The Bigo Lift hotels in Porto Antico, Italy

Stay near the Bigo Lift

Enjoy a taste of the high life by taking a 20-minute ride on The Bigo Lift, in the old port, Porto Antico. Originally a crane mounted on cargo ships, this panoramic elevator is now one of Genoa's major attractions. The Bigo Lift’s rotating see-through cabin gives you 360-degree views from high above the port, making it an exciting family-friendly attraction the whole family can enjoy.

From the Bigo Lift’s incredible vantage point, you can look down on the city’s old and modern districts, including the city’s opulent palaces and the labyrinth of narrow medieval alleyways that make up the old town. During the ride, you can listen to an audio guide that points out key sites and explains, in several languages, the history of the city.

Stay in the heart of the Genoan action by booking a hotel room near the Bigo Lift in Porto Antico. Alive with galleries, waterfront cafes and restaurants, Porto Antico is also home to the largest aquarium in Italy and a maritime museum, so it’s a great spot to base yourself. It’s only a short walk to the cobbled streets of the old town with its food shops, bars, restaurants and pavement cafes. In the old town, you’ll find a mix of places to stay to suit all personal tastes, from budget-friendly accommodation to lavish five-star hotels .

Renzo Piano’s Bigo Lift Gift to Genoa

Born in Genoa, Renzo Piano is an internationally-acclaimed architect, known for designing London’s The Shard, Western Europe's tallest building. Piano created the Bigo Lift in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage.

At the same time, the Pritzker prize-winning architect revamped all of Porto Antico, which was in desperate need of attention after suffering bomb damage during World War II. As well as designing the lift, Piano transformed old warehouses into art galleries, shops, museums and restaurants. Today, the old port is a must-see part of Genoa and a great place to stay if you want to add a serious dose of wow-factor to your holiday.