Barcelona Aquarium or Valencia Aquarium: Which is better?

Check out our comprehensive comparison of Barcelona Aquarium and Valencia’s L’Oceanogràfic. Explore key features like the 80-meter shark tunnel in Barcelona or Valencia’s beluga whales and record-breaking underwater tunnel. Plan your visit with insights on ticket options, visit durations, and what makes each aquarium unique.

Deciding between Barcelona Aquarium and Valencia’s L’Oceanogràfic can be tricky for both tourists and locals. Especially for those with limited time. 

Even though both are aquariums and offer captivating experiences, each caters to different interests and preferences.

This article provides a detailed comparison of the two aquariums, highlighting their unique features, visit durations, costs, and the experiences they offer. 

Whether you’re exploring as a family with kids or a group of friends, you’ll find all the insights needed to make the right choice.

Quick Overview

When choosing between Barcelona Aquarium and Valencia Aquarium (L’Oceanogràfic), the latter is the better option for marine enthusiasts.

As Europe’s largest aquarium, it offers immersive experiences like the 35-meter (114 feet) long underwater tunnel—the longest in Europe—and the captivating beluga whale exhibit, unique to the continent. 

The aquarium, which focuses on Global marine life, also features engaging shows like daily dolphin presentations and a sea turtle rehabilitation area.

In contrast, the Barcelona Aquarium focuses on only Mediterranean marine life, with highlights like its 80-meter (262 feet) long shark tunnel. 

While Barcelona Aquarium’s offering is more compact and suited for shorter visits, L’Oceanogràfic provides a broader, world-class experience worth dedicating more time to.

L’Oceanogràfic ValenciaBarcelona Aquarium
Hours10 am to 6 pm*10 am to 8 pm
Last Entry1 hour before closing7 pm
Duration of Visit4-5 hours1-2 hours
LocationC/ d’Eduardo Primo YúferaMoll d’Espanya
Best Time to Visit10 am10 am
Cost of Tickets $36€26        
Purchase Buy tickets Buy tickets

*On Saturdays L’Oceanogràfic Valencia closes at 8 pm

Related: Barcelona Aquarium or Zoo: Choose Wisely

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More about Valencia Aquarium

Visitors marveling at the stunning views of sharks, rays, and other large fish as they walk through the underwater tunnel in L’Oceanogràfic ValenciaPin
Visitors marveling at the stunning views of sharks, rays, and other large fish as they walk through the underwater tunnel in L’Oceanogràfic Valencia

L’Oceanogràfic in Valencia is a world-class marine attraction, housing over 45,000 animals from 500 species across authentically recreated ecosystems. 

Its multi-level exhibits, such as the wetlands zone, offer unique perspectives, immersing visitors in diverse aquatic environments. 

The standout feature is the underwater tunnel, providing unparalleled views of over 20 shark species, rays, and other large fish.

Unlike the Barcelona Aquarium’s Mediterranean focus, L’Oceanogràfic showcases global ecosystems, including a remarkable beluga whale exhibit—the only one in Europe—and daily dolphin shows that combine education with entertainment.

Valencia’s sprawling complex requires 4-5 hours to fully explore, making it ideal for a full-day experience. 

With its scale, unique exhibits, and architectural brilliance, L’Oceanogràfic is a must-visit for marine enthusiasts seeking a broader exploration of aquatic life.

Hours: 10 am to 6 pm and closes at 8 pm on Saturdays
Last Entry: 1 hour before closing
Duration of Visit: 4-5 hours
Official website: Oceanografic.org

Being the largest Aquarium in Europe, L’Oceanogràfic in Valencia is visited by 1.4 million people every year, so you must book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot. The Standard entry ticket comes with access to all the exhibits. The Oceanografic, Hemisferic & Science Museum Combo tickets is a popular combo, which includes the marine attraction.

More about Barcelona Aquarium

The 80-meter shark tunnel, where sharks swim gracefully overhead, is the highlight of the Barcelona Aquarium.Pin
The 80-meter shark tunnel, where sharks swim gracefully overhead, is the highlight of the Barcelona Aquarium.

Barcelona Aquarium is a marine marvel highlighting Mediterranean biodiversity with its collection of 11,000 animals from 450 species. 

Its 35 aquariums, holding 5 million liters of water, feature captivating exhibits, including the iconic shark tunnel, where visitors can walk beneath bull sharks, rays, and moonfish.

Unlike Valencia Aquarium’s emphasis on global ecosystems, Barcelona Aquarium offers a more intimate look at Mediterranean marine life, complemented by vibrant tropical displays and the Planeta Aqua section, which explores unique aquatic adaptations.

While L’Oceanogràfic impresses with its sprawling scale and beluga whales, Barcelona Aquarium’s interactive “Explora!” area makes it particularly engaging for children. 

Its shorter 1-2 hour visit duration and central location in Port Vell make it a convenient option for those seeking a focused and immersive marine experience.

This aquarium is more suited to tourists than locals, because it is right in the middle of the city near the old harbor.

Hours: 10 am to 8 pm
Last Entry: 7 pm
Duration of Visit: 1-2 hours
Official website: Aquariumbcn.com

More than a million people enter the gates of the Barcelona Aquarium every year. With such a massive turnout, it is better to book your tickets in advance. The skip-the-line tickets come with a timed entry, and the L’Aquarium de Barcelona Flexi ticket comes with a 90-day validity and anytime walk-in option.

Why not visit them both?

For locals, visiting both Barcelona Aquarium and Valencia Aquarium on separate days is a practical and enriching option. 

With the flexibility to choose the best times, locals can explore each aquarium at their own pace, gaining a deeper appreciation of the exhibits and marine life. 

For tourists with limited time, however, visiting both aquariums is less practical due to the significant travel time (3 hours) between Barcelona and Valencia (350 km), which can detract from other experiences in each city.

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Researched & written by
Akshaya Rajkumar is a distinguished travel writer passionate about road trips, tourist attractions, and discovering local cuisines. Her travel ethos is rooted in the belief that the joy of a journey lies not just in the destination but in the experiences along the way. Her extensive travels have enriched her writing with authenticity and insightful commentary. Akshaya’s work captures the essence of each destination and serves as a valuable guide for those looking to discover new places. Her articles are a treasure trove of tips for locals and tourists, making her a trusted voice in the travel community. Favorite travel movie: Into The Wild. Next destination: Cape Town.

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