Are you looking for the best aquarium in Paris for your whole family? If you can’t decide on which one to choose, here’s a detailed comparison of these two aquariums to help you select the best one.
In short
In a hurry? Here are my top picks:
- The most species: Aquarium de Paris
- The most affordable one: Aquarium Tropical
- The best activities: Aquarium de Paris
- The most various fish tanks: Aquarium Tropical
Aquarium Tropical at la Porte Dorée
Palais de la Porte Dorée, 293, avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris
Number of specimens: 5,000
Surface area: 3,000 square meters
Tour duration: 1h10
The most noteworthy species:
- Albino alligators
- Matatas turtles
Number of fish tanks: 84
This tropical aquarium, located in the 12th arrondissement, is home to almost 500 animal species, totaling up to 5,000 specimens.
The facilities are divided into several fish tanks designed to recreate the natural habitat of each species. Discover the different tropical seabeds from around the world from coral reefs to the mangrove.
Please note: there is no shark at the Tropical Aquarium. On the other hand, the aquarium’s living collection includes two albino alligators that stand out from all the colorful fish tanks.
The aquarium is also home to several species of tropical turtles including the astonishing pig-nosed turtle and the unusual-looking Matamata turtles.
Activities: the aquarium often organizes creative workshops for children focused on the various marine species of the collection.
In short, these workshops are a fun way to learn more about aquatic fauna and raise awareness concerning ocean pollution.
Tips to avoid the crowd: Avoid rainy days and visit before 2 p.m. and after 4 p.m.
Highlights:
- The affordable price and good value for money
- The diverse ecosystems (especially the crocodile pit!)
- The carefully organized geographical zones
Weak points:
- There is no shark
Price: Starting from €8 per person / Free under 26
Aquarium de Paris
5 Av. Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris
Number of specimens: 13,000
Surface area: 3,500 square meters
Tour duration: 1h10-1h30
The most noteworthy species:
- Sharks
- Jellyfish
Number of fish tanks: 50
The Aquarium de Paris, located in the 16th arrondissement, is home to almost 500 species of marine life and over 700 coral colonies from all over the world.
With 50 species of jellyfish and a total of 2,500 specimens in 25 tanks, this is Europe’s largest medusarium. Discover world’s most beautiful jellyfish species including the moon and white-spotted jellyfish.
The highlight of the aquarium are the sharks. The aquarium features 38 large shark tanks each as imposing as majestic as the others. Here are the shark species you can observe: blacktip shark, grey reef shark, white-spotted bamboo shark, and zebra shark.
Activities: the aquarium offers 2-hour night tours all year round with creative workshops and exhibitions. The highlight of the evening: a musical show with a mermaid diving among fishes in one of the aquarium’s largest fish tanks. A truly magical experience!
The Paris Aquarium also offers a special “touch tank” featuring majestic Koi carps gently brushing your fingers.
Tips to avoid the crowd: Avoid rainy days and visit before 2 p.m. and after 4 p.m.
Highlights:
- The lively and diversified activity calendar
- The koi pond for a unique experience
- The ultra-immersive shark tunnel
Weak points:
- The excessive price
Price:
- High season prices (weekends, national holidays, and school holidays): Starting from €25.50 per adult / Starting from €18.50 per child (between 3-12 years old) / Free for 0-2 years old children
- Low season prices (Monday to Friday outside of national holidays and school holidays): Starting from €20.50 per adult / Starting from €14.50 per child (between 3-12 years old) / Free for 0-2 years old children
Recap: Aquarium Tropical VS Aquarium de Paris
| Aquarium tropical | Aquarium de Paris | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface area | 3,000 square meters | 3,500 square meters |
| Number of fish tanks | 84 | 50 |
| Number of species | 500 species (animal and plants) | ● 500 animal species ● 700 coral colonies |
| Total specimen number | 5,000 | 13,000 |
| Exclusive species | ● Alligators (2) ● Turtles | ● Sharks (38) ● Jellyfish (2 500) |
| Tour duration | 1-1.10 hour | 1.10-1.5 hour |
| Activities | ● Workshops | ● Night tours ● Musical show with a mermaid ● The Koi carp touch tank |
| Price for a family of 3 (child under 12) | €16 | €54.50 (low season price) |
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
