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
An interesting little aquarium. A good variety of fish as well as an albino crocodile. I visited because I was going to the museum on the floor above. I was slightly concerned about the size of some of the tanks, especially for the rays which didn’t have much space. There is a cafe on the floor above.
Amelia Dellamuro - 22 days ago
Beautiful place and ideal if you want to go with kids. You will see people of all ages there. The aquariums are full of diverse fish. The real attraction are the albonos alligators. A sight to see if you haven't. Unfortunately it was raining that day so we could not enjoy the terrace outside.
Charlotte Nynapen - 1 month ago
This is excellent for young children and adults alike. So many fish, turtles right in front of a park. Great value for money.
Nestor Gromenida - 5 months ago
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
One of the cutest aquarium. And it's free . It's not that big but it's very peaceful. Must visit once
Rishika Khosla - 9 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: borgias franck -
Photo Credit: Judith Lin