Choose your pass

Aquarium Istanbul

Sea Life Istanbul, among the numerous tourist attractions in Istanbul, may be one of the most interesting locations to visit. It is the world's fifth largest aquarium, and it attracts visitors of all ages, regardless of their interest in marine life. If you want to visit Istanbul Aquarium, which has a variety of fascinating sea animals and observation places, keep reading to learn all you need to know before your visit. 

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
June 8, 2020 4 min
Aquarium Istanbul


Explore Istanbul Aquarium


With its journey route, thematization, interaction, rainforest, and cutting-edge technology, it is the newest aquarium of its kind featuring fish species residing in the world's oceans. Due to its size, diversity of fish species, and activities along travel routes, İstanbul Akvaryum is a global leader among aquariums.


By following a geographical path, tourists journey from the Black Sea to the Pacific, passing through 17 themes and one rainforest. Cultural, geographical, historical, and architectural characteristics of each place emerge in the thematization of the spaces, along with appropriate ornamental elements, interactive games, videos, and visual graphics that give information about the region. Each space's sound and lighting systems have been organized in accordance with this thematization. 


In every way, Istanbul Aquarium is handled by experts in their area and in accordance with international standards. All living species in Istanbul Akvaryum continue to exist in circumstances that are as close to their natural environment as possible. As a result, you may get a close look at their wonderful life. Because visiting Istanbul Aquarium is a kid's favorite, it's one of the greatest attractions to visit with your child! 


Apart from visiting the huge Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall's numerous shops, cafés, and restaurants, the next greatest attraction you can do with your kids near Sea Life Istanbul is visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Kingdom Quest, Creative Workshop, and Merlin's Apprentice Ride are among the numerous fun and instructive areas for your children at Turkey's first LEGOLAND. 


 


Turtles in Istanbul Aquarium


The Sea Life Aquarium Istanbul is part of the Sea Life franchise, which is the world's largest commercial aquarium network. They have over 50 locations across the globe, including the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and many more. Merlin Entertainments is the company that owns them. In October 2009, Sea Life Istanbul opened in Bayrampasa's Forum Istanbul retail complex. It was formerly known as Turkuazoo, but after a short time, it was acquired by Merlin Entertainment, which also owns Madame Tussauds and Legoland. 


The only private Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Turkey is located in Sea Life Istanbul. They bring in injured sea turtles discovered in the wild and cure them. Another fascinating feature is the stingray bay, where you can observe big, gorgeous rays with smiling faces. Jelly fish tanks may also be found around the property, including above the café, gift store, and children's section. Sea Life Istanbul can not only take you on a wonderful journey through the ocean's marvels, but it can also host one of your special occasions, such as birthday parties, where guests are served juice, cake, pizza, and presents. 


Ticket Prices at the Istanbul Aquarium 


If you want to visit Sea Life Istanbul is open every day of the week from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last admission at 5 p.m. We also recommend purchasing your tickets online to avoid long queues and to take advantage of online ticket savings. The cost of admission to the Sea Life Aquarium varies based on the ticket class. There is a 20% discount on Forum Istanbul Aquarium tickets purchased online, so unless you want to visit the aquarium at the last minute, it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance.


Of course, if you want to see all of these sites, as well as many other cultural and historical attractions in Istanbul, you can get an Istanbul Tourist Pass, which includes all of them. With the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you may enter the Istanbul Aquarium for free and discover much more!

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Discover Ottoman Palaces with Istanbul Tourist Pass: Must-See Historical Gems
calendar_today Aug 19, 2024 16 min

Discover Ottoman Palaces with Istanbul Tourist Pass: Must-See Historical Gems

Turkey's rich history is reflected in its stunning palaces, especially in Istanbul, where imperial architecture shines. The city's palaces, each with its own story, represent different historical periods and showcase artistic and architectural excellence. These sites offer a look into the grand Ottoman past and are top places to visit in Istanbul, promising an unforgettable […]

Kuzguncuk Istanbul: Beautiful, Lively, and Quiet
calendar_today May 28, 2025 8 min

Kuzguncuk Istanbul: Beautiful, Lively, and Quiet

The first light hits the domes of old Istanbul and every street wakes in its own way. Ferries honk across the Golden Horn, shopkeepers lift metal shutters, and the smell of fresh simit drifts over the bridges. Spend a few days in this vast city and you soon crave a breather from the roar of […]

Best Time To Visit Istanbul
calendar_today Mar 26, 2020 8 min

Best Time To Visit Istanbul

Planning a trip to Istanbul and wondering when is the best time to visit this vibrant city? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the ideal time to experience Istanbul's enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're captivated by the ancient wonders of Hagia Sophia and the Blue […]

Midnight Bosphorus Cruise Guide: Nightlife, Food and Local Tips
calendar_today Jul 2, 2025 5 min

Midnight Bosphorus Cruise Guide: Nightlife, Food and Local Tips

The Bosphorus never sleeps. Long after daytime ferries dock and museum gates close, the water keeps moving, scattering moonlight across palaces and fishing boats. At midnight the strait feels like a quiet festival, lit by bridge LEDs, tea-stained lanterns and the glow of late ferries sliding between two continents. 
 
 This guide helps night […]

Marilyn Manson Istanbul Concert
calendar_today May 13, 2025 7 min

Marilyn Manson Istanbul Concert

Istanbul never sleeps and 2025 proves it once again. Festivals light up the Bosphorus, small clubs echo with new sounds, and huge open-air shows pull global stars into the city every month. Travelers mix with locals on warm summer nights and share the same rhythm. Music is part of daily life here, as essential as […]

Turkish Tea 101: History, Tradition, How to Brew
calendar_today May 26, 2025 8 min

Turkish Tea 101: History, Tradition, How to Brew

Istanbul greets you with layers of history, the hum of ferry horns, and the comforting aroma of black tea rising from tulip-shaped glasses. The city lives on both sides of the Bosphorus, blending Europe and Asia the way leaves swirl in a çaydanlık. From sunrise call to prayer to the last tram rattling home, tea […]

Discover the Kucuksu Pavilion Istanbul
calendar_today May 19, 2025 4 min

Discover the Kucuksu Pavilion Istanbul

Istanbul is a city of waterfront palaces. Marble façades line the strait, each one built for days when sultans escaped the heat of the Old City. On the Asian shore, north of the crowded bridges, Küçüksu Pavilion rests in a small meadow between two streams. Sailors once called this spot “Sweet Waters.” Today the pavilion […]

2026 Istanbul Museum & Site Ticket Prices: How Much Do You Save with a Pass?
calendar_today May 5, 2026 9 min

2026 Istanbul Museum & Site Ticket Prices: How Much Do You Save with a Pass?

Quirky Experiences You Can Only Have in Istanbul
calendar_today Jun 7, 2025 6 min

Quirky Experiences You Can Only Have in Istanbul

Explore the wonderfully weird side of Istanbul. From underground palaces to feline-friendly neighborhoods, this guide dives into the city’s most unexpected and offbeat experiences that will surprise even seasoned travelers.

Beer Culture in Istanbul: Where to Drink Turkish Beers
calendar_today Jun 11, 2025 6 min

Beer Culture in Istanbul: Where to Drink Turkish Beers

Istanbul is a city of contrasts where Byzantine walls stand beside glass towers and where the clatter of ferries mixes with the call to prayer. Tea and rakı might grab the headlines, yet beer has quietly become one of the city’s favorite drinks. From big-name lagers to bold new microbrews, the scene in 2025 is […]