Best aquarium destinations in Europe
Best aquarium destinations in Europe
Subterranean marine life centers and historic public oceanariums in Europe
Europe's aquarium sector ranges from the world-class marine research institutions and large public oceanariums of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts to specialist freshwater and regional sea collections that reflect the diversity of the continent's aquatic environments. The leading institutions have invested seriously in habitat recreations, open ocean tanks and conservation programming that differentiate them clearly from older facilities that have not kept pace with evolving welfare and display standards.
Several of the continent's strongest aquariums are positioned in coastal cities with direct relationships to active marine research programmes, giving their public offer a scientific credibility that inland facilities struggle to match. Specialist collections focused on regional marine environments and freshwater ecosystems often deliver more depth than general aquariums for visitors with specific interests.
Advance booking is advisable at the most popular institutions during school holiday periods when capacity fills quickly. Admission fees vary considerably and annual membership at frequently visited institutions represents strong value. Cetacean display policies vary by country and researching institutional credentials before visiting is worthwhile.
Lists by region
City in Italy
Genoa
Maritime grandeur and winding alleys
Genoese people dip focaccia into their morning cappuccino. Try the habit at a bakery near the Porto Antico harbour. The nearby aquarium opened in 1992 for the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage. Renzo Piano designed it. Dolphins and seals live in its big pools. The harbour is a short walk from the old town.
Town in Norway
Bergen
The gateway to the fjords
Rain falls on Bergen on more than 200 days a year, so an indoor day is easy to plan. The aquarium on the Nordnes peninsula opened in 1960. Sea lions and penguins have outdoor pools by the water. Their feeding shows draw a crowd. Walking from the Fish Market takes about 15 minutes.
City in Spain
Valencia
Sunlit Shores and Rich Culture
L'Oceanogràfic is the biggest aquarium in Europe. It is part of the City of Arts and Sciences, a short ride from the old town. Belugas, dolphins and walruses live in its outdoor pools. A tunnel passes beneath sharks and rays. Diners at the Submarino restaurant eat beside a huge tank.
Aquarium in Lisbon
Oceanário de Lisboa
Europe’s Stunning Marine Wonderland
Soft blue light ripples across a central tank that holds about 5 million liters of seawater. Sharks, rays and ocean sunfish share it. Four outer habitats show the Atlantic, Antarctic, Pacific and Indian oceans. The aquarium opened for Expo 98. A metro stop called Oriente is a short walk away.
City in United Kingdom
London
A Tapestry of History and Modernity
The aquarium is older than the London Eye next door. It opened in 1997 and the Eye opened to the public in 2000. County Hall, built in 1922, houses its tanks on the South Bank. Sharks, rays and gentoo penguins are among the animals. Westminster Bridge is right beside the building.
City in Spain
Barcelona
Vibrant City of Art and Beaches
The old harbour at Port Vell is a short walk from La Rambla. L'Aquàrium de Barcelona is on a pier there. An 80 metre glass tunnel runs through its big Oceanarium tank. Sand tiger sharks and large rays glide overhead. The waterfront outside has a boardwalk and seafood restaurants.
Museum in Monaco
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Marine Wonders Clifftop Museum
Prince Albert I opened this museum in 1910 on a cliff above the sea. The prince was a serious ocean scientist. Jacques Cousteau led the museum from 1957 to 1988. Today it has a shark lagoon and a rooftop terrace with sea views. Most of Monaco is within walking distance.
Aquarium in Denmark
National Aquarium Denmark
Northern Europe’s Marine Marvel
Den Blå Planet looks like a whirlpool from above and opened in 2013 near Copenhagen Airport. Its biggest tank holds hammerhead sharks and rays. Other halls cover Amazon rivers and coral reefs. A metro station is next to the entrance. Trains from the city centre take about 15 minutes.
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