The Barcelona Aquarium is located by the sea and is a favorite among young visitors to the city. It is home to around 11,000 fish of 450 different species, which together consume approximately two tons of food each week. It’s the perfect activity to do with children in Barcelona.
| Aquarium of Barcelona | Tickets, opening hours & public transportation |
|---|---|
| Tickets | Adults and children aged 11 and up: €26 Book online now Children aged 5-10: €19 Book online now Children aged 3-4: €11 Book online now |
| Address | Moll d ‘Espanya, Port Vell, El Gòtic |
| Public transportation / metro | Metro: Drassanes (L3), Barceloneta (L4) |
| Opening hours | Feb. 1 through March 24: Mon-Fri: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. , Sat & Sun: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. March 27-June 30: Mon-Sun: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 1-September 10: Mon-Sun: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. September 11 to November 1: Mon to Sun: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. November 2 through December 21 Mon-Fri: 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat & Sun: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. December 22 to January 7, 2024: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. |
Table of Contents
- Tickets to the Barcelona Aquarium
- How to get to the Barcelona Aquarium?
- What to see and do at the Barcelona Aquarium?
- Our insider tips
Tickets to the Barcelona Aquarium
We recommend buying your tickets in advance, as there is usually a long line at the box office.
1. Book a Regular Ticket for the Aquarium
Explore the remarkable Barcelona Aquarium with our skip-the-line ticket, ensuring you enter without delay. Immerse yourself in the spectacular Oceanarium as you walk through a transparent tunnel surrounded by majestic sharks. Discover the secrets of the seabed and learn about the vital role of water on our planet.
About This Ticket:
- Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Reserve Now & Pay Later: Book your spot today and pay nothing until later.
- Valid for 1 Day: Check availability for starting times.
- €26 (children 5-10 €19, children 3-4 €11)
2. Book a discount ticket including the Aquarium – The Barcelona Card Family
If you come to Barcelona with children, the Barcelona Card Family is a benefit card that can save you a lot of money. You can get free entry to the aquarium, the zoo, Poble Espanyol, the statue of Columbus, the CosmoCaixa science museum and more! And you also enjoy free public transportation with this card.
The card costs €75 for 3 days (72 hours), €85 for 4 days (96 hours) and €95 for 5 days (120 hours). The price for children is €60, €65 and €70, respectively. The card can be purchased through Barcelona Turisme.
How to get to the Barcelona Aquarium?
Metro: The nearest metro stations are Drassanes (L3, green line) or Barceloneta (L4, yellow line). From there, it’s about a 5 to 10-minute walk to the Aquarium. If you get off at Drassanes, walk towards the old port and take the wooden footbridge towards Maremagnum. The Aquarium is located next to the shopping center on the left. If you exit at the Barceloneta station, cross Plaça de l’Ictineo.
Walking: It’s possible to walk to the Aquarium from the city center or from La Barceloneta along the sea. From the central Plaça Catalunya, it takes about 25 minutes to reach the Aquarium.
Cycling: You can easily cycle from the city center. It takes about 10 minutes from Plaça Catalunya, and there are several bike racks available.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus: The Hop-on Hop-off bus has a stop at the Aquarium.
Car: If you’re driving, there is a parking garage under the Maremagnum shopping center, next to the Aquarium, where you can park your car.
What to see and do at the Barcelona Aquarium
With 35 tanks holding a total of six million liters of seawater, each simulating a different marine habitat, this aquarium offers a fascinating exploration of the underwater world. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this aquatic wonderland.
Oceanarium and Underwater Tunnel
The centerpiece of the aquarium is the Oceanarium, the largest tank with a staggering four million liters of water. It boasts a 37-meter diameter and a depth of five meters, housing some of the ocean’s biggest creatures. Walking through the long underwater tunnel is undoubtedly the highlight of your visit, giving you the sensation of standing on the ocean floor without getting wet—or risking a shark bite! The tank is home to two species of sharks, rays, sunfish, and the majestic moonfish, which can grow up to three meters in length and weigh over 1,000 kilograms. For an unforgettable experience, the aquarium even offers sleepovers for children aged 8 to 12 in the tunnel, making it a true adventure.
Other Aquatic Exhibits
While the Oceanarium is the main attraction, the other 34 tanks are equally captivating, featuring unique fish and sea creatures. You’ll encounter guitarfish, rabbitfish, and octopuses, to name just a few. One of the highlights is the “Fantasy Tank,” where you’ll find strange and amusing creatures you probably haven’t seen before. For those curious about tropical marine life, there are tanks dedicated to the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Sea, and the Caribbean Sea, showcasing stunning coral reefs and vibrant fish species.
Penguins
And let’s not forget the adorable penguins! Watching them during feeding time is a must-see. Unlike some aquariums, L’Aquàrium de Barcelona does not feature dolphin shows, and you won’t find dolphins or whales here.
Planeta Aqua
Did you know that nearly three-quarters of our planet is covered in water? Yet, we know more about the moon than we do about the deep sea. On the second floor of the aquarium, Planeta Aqua explores life in extreme underwater environments, from the dark, icy depths to warm tropical waters. Here, you can observe various species of rays in a large open tank and learn about the evolution of fish and reptiles through interactive games, information boards, and small aquariums.
Explora!
Designed especially for young visitors, Explora! offers an interactive exploration of the underwater world. Kids can touch, see, and listen to the mysteries of the sea, discover living fossils, and watch as sea creatures change color to camouflage themselves. It’s secretly fun for parents too! Explora! is divided into three sections of the Mediterranean: the marshes of the Ebro Delta, a corner of the Costa Brava, and an underwater cave in the Islas Medas, a group of seven islets off the Costa Brava.
Feeding Time
¡A comer! It’s feeding time at the Barcelona Aquarium. The aquarium’s inhabitants enjoy a feast of 150 different meals prepared daily. If you’re curious to see how the fish devour their food, make sure to visit around lunchtime. Sharks are fed on Tuesdays and Fridays between 12:00 and 13:00, with divers delivering meals like fatty fish or squid using long poles. Penguins are fed twice daily, between 13:30 and 16:30, and rays have their feeding time at 14:00 every day except Sunday. Just be sure to keep a safe distance if you don’t want to get splashed by these eager eaters!
Swim with Sharks
Do you dare to swim with sharks? For €300, you can participate in this thrilling experience. You’ll need to complete an on-site shark swimming course and have a diving certification to join in on the adventure.
Restaurant
The aquarium also has a restaurant where you can order a children’s menu. Other kid-friendly amenities include high chairs and a changing table in the restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for families.
FAQs – Frequently asked questions about Aquarium Barcelona
The Barcelona Aquarium is located at Port Vell, near the city’s harbor. The exact address is Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain. It’s easily accessible by metro, bus, and even by foot from the city center. More info on how to get there.
The aquarium is home to around 11,000 marine creatures from 450 different species. Highlights include sharks, rays, sunfish, moonfish, and a variety of colorful tropical fish. The aquarium also features penguins and a special section dedicated to Mediterranean marine life.
A typical visit to the Barcelona Aquarium takes about 2 to 3 hours. This allows time to explore all the exhibits, watch the feeding sessions, and enjoy the interactive areas. However, you can spend more or less time depending on your interest level.
The Barcelona Aquarium is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. The facilities include ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are also available for use upon request.
Feb. 1 through March 24: Mon-Fri: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. , Sat & Sun: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
March 27-June 30: Mon-Sun: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
July 1-September 10: Mon-Sun: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
September 11 to November 1: Mon to Sun: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
November 2 through December 21 Mon-Fri: 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat & Sun: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
December 22 to January 7, 2024: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Yes, there is a restaurant inside the aquarium that serves a variety of meals, including a special children’s menu. It’s a convenient place to grab a bite during your visit. There are also snack areas and vending machines available.
The best time to visit the Aquarium is when the fish are being fed. To be present during the feeding, be sure to be at the Aquarium around lunchtime (between 12.00 a.m. and 14.00 p.m.). Scroll down for more information on feeding times at the Aquarium.
Our insider tips
Rooftop
Just a short walk from the aquarium, you’ll find the Museu d’Història de Catalunya. The museum offers a fantastic, often overlooked spot: the rooftop terrace, which you can visit for free by taking the elevator to the fourth floor. From there, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Barcelona’s harbor. It’s also the perfect place to relax with a coffee or a cocktail.
Boat trip
To keep your day in a maritime theme, consider combining your visit to the aquarium with a boat tour along the coast of Barcelona. On a sunny day, you can even take a dip from the boat and explore the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea firsthand.
Yes! You came this far!
My name is Annebeth, I’m originally from The Netherlands and I have been home in Barcelona for 22 years. As an online guide, journalist, author of many travel guides about the city and co-owner of bicycle tour company El Ciclo, Barcelona is my great inspiration and I am happy to share everything I know (and learn) with you. You will also find personal tips and recommendations so you can experience that authentic, local and unique Barcelona feeling once you’re here.
