9 Best Aquariums and Zoos in Istanbul: 2025 Guide

Istanbul is a massive city with plenty to see, but when it comes to zoos and aquariums, picking the right one can be tough. Each place offers something different, whether it’s a deep dive into marine life or a full day surrounded by animals and nature. But in a city this big, location is everything. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the best spot, wherever you’re staying.

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Quick Decision Guide (Practical and Honest)

For a Full-Day Experience with Animals and Plants

Faruk Yalçın Zoo and Botanical Park in Gebze is a better choice if you’re on the Asian side or want to spend a full day surrounded by nature and wildlife. It’s a bit of a journey, but it offers a large outdoor space where you can take your time exploring.

For a Large, Thematic Aquarium with a Mall Nearby

Istanbul Aquarium in Florya is best if you’re on the European side and want an aquarium experience that’s easy to get to. It’s spacious, and you’ll see a variety of marine species, making it a good half-day activity that can be combined with a mall visit.

For a Quick and Easily Accessible Aquarium Visit

SEA LIFE Istanbul in Bayrampasa is a smaller option located in a shopping mall, making it easy to navigate if you’re short on time or have kids who get tired quickly. It’s also well-connected by metro, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for something easy and straightforward.

Istanbul Aquarium

The Istanbul Aquarium, touted as one of the largest in the world, is split into 17 thematic zones, tracing the journey from the Black Sea to the Pacific. While spacious, be mindful not to overinflate your expectations if you’ve visited other world-renowned aquariums.

Top Three Highlights:

1. Tropics Zone: Immersive greenery, yellow lighting, and warm mist spray transport you to a tropical oasis. You’ll feel compelled to snap photos of every corner. The lush vegetation and moisture make it an enchanting spot—by far, one of the aquarium’s most engaging sections.
2. Arctic Zone: A large ice slab, with which visitors can interact, is a showstopper. Touching the ice slightly melts and reshapes it, turning it into a continuously evolving, collective artwork. This zone is a refreshing break from Istanbul’s heat, and visitors relish the cool air and the feel of the ice under their hands.
3. Penguin Exhibit: Penguins await you near the exit, their playful movements captivating to watch. Prepare to spend some time enjoying their antics.

You may have heard about special feeding times for crocodiles and sharks, but don’t count on them happening exactly as scheduled—they’re sporadic and not guaranteed.

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Visitor Tips:

• Ticket Prices: from 500 TL per person
• Location: Situated in the Florya district, conveniently near the Florya Marmaray stop.
• Opening Hours: from 10 AM to 7 PM.
• Address: Senlikköy district, Yesilköy Halkali Street. No:93 Florya-Istanbul
• Free Shuttle: The most practical way to reach the Istanbul Aquarium is by taking advantage of their free shuttle service, available from Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and Sirkeci Train Station.
• Check Istanbul Aquarium for more information.

Read More about Istanbul Aquarium Florya >>

Faruk Yalçın Zoo and Botanical Park

Located two hours from central Istanbul in Gebze, this zoo stands out for its humane and spacious habitats. Animals appear healthy, and their enclosures are designed to mimic natural settings.

Key Features:

• Vast Variety: The zoo is home to over 250 species, with 62 of them critically endangered and in need of protection.
• Botanical Marvels: In addition to animals, the botanical garden hosts around 8,000 plant species, contributing to a lush, green landscape.
• Strict Rules for Animal Well-being: The zoo ensures animals are protected from unnecessary feeding and touching by visitors, maintaining their natural routines and overall well-being.

Visitor Tips:

• Ticket Prices: Adults pay 595 TL; children cost 395 TL. Kids under 3 enter for free.
• Operating Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
• Getting There: Take the Marmaray to Osmangazi Station and then transfer to a bus or taxi for the remainder of the journey.
• Visit the website for more information.

Flamingo Village Istanbul

Flamingo Village is a picturesque location perfect for breakfast, picnicking, and casual strolls amidst nature. While the flamingos are the main attraction, the area also offers scenic walking paths and activities for children.

Key Points:

• Atmosphere: Warm and family-friendly, with the opportunity to dine and birdwatch simultaneously.
• Activities: Walks, sports, playgrounds, bike rides, and trampoline fun for kids.

Visitor Tips:

• Location: Gökçeali, Cevizlik Sk No:43, 34540 Çatalca/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Opening Hours: 9 AM to 8 PM.

Polonezköy Zoo

Polonezköy Zoo stands out for its commitment to providing animals with natural, spacious enclosures, some of which are not fenced off at all. Spread over 140 acres, the zoo houses diverse wildlife like alpacas, wading birds, zebras, and more.

Amenities and Attractions:

• Accommodation: A country club within the zoo allows families to stay and experience the natural environment overnight.
• Playgrounds and Parks: Designed for all ages, offering a well-rounded visit.

Visitor Tips:

• Ticket Prices: Kids (2-12 years) pay 300 TL, adults pay 500 TL. Children under 1 year old are free.
• Hours: Vary by season, generally 9 AM to 6:30 PM.
• Address: Polonez, 75. Yıl Cd., 34829 Beykoz/İstanbul
• Transport: Located 20 km from the city center, easily reached by bus or car. You can reach Polonezköy via the 137 İETT Kavacık – Beykoz – Riva – Cumhuriyet Köyü Bus.
• Explore more about Polonezköy Zoo through their Instagram page.

Park of Istanbul in Çekmeköy

The Park of Istanbul in Çekmeköy is a sprawling 200-acre nature complex that’s more than just a zoo. Alongside housing over 400 animals of 60 different species, it offers a host of activities for all ages, from adventure courses to pony rides.

Attractions:

• Restaurants and Cafés: A variety of food options to suit all tastes.
• Activities for Children: A playground and a miniature train keep younger visitors entertained.

Visitor Tips:

• Ticket Prices: Adults pay 400 TL; kids (3-17 years) and seniors (65+) pay 300 TL. Children under 3 years are free. Check here>
• Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:30
• Address: Çatalmeşe, Mesire Alanı, 30 Ağustos Cd. No:3, 34467 Çekmeköy/İstanbul
• Getting There: The park is easily accessible by İETT buses from Kadiköy or via the Üsküdar–Çekmeköy metro line.

LionPark Istanbul

LionPark, part of Viaport Marina, is dedicated to big cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and more. Its location in Tuzla on the Anatolian side makes it a unique, easily accessible experience.

Key Highlights:

• Rare Species: Home to 32 members of the Big Cat Family, including white lions, jaguars, and black panthers.

Visitor Tips:

• Ticket Prices: Adults pay 399 TL; students 369 TL; children (3-12 years) 339 TL; under 3 years enter free.
• Address: Cami, Balıkçılar Sk. U Blok No:20 D:U, 34940 Tuzla/İstanbul (Viaport Marina)
• Getting There: From the Marmaray Tuzla stop, minibuses can take you directly to LionPark within 5 minutes.
• Opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM.
• Check website >>

Emaar Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Emaar Aquarium in Üsküdar offers a fresh perspective on marine life, with themed zones such as Rocky Shores, Penguin Island, and the interactive Dream Island. The facility houses over 20,000 sea creatures across 200 species.

Attractions:

• Interactive Zones: Hands-on experiences with sea creatures in the Dream Island zone.
• Diverse Marine Life: Crocodiles, penguins, and tunnel aquariums add to the variety.

Visitor Tips:

• Address: Ünalan, Libadiye Cd. No:82, 34700 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Ticket Prices: from 890 TL
• Hours: Open from 10 AM to 10 PM daily.
• Visit their website for more information.

SEA LIFE Istanbul (Closed from January 2025)

SEA LIFE Istanbul, the fifth-largest aquarium globally, features Europe’s largest shark collection, a turtle hospital, and several interactive zones. It’s located within the Forum Shopping Center in Bayrampasa.

Attractions:

• Shark Zone: Get close to a diverse range of sharks in their dedicated zone.
• Interactive Experiences: A Digital Aquarium and thematic zones make it a lively visit for families.

Visitor Tips:

• Address: Kocatepe, Forum Istanbul, Paşa Cd No: 5/5, 34045 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Ticket Prices: from 837 TL.
• Opening Hours: 10:00 – 19:00
• Getting There: Easily accessible by the “Atatürk Airport–Yenikapi” metro line or Marmaray tube.
• Visit their website or check out their Instagram page for more information.

Istanbul Dolphinarium

Located in the scenic Eyup district, Istanbul Dolphinarium is the largest of its kind in Europe. It hosts engaging shows and even offers opportunities to swim or dive with dolphins.

Attractions:

• Dolphin Shows: Enjoy daily performances showcasing the agility and grace of dolphins.
• Swim with Dolphins: Special packages are available for those wishing to interact closely with these marine mammals.

Visitor Tips:

• Address: Silahtarağa Mh, Silahtarağa Cd. No:20, 34050 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul
• Ticket Prices: Starting from 1500 TL for adults, and 1300 TL for kids (3-11 years)
• Show Times: Shows are held every day except Friday, at 12 PM, 2 PM, and 5 PM.
• Check Istanbul Dolphinarium for more information.

The Best Places: What to Visit?

Choosing the right zoo or aquarium in Istanbul comes down to location, ease of access, and the type of experience you’re seeking. If you’re on the European side and want something close to the city center, Istanbul Aquarium in Florya is the perfect pick for a marine-themed day combined with shopping.

For an interactive and child-friendly experience indoors, SEA LIFE Istanbul in Bayrampasa offers easy access and plenty of variety. On the other hand, if you’re on the Asian side or looking for a full day amidst nature, Faruk Yalçın Zoo and Botanical Park is a great escape with spacious enclosures and a blend of wildlife and botanical beauty.

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