The Istanbul Aquarium (İstanbul Akvaryum), in Florya on the Sea of Marmara coast, is the big aquarium of the European side. Its route follows 17 geographic zones, from the seas of Turkey to the Amazon rainforest, with some 17,000 animals of 1,500 species and gentoo penguins. It is the classic family outing on a rainy or very hot day: allow two hours. It is open every day.
Highlights
The big tank
The route runs along large windows onto a tank full of sea fish, in a dimly lit hall.
The geographic zones
The circuit crosses 17 different worlds, from the waters of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean to the Amazon, with a section devoted to the rainforest.
The gentoo penguins
The polar section is one of children's favourite stops.
Feeding times
The aquarium's website publishes feeding and presentation times; check them before you go so you can plan your visit around one.
Infos pratiques
Tips
"Resident" prices are reserved for Turkish citizens: the website states that they do not apply to holders of a work or residence permit. A foreign visitor pays the standard price: 1,000 TL for adults, 900 TL from 2 to 18, free under 2; family tickets are sold online (2,900 TL for three people, 3,800 TL for four) (prices noted in October 2026; check when you buy, as they change often). Buy online to skip the queue. Do not confuse it with the city's other aquarium, the Emaar Aquarium in Üsküdar, which is inside a shopping centre on the Asian side. For more ideas with children, see our guide Istanbul with children and our selection of theme parks, aquariums and hands-on museums.
How to get there
Şenlikköy Mahallesi, Halkalı Caddesi No. 93, Bakırköy, Istanbul (Florya). The simplest way is the Marmaray to Florya Akvaryum station, from Sirkeci or Üsküdar. Otherwise take the metro to Şirinevler and then bus 73B or 73F, or the Metrobüs to Beşyol and then a Florya minibus. Allow 35 to 45 minutes from Sultanahmet. Line details: Getting around Istanbul.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
Comments
No comments yet.