Palais de la Porte Doree Tropical Aquarium
With over 300 species, the Palais de la Porte Doree tropical aquarium is certain to please and educate travellers of all ages

Planning your Paris itinerary is always a challenging task because Paris seems to offer so many interesting opportunities that choosing only a few can be quite difficult. The Palais de la Porte Doree is definitely a must-see and should be included in any traveller's Paris itinerary. This tropical aquarium is bound to please just about any type of traveller.
The Palais de la Porte Doree is an exhibition space situated in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. The actual aquarium is located in the basement of the Palais de la Porte Doree. The building itself has been used for a variety of different functions since it was opened in 1931. It offers more than sixteen thousand square metres of space to be used for exhibits or offices.
One of the major attractions of the Palais de la Porte Doree is the amazing artwork in the form of bas-relief. These reliefs were done by the talented artist, Alfred Janniot. The extensive artworks show a variety of creatures. These include, but are not limited to, magnificent elephants, winding snakes and majestic zebras.
When visiting the tropical aquarium in the basement of Palais de la Porte Doree, visitors can expect an impressive sight. There is a vast variety of plant and animal species present in the aquarium. In fact, it is reported that there are in excess of 5,000 specimens representing more than three hundred different species of aquatic animals living in the Palais de la Porte Doree tropical aquarium. You can amuse yourself for a few hours finding and identifying as many species of plant and animals as you can.
The aquarium itself is made up of a total of 84 individual aquariums or tanks. These tanks range in size from as small as fifty litres to as large as thirty seven thousand litres. A 135 square metre terrarium houses crocodiles and alligators and there is another smaller terrarium for turtles. Make sure you budget enough time for visiting this aquarium when planning your Paris itinerary because one simply does not realize how much time goes by while there.
Nearby attraction: Bois de Vincinnes
Facts For Your Visit
Official Website: Palais de la Porte Doree Tropical Aquarium
Hours This Week:- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Address: 293 Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
Phone: 01 53 59 58 60
Official Website: Palais de la Porte Doree Tropical Aquarium
Reviews
Rated
Such a fun experience! Free activity to do and relax a little, the space it’s really nice and even thought it isn’t the biggest aquarium I have been in, it’s definitely cool! Close to other nice places.
Diana Cândido - 1 year ago
This is an amazing aquarium with fishes and sea creatures from all around the globe! I've never seen such beautiful fishes in my life! Entry fees are free for student and really cheap for adult. I recommend it a lot!
Hugo Bessis - 1 year ago
Cute aquarium with a lot of different types of fish. The seaweed exposition also interesting. Super appreciate it that the entrance for young people (18-25) is totally free! The water was really clean and nice that they have real corals and plants!
Anna Pedrals - 1 year ago
One of the cutest aquarium. And it's free . It's not that big but it's very peaceful. Must visit once
Rishika Khosla - 3 months ago
Small but has a big variety of tropical fish. Kids loved it. Information in bother french and English. Recommend getting the tickets online, they aren’t too strict on the time slots pre selected. We were 1hr late. You can skip the line and go straight to the entry with your email tickets. Very clean toilets and handicap accessible. Great stop if your in the area!
Jasmine Lee - 4 months ago
Accommodations near Palais de la Porte Doree Tropical Aquarium:
Directions
Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
M8 | Porte Dorée | 5 minutes |
How to get to Palais de la Porte Doree Tropical Aquarium by Metro / RER
By Metro: Exit Metro line 8 Porte Dorée Station; cross the road on your left (Blvd Poniatowski) and follow it to your left (northeast) to Place Edouard Renard (at the traffic circle) and go right. Continue past the centre island lined with fountains and palm trees. The Tropical Aquarium is located just east of this in the large building across the street to your left.
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Photo Gallery
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A Clownfish blends with its surroundings at the Tropical Aquarium in Palais de la Porte Doree -
I'd rather meet a Jellyfish here than in the ocean -
Photo Credit: Rmy Cz -
Photo Credit: Florence Fernandez -
Photo Credit: Nazmul Hossain -
Photo Credit: merliere Eva -
Photo Credit: Techno KHM