Aquarium Barcelona is said to be the fourth biggest attraction in Barcelona, next to the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Camp Nou. Let’s take a closer look at it!
Aquarium Barcelona (L’Aquarium de Barcelona) was opened in 1995 and it is still one of the largest attractions of this kind in Europe. 450 species of various animals live here in 35 aquariums (these are about 11,000 specimens in total). The facility is known primarily for the fact that it largely highlights species of the Mediterranean Sea.
Interesting facts about the Aquarium
One of the most interesting solutions applied in the Barcelona Aquarium is an 80-meter long underwater tunnel. A similar one can also be found in the Valencia Oceanarium, but the main difference lies in the way of using this part of the aquarium.
Hotels near Barcelona Aquarium
💰 Hotel 54 Barceloneta – Affordable hotel in Barceloneta, about a 10-minute walk from the Aquarium.
🏨 H10 Port Vell – Comfortable boutique hotel by Port Vell, a few minutes’ walk from the Aquarium.
💎 W Barcelona – Exceptional luxury hotel right on Barceloneta beach, a few minutes’ walk from the Aquarium.
While in Valencia we use the strength of our own legs, in Barcelona we can also use the “moving walkway” leading us through the tunnel. This is truly an unusual solution, although I have mixed feelings about its actual usefulness… On the other hand, it allows to avoid crowds in the tunnel, which could be a problem, especially in the high season.
Attractions in L’Aquarium de Barcelona
The moving walkway is not the only attraction at L’Aquarium. As in many other aquariums in Spain, there are a few additional ways for tourists to make their visit to the aquarium even more exciting.
The first is the possibility of diving with sharks. It is not the largest sharkarium in Spain, but the capacity of 3.7 million liters of water, sharks and thousands of other fish swimming around can still give you the creeps! Such an unusual way of watching these predators, in addition to a good shot of adrenaline, also gives you an opportunity to take photos or record a video from a very close distance.
If you do not have much experience in diving, and you cannot say that you are buddies with sharks, you can also choose the option of cage diving. Such a cover will effectively prevent close contact with these animals, making you feel safer.
Especially for children aged 8-12, the Barcelona Oceanarium prepares cyclic “Shark Night” events. This unusual experience gives the youngest the opportunity to spend the night surrounded by over 8,000 fish and sea creatures, including, of course, sharks. Children can see for themselves what their activity looks like at dusk and how the ocean comes to life in the morning.
Practical info
- If you want to visit the Aquarium, it is best to buy your tickets in advance. You will then avoid standing in a long queue and avoid the risk that all tickets have been sold out.
- Address: del Port Vell, Moll d’Espanya, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
- Buy Tickets on GetYourGuide
Hotels near Barcelona Aquarium
Barcelona Aquarium (L’Aquàrium de Barcelona) is in Port Vell, right by the old harbour and not far from La Rambla. Staying nearby lets you explore the city’s waterfront, the Barri Gòtic and Barceloneta beach on foot.
💰 Hotel 54 Barceloneta
An affordable hotel in Barceloneta, about a 10-minute walk from the Aquarium. A good choice for budget-friendly accommodation close to the beach and the port.
🏨 H10 Port Vell
A comfortable boutique hotel by Port Vell, a few minutes’ walk from the Aquarium. A rooftop pool and a great location make it a convenient base for exploring Barcelona’s waterfront.
💎 W Barcelona
An exceptional luxury hotel right on Barceloneta beach, a few minutes’ walk from the Aquarium. Striking architecture and Mediterranean views make it one of the most spectacular hotels in the city.
