Families looking for a zoo in Istanbul usually end up driving out of the city. Yet there is one on the Asian Side, inside a shopping mall, that you can visit whatever the weather. Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo sits inside Emaar Square Mall in Üsküdar and brings penguins, crocodiles, monkeys, raccoons and sharks together under one roof, on a single ticket. Here is where it is, which animals you will see, when to go and how long a visit takes.
Is There a Zoo in Istanbul?
There is. Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is on level -2 of Emaar Square Mall in Üsküdar, one of the most central spots on the Asian Side. What makes it different from a classic zoo is that it is inside a mall and combines land animals with underwater creatures in a single visit. Kadıköy, Ataşehir and Ümraniye are a few minutes away, and because it is open until 22.00 every day, even a weekday evening works.
Which Animals Are There?
The crowd favourites are the penguins, vervet monkeys, raccoons, meerkats and crocodiles. The Forests area is home to snakes such as the anaconda, Burmese python and boa, reptiles such as the green iguana, Nile monitor, bearded dragon and chameleon, and rarely seen mammals such as the sugar glider and the naked mole rat. Tortoises, frogs, spiders and giant snails complete the list. You can read about each animal, where it lives, what it eats and its home at Emaar Aquarium on the zoo page.
The land animals are spread across thematic areas such as Penguin Island, Monkey Kingdom, Raccoon House, Crocodile Kingdom and Forests. On the same visit you walk through the Ocean Tunnel and watch sharks and rays glide over your head. No separate ticket needed.
Whatever the Weather
At an open-air zoo the plan depends on the sky. If it starts raining the visit is over, and in the summer heat the animals retreat into the shade. None of that applies at Emaar. Because it is inside the mall, the visit is just as comfortable in every season, and getting around with a stroller is easy. When you are done, you can have lunch in the same building or head to the play areas for kids.
When to Go? Feeding Times
To see the animals at their liveliest, plan your visit around feeding times. Penguins are fed every day at 12.00 and 16.00, vervet monkeys at 11.15 and 15.15, and raccoons at 11.45. The crocodiles are fed only at weekends, at 16.45. Check the feeding hours page for the current schedule.
How Long Does a Visit Take?
Walking through all the thematic areas takes 1.5-2 hours. Children lose track of time in Kumtopia, and parents take a break at Aquarium Cafe in the meantime. Penguin, monkey and raccoon feedings happen every day; if you also want to see the crocodiles being fed, note down 16.45 at the weekend.
Visitor Information
- Address Emaar Square Mall (level -2), Libadiye Cad. No 88, Üsküdar, Istanbul
- Opening hours Every day 10.00-22.00, last entry 21.15
- Getting there Metro, Marmaray and bus options district by district on the directions page
- Tickets One ticket covers the aquarium, the land animals and Kumtopia. Up to 10% off when you book online on the tickets page
- Babies Free entry for ages 0-36 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a zoo on Istanbul’s Asian Side?
Yes. Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is inside Emaar Square Mall in Üsküdar, close to Kadıköy, Ataşehir and Ümraniye. Transport options are on the directions page.
Is Emaar Zoo indoors?
Yes, all of it is inside the shopping mall. It is just as easy to visit on rainy days and in winter.
Do I need separate tickets for the zoo and the aquarium?
No. One ticket covers the underwater creatures, the land animals and Kumtopia.
Is entry free for children?
Babies aged 0-36 months enter free with an adult holding a full-price ticket. See the tickets page for other age groups.
What is the nearest metro?
You can find the most practical route for your district on the directions page.
The next time someone asks “where shall we go today”, the answer is ready. Come to Üsküdar, make it in time for the penguins’ feeding, stand in front of the crocodiles and finish with a coffee. Whatever the weather.
