stanbul Aquarium is one of the easiest “family + wow-factor” attractions in the city: a themed indoor route that takes you from the Black Sea to the Pacific, plus an Amazon Rainforest zone—perfect for rainy days, hot afternoons, or anyone who wants a break from crowded historic sites. It’s located in the Florya area (Bakırköy side) and is part of the larger Aqua Florya complex.
What makes Istanbul Aquarium special ✅
Unlike “just tanks in a hall,” this aquarium is built as a geography-based journey:
- 🌍 17 themed zones from the Black Sea to the Pacific + 1 Amazon Rainforest
- 🐠 Around 17,000 sea and land animals representing approximately 1,500 species
- 🚶 A 1.2 km sightseeing path (great for kids because it feels like “levels”)
- 🐢 It also operates as a sea turtle treatment/care/rehabilitation center
If you want a short, high-impact visit (without needing a guide), this is one of the best options in Istanbul.
What to see inside 🐟🌿
The themed route (Black Sea → Pacific)
The core experience is walking a continuous route through themed regions with immersive decor and educational panels.
Amazon Rainforest zone 🌧️🌿
There’s a real Amazon Rainforest area (~1,000 m²)—humid, atmospheric, and very different from the marine sections.
Giants of the Ocean exhibition 🐋
A standout add-on is “Giants of the Ocean”, featuring restored skeletons of a giant sperm whale, fin whale, and Mediterranean monk seal, prepared with Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TÜDAV) and displayed at the aquarium.
Optional experiences (packages) 🎥🕶️
Depending on the ticket you choose, you may see add-ons such as:
- 🕶️ Undersea Explorer VR experience
- 📸 Photo package
- 🐋 “Giants of the Ocean” exhibition access
These appear in the official package ticket options.
How to get there 🚆🚌🚖
1) Easiest public transport: Marmaray → Florya Akvaryum Station 🚆📍
The aquarium’s own visitor info says you can get off at Florya Akvaryum Station.
On the Marmaray station list, “Florya Akvaryum” is also listed as a stop.
From the station, you typically walk toward the Aqua Florya / aquarium area (it’s the closest “Istanbul Akvaryum” stop for the complex).
Good routes to connect to Marmaray:
- From the Historic Peninsula: reach Sirkeci or Yenikapı and take Marmaray toward the western stops (then exit at Florya Akvaryum). (Use your map app for the exact platform direction that day.)
2) Metrobus + minibus option 🚍
Official FAQ lists: Metrobus Beşyol Station + Florya minibus → Istanbul Aquarium last stop.
3) Direct bus lines (simple if you’re staying on the right side) 🚌
The aquarium’s visitor service page lists bus lines you can use: BN1, 73Y, 73B, 73F.
4) Taxi / ride-hailing 🚖⚠️
Taxi is convenient for families, but traffic around coastal roads and mall areas can be slow on weekends. If you’re going on a Saturday/Sunday afternoon, rail can be more predictable.
✈️ Airport connections
From Istanbul Airport (IST)
IST has metro/public-transport options listed on the airport’s official site.
A practical public-transport plan is usually: IST → connect into the city rail network → Marmaray → Florya Akvaryum Station, then walk to the aquarium.
If you want the simplest door-to-door option with luggage: taxi/ride-hailing.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
SAW has the M4 metro line connection (official airport info).
Metro Istanbul also notes you can transfer to Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşmesi from M4.
So a common route is: SAW → M4 → Ayrılık Çeşmesi → Marmaray → Florya Akvaryum Station.
Hours / operating times ⏱️
Official visiting hours are:
- Weekdays: 10:00–19:00
- Weekends: 10:00–20:00
✅ Tip: If you want a calmer experience (especially with kids), go right at opening on a weekday.
Tickets / prices 💳
Standard online ticket prices (official)
From the official “Buy Tickets” page:
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 1,250 ₺ |
| Child (2–12) | 1,100 ₺ |
| Baby (0–24 months) | Free |
| Online ticket validity | Valid for 1 month from purchase date |
Package tickets (official)
The aquarium also sells bundles (prices shown on the official ticket page), for example:
- Silver (Adult): Aquarium + Giants of the Ocean + gift shop discount (1,350 ₺ shown)
- Premium (Adult): Aquarium + VR + gift shop discount (1,350 ₺ shown)
- Gold / Full packages: Aquarium + Giants of the Ocean + VR + (sometimes) photo + discounts (prices shown)
Discounted/campaign pricing (read carefully) ⚠️
A separate official Turkish ticket page notes “campaign price valid for Turkish citizens” and shows lower prices (e.g., 800 ₺ adult, 700 ₺ for certain categories) with ID requirements.
✅ Best practice: open the official ticket page before you go and buy the ticket type that matches your eligibility (tourist vs citizen campaign, age category, add-ons).
How long to plan + best time to visit 🗓️
Most visitors plan 2–3 hours if you’re moving at a relaxed pace, taking photos, and letting kids watch the larger tanks. (The route is long—1.2 km—and there’s a lot to stop for.)
Best time:
- ✅ Weekday morning = fewer crowds
- ✅ Late afternoon = good light if you’re combining with the seaside/mall area
- ⚠️ Weekend evenings = busiest (family prime time)
Practical tips & common mistakes ✅⚠️
✅ Buy online if you can.
It can save time, and the official site notes online tickets are valid for 1 month.
✅ Pick the right ticket bundle.
If you definitely want whale skeletons or VR, a package may be better value than adding things on later.
✅ Go early with kids.
Crowds + strollers + narrow points = slower movement later in the day.
⚠️ Don’t assume “Florya” and “Florya Akvaryum” stations are the same.
Use the stop name Florya Akvaryum (it’s explicitly referenced in the aquarium’s own directions).
⚠️ Don’t build your day only around this.
Pair it with something nearby (seaside walk, café time, shopping) so it feels like a full half-day trip.
FAQ ❓
Is Istanbul Aquarium suitable for children?
Yes—official FAQ says it’s suitable for all age groups.
What are Istanbul Aquarium opening hours?
Weekdays 10:00–19:00, weekends 10:00–20:00.
What’s the easiest public transport stop?
The official FAQ says to get off at Florya Akvaryum Station.
Where exactly is it located?
Official contact info lists: Şenlikköy Mahallesi, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cad. No:93, Bakırköy (Florya area).
Are there special exhibitions?
Yes—“Giants of the Ocean” is officially announced as an on-site exhibition.
Conclusion
Istanbul Aquarium is a highly practical, weather-proof Istanbul attraction with a clear “world journey” route, a distinct Amazon Rainforest zone, and optional add-ons like VR and the Giants of the Ocean exhibition. Use Marmaray to Florya Akvaryum Station for the smoothest public-transport plan, arrive early on weekends, and choose your ticket package based on what you actually want to see.
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