city blocks here. You can also enjoy views of the city and the beauty of the sunset if you use the Sant'Anna funicular. You will pay 0.7 euros per ticket. It will take you from Portello square to Corso Magenta. You will buy a ticket for it at any kiosk that sells cigarettes and newspapers.

Outdoor Activities on the Arenzano Beach

The picturesque Arenzano Beach is located in the suburbs of Genoa. It is covered with pebbles. The water is clean here. There is no port or industrial facilities near the beach. You can reach it by train in just 30 minutes. You will sunbathe and swim in one of its secluded coves. You can also rent a boat and take a ride on the waves. There are also many great places for diving and other water sports here. Rental equipment is quite cheap here. If you like fishing, you will enjoy a quiet holiday with a fishing rod in the quiet backwaters of the beach. You will also cook on the fire the fish you catch.