Istanbul Akvaryum (Istanbul Aquarium): What It Actually Is
Istanbul Akvaryum sits inside the Aqua Florya shopping complex on the coast at Florya, on the European side, and is one of the largest themed aquariums in the world — not organized by species, but as a continuous 1.2 km walking route across 17 themed geographic zones, from the Black Sea and the Bosphorus all the way to the Pacific and the Amazon rainforest.
The tank system holds over 7,000 cubic meters of water and more than 1,500 species — upward of 17,000 individual creatures in total — culminating in an acrylic ocean tunnel where lemon sharks, nurse sharks, guitarfish, and giant groupers pass overhead.
It's built as a full family outing rather than a quick stop: alongside the main route there's a touch pool, a climate-controlled Amazon rainforest dome with poison dart frogs and caimans, a 5D cinema, and a small play area, with Aqua Florya's own seaside restaurants right next door for after.
Adult ticket
375 TRY
Child/student/senior ticket
325 TRY
Visit duration
2–3 hours
The 17 Themed Zones
Bosphorus & Dardanelles
Local Turkish-waters marine life and native fish ecosystems, alongside historical shipwreck replicas.
Red Sea & Coral Reefs
Vibrant tropical fish, living coral displays, and stingrays.
Ocean Tunnel & Main Tank
The signature stop — a transparent acrylic walk-through tunnel with lemon sharks, nurse sharks, guitarfish, and giant groupers overhead.
Amazon Rainforest Dome
A climate-controlled, high-humidity indoor dome with tropical plants, poison dart frogs, caimans, and piranha tanks.
Tickets & Hours
Adult ticket
- Details
- 375 TRY
Child (2–18), student, senior (65+), disabled
- Details
- 325 TRY
Combo (aquarium + marine-life book + labyrinth)
- Details
- ~650 TRY adult / ~600 TRY child
5D cinema add-on
- Details
- ~150 TRY per person
Hours (Mon–Fri)
- Details
- 10:00–19:00 (last entry 18:00)
Hours (Sat–Sun & holidays)
- Details
- 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:00)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | 375 TRY |
| Child (2–18), student, senior (65+), disabled | 325 TRY |
| Combo (aquarium + marine-life book + labyrinth) | ~650 TRY adult / ~600 TRY child |
| 5D cinema add-on | ~150 TRY per person |
| Hours (Mon–Fri) | 10:00–19:00 (last entry 18:00) |
| Hours (Sat–Sun & holidays) | 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:00) |
Getting to Florya
- 1
By Marmaray train (fastest)
- Take the Marmaray line from Karaköy, Sirkeci, Yenikapı, or Kadıköy and get off at Florya Akvaryum station — the aquarium entrance is a 3-minute walk through the Aqua Florya mall.
- 2
By bus
- Several IETT bus routes run along the coastal Kennedy Avenue (Sahil Yolu) connecting Bakırköy and Florya directly to the aquarium.
- 3
By taxi
- Roughly 25–35 minutes from Taksim or Sultanahmet depending on coastal traffic. Aqua Florya has an underground parking garage if you're driving.
Before You Go
A few things make the visit smoother:
- Buy tickets online ahead of a weekend visit — weekend hours run an hour later and it's busiest then
- Budget 2–3 hours to walk the full 1.2 km themed-zone route without rushing
- Combine it with Aqua Florya's seaside food court — there's no need to leave the complex for a meal
- The whole facility is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, with wide ramps and elevators throughout
- Bring a light layer — the Amazon rainforest dome runs hot and humid while the main tunnel areas are air-conditioned
- It's a genuine family outing: the touch pool, 5D cinema, and play area add real time if you're visiting with kids
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a Longer Stay in Istanbul?
From a family day at the aquarium to your first apartment viewing — our team can help with visas, housing, and everything else that comes with actually moving here.
Talk to Our Team