Top 20 best aquariums in Europe2026 ranking

I had read that this was one of the most beautiful aquariums in France, and I was a little disappointed. I preferred the ones in La Rochelle and Le Croisic, which were better maintained and better laid out. The aquarium, divided into several pavilions, mainly features fish, rays, and sharks in somewhat cramped spaces. The viewing areas are small and sometimes quite dirty. I did enjoy the otters and the seals, which you don't see often. Heads up, the place is currently undergoing renovations. A friend went there recently during the construction, and two buildings were closed. Sure, she got a discounted rate, but she couldn't see much. I recommend waiting for the whole site to reopen before y…

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It is not the most impressive French aquarium, but it offers several fun activities for kids. I really liked the virtual reality underwater experience and the Nautibus expedition. Remember to book time slots in advance, especially on the weekend. The touch pools were a big hit with the kids. You can touch rays and feed carp. Great idea for a family afternoon in Saint-Malo.

Before visiting the Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo, try to aim for time slots outside of peak crowds if possible. During busy periods, you sometimes have to wait in line just to see the fish in their tanks, and that can kind of spoil the visit. Otherwise, it is a great aquarium to do with kids. Wonder is guaranteed! (Tested and approved with my son :) )

This aquarium is really superb. The space is vast with many different areas. A lot of species are represented, especially those living in the Mediterranean, which is great. The fish seem well cared for and have plenty of room. Plan to spend a full afternoon there.

Right in the heart of the Trocadéro gardens, this nice aquarium with a kind of sad-looking entrance houses way more species than you would think. The layout, organized by geographic zones, is very easy to follow and takes you on a real odyssey of the marine world. It was the big shark tank, with the underwater cave, that impressed my nieces the most, but for me, I love the Médusarium. I am always totally hypnotized by that little round room where you are surrounded in the dark by a bunch of floating jellyfish. Plan on a good two hours for the visit. Pro tip, if you book online for a specific day and time, you can get a discounted rate.

This aquarium is very immersive. It might not be the most exceptional one out there, but there are plenty of exhibits, like the Nautilus submarine and the VR underwater exploration simulator (I especially love the touch pools). There are so many animal and plant species. Plan for at least 2 hours to enjoy the place. For those who are into aquariums, it is even possible to take a behind the scenes tour, where you can discover the technical side of the aquarium, by reservation. There is a restaurant available for lunch.

I won't be objective because I went there dozens of times as a kid. For me, it is a magical place where I know every single corner. The fascinating shark tank, which you can sometimes see being fed if you are there at the right time! And at the very end of the tour, the Nautilus activity where you dive into 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. A paradise for kids (and older fish fans too), with educational tanks and play areas throughout the whole route.

This aquarium is in the basement of the Val d Europe shopping center, in its leisure and relaxation area. It is very nice to stroll through this aquarium after a day of shopping. The species on display are varied, and there are many observation points that let you enjoy them. The visit is fun and informative. The sets are sometimes grand (and a bit dusty at times), and they add a little sense of adventure to the visit. It is hard to imagine such a place in the basement of a shopping mall, so do not hesitate to go!

The La Rochelle Aquarium is really worth the trip. Located near the Old Port, it is easy to get to and fits perfectly into a day of sightseeing. The spaces are well designed and the diversity of species is impressive. You should plan on about two hours to fully enjoy it.

We really had a great time at the La Rochelle Aquarium. The entrance tunnel sets the mood right away (and impresses the younger ones!) The tanks are very pretty, there are a lot of different species, and the visit is really easy to navigate. It is smooth and well organized. I really loved the second part, called the Tropical Forest with all the plants and the greenery. It is super soothing and really beautiful. The place is clean, well organized, and for a family outing, the €64 (about $69) seemed totally reasonable to us. A nice visit to do if you are passing through the region, or if you are simply from the area!