Aquarium de Lyon
Discover diverse marine life, from local European species to impressive sharks, in a clean and engaging aquarium setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, more relaxed viewing
Aquarium de Lyon
Best Time
Quieter, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse marine life, from local European species to impressive sharks, in a clean and engaging aquarium setting.
"It's clean, well organized, and the fish seem to be well looked after."
Book Online for Savings
Purchase tickets online a few days prior to save money compared to on-the-day prices. :ticket:
Weekday Visits are Best
Opt for a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. :person_walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Encounter
Shark Tank
Come face-to-face with impressive sharks in a dedicated, immersive tank. A thrilling sight for all ages!
Mediterranean Marine Life
European & Mediterranean Pools
Discover a diverse array of local fish and species from European waters. Educational and visually engaging.
Interactive Learning
Throughout the Aquarium
Engage with online quizzes, floor activities, and informative screens for a fun, educational visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ticket Smarts
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Online for Savings
Purchase tickets online a few days prior to save money compared to on-the-day prices. :ticket:
Weekday Visits are Best
Opt for a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. :person_walking:
Utilize Translation Apps
Most information is in French, but Google Translate can help you understand the details. :iphone:
Check Holiday Hours
Opening hours can differ during school holidays, so always verify before your visit. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Online for Savings
Purchase tickets online a few days prior to save money compared to on-the-day prices. :ticket:
Weekday Visits are Best
Opt for a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. :person_walking:
Utilize Translation Apps
Most information is in French, but Google Translate can help you understand the details. :iphone:
Check Holiday Hours
Opening hours can differ during school holidays, so always verify before your visit. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Aquarium de Lyon to be a clean and well-maintained attraction with a good selection of local marine life and an impressive shark exhibit. While some feel it's smaller than expected for the price, many appreciate the calm atmosphere, especially on weekdays, and the educational elements for children. The cafeteria's fast-food focus is a minor drawback for some. +2
"The aquarium was practically empty when I visited which was great, and I enjoyed my visit a lot. All information plaques and talks are in French of course but Google translate had me covered. The problem is that it's pretty small, they recommend 90-120 minutes to get through but that's really only if you have kids and are doing the interactive stuff designed for them like the online quiz. As an adult I could get through it in 30 minutes even stopping to take in everything. Because it was so quiet I did spend a couple of hours there just enjoying the calm and watching the fish, but I'm not sure it's worth nearly €20. Even booking in advance online is still €15 a ticket and that's pushing it a bit. Still it's very clean, there are quite a few benches and the fish seem to be well looked after. I just wish it were bigger and had more variety"
Emily Hall
"Went there on a Monday afternoon just after lunchtime, was pretty calm and quiet which made our visit really enjoyable. Entry ticket was a bit expensive in my opinion (€18) but learned at the front desk that if you purchased the ticket online a few days before you can save a few euros. Lots of local fishes from the Mediterranean Sea and Europe, and a few species from other parts of the world but it’s a small aquarium so it was a bit predictable. Spent almost 2 hours there and had a pleasant experience, would go back again if they add some new species and fishtanks."
Benjamin VERGES
"Visited in December 2023. The aquarium isn't that big. There are a lot of benches to take a break and enjoy the view. There are quizzes online, on the floor and in a booklet to make a visit more interesting. You can find out more about marine life on the screens next to the tanks. There are also short educational lectures a few times per day. There's a cafeteria and a gift shop with plenty of toys for kids. Be careful with opening hours, they are different during school holidays."
Iryna Konovalova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aquarium de Lyon is easily accessible by public transport in Lyon. Many visitors mention convenient parking options nearby, making it straightforward for those driving. :car:
Yes, parking is generally considered easy and available for visitors driving to the aquarium. :parking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be around €18 if purchased on the day, but booking online a few days in advance can save you a few euros. :euro:
Absolutely! Purchasing your tickets online a few days before your visit is recommended to potentially save money. :computer:
While not explicitly detailed, booking online in advance is the primary way to get a better price. Keep an eye out for potential package deals if available. :moneywithwings:
Opening hours can vary, especially during school holidays. It's best to check their official website or confirm before your visit. :clock1:
Yes, buying tickets online in advance is often recommended to secure your spot and potentially get a slightly better price. :ticket:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
While recommended for 90-120 minutes, especially with kids, adults can often see everything in about 30 minutes. Many visitors enjoy lingering longer in the calm atmosphere. :stopwatch:
You'll find a variety of species, including many local fish from the Mediterranean Sea and Europe, alongside some international species. They also have sharks and other marine life. :fish:
Yes, it's designed with children in mind, featuring interactive elements like online quizzes and educational materials. The tanks are also at a good height for them to see. :child:
Yes, short educational lectures are offered a few times per day, providing insights into marine life. :microphone:
Take your time, utilize the benches to observe the fish, and engage with the interactive quizzes and information screens for a more enriching visit. :bulb:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafeteria on-site that serves fast food options like fish and chips, chicken and chips, hotdogs, and donuts. :hamburger:
The cafeteria primarily offers fast food choices. Some visitors would prefer healthier options. :fries:
Currently, the cafeteria focuses on fast food. Healthier options might be limited, so consider bringing snacks if needed. :apple:
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of flash usage as it can disturb the marine life. :camerawithflash:
The shark tank and the larger, well-lit tanks with diverse species offer great photo opportunities. :frame_photo:
Avoid using flash, try to get steady shots as the glass can cause reflections, and focus on capturing the movement and colors of the fish. :movie_camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Size and Value
However, many visitors find the experience enjoyable, especially if they visit during quieter times. The calm atmosphere and the well-cared-for fish contribute to a pleasant visit. For families, the interactive quizzes and educational materials designed for children can extend the visit and add significant value.
When considering the value, it's important to weigh the cost against the experience. While some find it a bit expensive for its size, others feel it's worth it for the clean environment, the variety of species (especially local ones), and the educational opportunities. Booking online in advance can help mitigate the cost concern.
Interactive Elements and Education
For families, these interactive components are a significant draw. They provide a structured way for children to learn and stay engaged throughout the visit. The explanations, though primarily in French, can be navigated with translation apps, ensuring a broader audience can benefit from the educational content.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit