Istanbul Aquarium — Attraction in Bakırköy

Our visit to the Istanbul Aquarium was an extraordinary adventure that exceeded all expectations. As someone deeply fascinated by marine life, I was thrilled by the extensive variety of aquatic species and habitats on display. From the moment we stepped inside, we were transported into a captivating underwater world, meticulously designed to mimic natural environments ranging from the Amazon Rainforest to the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

Navigating through the aquarium, we were mesmerized by the vibrant colors and diversity of life in each tank. The layout is thoughtfully organized, ensuring visitors don't miss any part of the collection. Each section is accompanied by informative plaques providing fascinating insights into the creatures' lifestyles and habitats, enhancing the educational value of our visit.

One of the highlights was the shark tunnel, where we found ourselves surrounded by some of the ocean's most awe-inspiring predators. It was a surreal experience to have these magnificent creatures gliding gracefully overhead. The tunnel offers an unparalleled view, making it feel as though you're walking along the ocean floor.

The aquarium also features interactive zones, which were a hit with children and adults alike. These hands-on exhibits provide a unique opportunity to learn about marine conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding among visitors.

Beyond the aquatic displays, the Istanbul Aquarium impresses with its commitment to sustainability and conservation. It's evident that they prioritize the well-being of their inhabitants, ensuring that each species is housed in conditions that closely mimic their natural environments.

To wrap up our visit, we enjoyed a meal at the on-site restaurant, which boasts a stunning view of the sea. It was the perfect end to our underwater journey, allowing us to relax and reflect on the incredible diversity of life that thrives beneath the waves.

In conclusion, the Istanbul Aquarium is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city, offering an enchanting experience that captivates both the young and the young at heart. Its combination of educational content, conservation efforts, and sheer beauty makes it a standout attraction, promising an unforgettable adventure into the depths of our...

One of the worst experience. The aquarium is interesting however the staff is awful, not trained, not friendly. I refused to get my picture taken by the staff before entering the aquarium. You know the picture the take and sell you at the end. I simply refused. The 3 staff there and more specifically the silly blond girl got annoyed. This blond girl started to laugh when I explained in English that I didn’t want my picture to be taken. She imitated me, showed how annoyed she was and even touched my shoulder to make me go to her picture spot.

Then, she started to say that the picture was for security reasons…I asked where is it written, to check her saying. But of course, she or no one else could explain anything as first of all it’s a lie and second they don’t speak English at all. She and the young man next to her said to us « no picture no akvaryum ». Then, she went talking to other staff around me and talked about me calling me « salak ». She couldn’t stop laughing like a teenager. I repeated the word she used and she became all red and started to tell people I was the one telling her this word. She started shouting, coming close to me, to impress me. Her head was close to me. The situation was close to an assault.

I went out to find security, who didn’t care and redirected me to the ticket selling place. I went to one of the ladies who could understand a little of English. She is the one who told this blond girl to calm down and let us go through without taking a picture.

An aquarium who receives tourists should train their staff to basic English, to basic correct behavior and to teach them to respect people’s privacy. No one is allowed to force you to have your picture taken and more particularly when they lie pretending it’s for security when it’s only to sell it later.

Shame on this untrained staff. They ruined the mood, ruined...

This place might be worth a couple of hours on a weekend, but beyond that, it holds little significance. As a local born and raised in Istanbul, I was drawn to the scenery, which was admittedly "alright". However, I couldn’t help but feel deeply saddened for about 90% of the animals there.

Why are spiders, frogs, snakes, and even penguins kept in such small enclosures? Imagine being a human with wings, unable to spread them your entire life—it’s heartbreaking. Every animal I saw, every one I made eye contact with, looked back at me with an undeniable sadness. It was incredibly disappointing, especially knowing I had paid to witness this.

Speaking of payments, there’s another issue: the ticket pricing system. If you're a Turkish citizen (a "real Turk," not a foreigner who has purchased citizenship), you get a discounted price. Foreigners, however, are charged five times as much, which feels very unfair.

To avoid overpaying, I’d recommend having a native Turkish speaker with you. When buying tickets, simply state how many you need in Turkish, and avoid speaking any foreign language until you’ve passed through the gates. Don't let them understand you're not a local.

It was also incredibly loud inside, largely due to classrooms of students on field trips. Surprisingly, there were no teachers supervising them or ensuring they behaved. The students were running around noisily, sometimes even pushing or bumping into visitors, which I found quite unsettling. It’s hard to believe a place like this wouldn’t have clear rules or guidelines for school groups. Surely there must be a written protocol for field trips, right? Right...?

Instead of enjoying a peaceful, calm, and relaxing walk through the aquarium, you’re more likely to be met with constant screaming and high-decibel noise. The chaotic atmosphere can make you want to leave far sooner...