Istanbul Aquarium Opening Hours | Best Time to Visit

Istanbul Aquarium

The Istanbul Aquarium working hours might change during festivals like Eid and on public holidays in Turkey.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	10:00–19:00
Tuesday (Today)	10:00–19:00
Wednesday	10:00–19:00
Thursday	10:00–19:00
Friday	10:00–19:00
Saturday	10:00–20:00
Sunday	10:00–20:00

Best time to visit the Istanbul Aquarium

Weekday vs Weekend

Istanbul Aquarium is one of the city’s most popular attractions and draws a higher number of visitors on the weekends. Visit on weekdays to enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Early mornings or afternoons are the ideal time to visit, when it is less crowded. You’ll get uninterrupted views of the fish at the tanks and you can linger longer at popular exhibits.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Being an indoor attraction, you can visit the Istanbul Aquarium at any time of the year. Istanbul sees large crowds during the peak summer season – from June to August – and the aquarium tends to be more congested during these months.
The off-peak season months from April to May and September to November are a better time to visit the aquarium, with lower visitor numbers.
If you’re visiting Istanbul between December and March (the low season months), the aquarium is relatively crowd-free, allowing you to peacefully explore all the exhibits.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long does it take to visit the Istanbul Aquarium?

Istanbul Aquarium is spread over an area of about 22,000 square metres and is a vast complex. It contains 18 habitat zones, and you have to walk a 1.2-kilometre-long route to see them all. You might want to spend more time at your preferred exhibits and at the popular zones watching the fish. There are also two 5D cinemas, restaurants, cafes, and a souvenir store to visit.

We recommend spending at least 2 to 3 hours at Istanbul Aquarium to be able to cover the entire attraction and make the most of your visit.

Frequently asked questions about Istanbul Aquarium opening hours

What are the Istanbul Aquarium opening hours?

The aquarium is open from 10am to 7pm on weekdays and from 10am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

When is the Istanbul Aquarium closed?

The aquarium is open on all 365 days of the year.

Does the aquarium have special timings on any particular days?

The Istanbul Aquarium opening hours might vary on festivals like Eid or on public holidays in Turkey. Check the timings before you plan your visit.

What is the best time to visit the Istanbul Aquarium?

Being an indoor attraction, you can visit the aquarium any time during the year. However, it might see more crowds during Istanbul’s peak tourist season, which lasts from June to August. The off-peak season spring and autumn months – April, May, and September to November – are a good time to visit.

Is there a recommended time to avoid large crowds at the Istanbul Aquarium?

The aquarium is relatively less crowded in the early mornings or afternoons on weekdays outside of the peak tourist season. Weekends typically see higher foot traffic, so it’s best to arrive at the opening time.

How long does it take to complete a tour of the aquarium?

We recommend spending at least 2-3 hours exploring the 18 different habitat zones, watching the various marine life displays, and visiting the other attractions. However, once you’re inside the aquarium, you can spend as long as you want.