Haus des Meeres Aqua Terra Zoo Tickets Vienna

Haus des Meeres, the aquarium in the flak tower

Haus des Meeres, in the Esterházypark in Vienna's Mariahilf district, is housed in a massive concrete flak tower built during the Second World War. It opened as an aquarium in 1957 and has grown into a combined aquarium and tropical zoo with more than ten thousand animals. If you are looking for Haus des Meeres tickets, this fast-track option gets you in through the express security check.

The tower's thick walls and unusual shape give the visit an odd character: you travel from floor to floor by stairs and lifts through habitats that feel like separate worlds. It is easy to reach from Mariahilfer Straße and the MuseumsQuartier, so it fits well into a day in the city centre.

Sharks, reptiles and tropical animals

The aquarium floors show fish, sharks, rays and sea turtles in tanks of many sizes, including marine displays from the Atlantic and the tropics. Terrariums hold lizards, snakes and other reptiles, among them species that are among the largest and most venomous of their kind. The tropical areas include monkeys, flying foxes and birds moving freely in lively, humid rooms.

Feeding demonstrations with commentary take place on certain days and times, which is a highlight for children. Is Haus des Meeres worth visiting? Yes, particularly for families and for anyone who enjoys animals in an indoor setting, because the animals are close and the space is compact.

The rooftop terrace and the view over Vienna

At the top of the tower, the rooftop terrace gives a wide view over the city, with Stephansdom and the rooftops in sight. It is included in the ticket, and it is pleasant for a break after the busy floors below.

The way up passes through the last few floors, so allow time. Some outdoor areas may be closed in poor weather, so check on arrival. The terrace is a good spot for photographs when the sky is clear, and a nice place to sit for a few minutes before you head back down.

Fast-track entry and planning your visit

Fast-track entry through the express security check helps most at busy times, such as weekends, holidays and rainy afternoons, when the queue at the door can grow. Ticket-holders go to the fast-track entrance and show their ticket. Food at the restaurant and lemur feeding are not included in the ticket.

Opening hours are usually daily, and last admission is before closing, so check the current times. To get there, take the U3 to Neubaugasse or U2/U3 to Volkstheater, then walk about ten minutes; the address is Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz 1. Allow two to three hours for the visit. The building is wheelchair accessible.