If you’re looking for something to do in Barcelona with kids, consider visiting the Barcelona Aquarium (L’Aquàrium de Barcelona). The exhibition lets you get up close – and sometimes personal – with a variety of sea creatures, most of which are indigenous to the Spanish coastline and the Mediterranean Sea, as befits the world’s largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium.
Diverse Marine Life
Though the Aquarium’s main focus is on the Mediterranean Sea, it’s home to 450 species of marine life, including several from cold-water and tropical habitats outside of the region. Among the many inhabitants, you’ll see:
- Schools of fish, from grouper, mullets, and sea bream, to silvery pompano, creole-fish, and unicorn-fish
- Impressive sharks
- Seahorses
- Spiny lobsters
- Starfish
- Prickly sea urchins
- Slithery moray eels
- Bulbous octopus
Special Attractions
The Barcelona Aquarium offers several special attractions that make your visit even more memorable:
Colorful Coral Tanks
A series of mini-tanks filled with colorful corals, clownfish, and flashy Yellow and Royal Blue Tangs showcase the beauty of tropical marine life.
Tropical Reptiles and Penguins
Along With fish and other sea creatures, the Aquarium is home to tropical reptiles like camouflaged iguanas and a colony of mischievous South American Humboldt penguins. Try to catch the penguins around feeding time for an extra special experience.
Stingray Crawl Space
Children (and maybe some adults) can squeeze into a crawl space beneath the stingray tank to watch the ‘smiling’ stingrays swimming above.
Underwater Tunnel
A moving walkway inside a glass tunnel takes visitors on a virtual walk on the bottom of the sea, offering a unique perspective on the marine life that surrounds you.
Deep Sea Displays
Tanks of luminescent jellyfish and other inhabitants of the deep sea are displayed in the belly of a life-size whale, creating an immersive and educational experience.
Animal Feeding Opportunities
Kids visiting the Aquarium may even get a chance to feed some of the animals, adding an interactive element to their visit.
Getting There and Ticket Info
- Location: The Aquarium is located at Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, s/n, in the Old Port of Barcelona.
- Adult Admission: €20.00
- Child Admission (Ages 5-10): €15.00
- Child Admission (Ages 3-4): €7.00
Discounts apply for tickets purchased online, and reduced-price ticket packs are available for small groups. Check the Aquarium website for details.
Additional Information
- The Barcelona Aquarium opened in 1995 and has since become one of the city’s most popular attractions, welcoming over 1.5 million visitors annually.
- The Aquarium’s main tank, the Oceanarium, holds 4 million liters of water and is home to several species of sharks, rays, and other large fish.
- Along With the main exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational workshops, guided tours, and special events throughout the year.
- The Aquarium is committed to marine conservation and participates in several research and protection projects, including the rehabilitation of injured sea turtles.
- The facility is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, with ramps, elevators, and wheelchair rentals available.
Tips for Your Visit
- Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at the Aquarium to fully explore all the exhibits and attractions.
- Consider purchasing your tickets online in advance to save money and avoid waiting in line at the entrance.
- Check the Aquarium’s schedule for daily feeding times and special presentations to make the most of your visit.
- Bring a camera to capture your favorite moments, but be aware that flash photography may not be permitted in certain areas.
- The Aquarium can be crowded during peak hours, so consider visiting early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
A visit to the Barcelona Aquarium is a fun and educational experience for the whole family. With its diverse collection of marine life, engaging exhibits, and hands-on opportunities, the Aquarium offers a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this attraction is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our planet’s oceans.
