Aquariums have been around since the time of the Roman Empire. The first fish to be transferred to an aquarium was the sea barbel, which the Romans kept in small marble tanks under the beds of their guest rooms. Eventually, glass panes were introduced that allowed the Romans to replace at least one side of the marble tanks with glass, thereby improving the visibility. If you really want to an astonishing view of aquatic animals, the best way is through the large public, and the most amazing aquariums located in big cities around the globe.

Here is a list of the top 10 most amazing aquariums in the world.

1. Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The royalty of Dubai used that oil money to good use as the Emirates tries to position itself as a major tourist destination. Aside from the construction of tall buildings, Dubai also has the Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre located at the giant Dubai Mall. It boasts of the largest acrylic panel in the world. The aquarium also plays host to more than 33,000 sea animals belonging to 85 different aquatic species sourced from around the world.

2. The Deep Aquarium, Hull, England 

 

The Deep Aquarium may not be the most impressive in terms of size, but nevertheless, it is still one of the most impressive. Strictly speaking, The Deep Aquarium is actually a submarium. It has tanks filled with 2.5 million litres of seawater. It plays host to seven variety of shark species, as well as more than 3,500 different kinds of sea animals and creatures. The aquarium opened in 2002 and has been a major tourist destination since it started its operations. The general public funds the place, and it also plays an important role in marine research through its modern aquatic laboratories.

3. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the largest aquariums in the world. The impressive facility opened in 2005 after a generous grant of $250 million from the owner of Home Depot. The aquarium features several sections, including the magnificent Ocean Voyager section. This section features whale sharks housed in tanks that have capacities of up to 24 million litres of water each.

4. Aquadom, Berlin, Germany

The Aquadom is an aquarium located inside the Radisson Hotel in Berlin, Germany. The size of the area it occupies may not be impressive at first, but once you see it, you will certainly be mesmerised by the structure. The aquarium has a cylindrical shape and runs 25 meters in height and 11 meters in diameter. It has a capacity of around a million litres of water, providing a sanctuary to more than 2,600 sea creatures. If that still does not impress you, maybe you should try the transparent elevator that goes right through the entire tank as you head towards the upper observation deck.

5. Turkuazoo, Istanbul, Turkey

 

The Turkuazoo Aquarium in Istanbul was opened in 2009. Surprisingly, it is funded by the public. It acts as the nerve centre of marine and aquatic research in the region. This aquarium is located inside the Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall. It has 30 exhibits and several different zones, one exclusively each for tropical seas, flooded forests, and a separate one for rain-forests. It is the home of more than 10,000 sea animals, including giant stingrays, piranhas, and tiger sharks. This aquarium is an amazing place to learn more about the sea creatures.

6. L’Oceanografic, Valencia, Spain

 

L’Oceanografic is located in Valencia, Spain. The main amazement of this place is water lily-inspired structure.  It lies at the centre of the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of the city. The aquarium focuses on sea creatures from three ecosystems, the Antarctic, the Arctic and the Mediterranean Sea. It hosts more than 45,000 aquatic animals from these three regions.

7. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California

 

The Monterey Bay Aquarium opened in 1984, hosts over 35,000 aquatic animals. These creatures come from around 623 different species. It includes everything from whales, hammerhead sharks, stingrays and bluefin tunas, sea otters, sea sardines and wolf eels.It provides a lot of educational information and knowledge. This magnificent aquarium is open all year round.

8. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Shanghai, China

 

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium in China features a 155 meters long underwater tunnel. Move around the place, and you will see the usual sea creatures that have become a staple in aquariums all over the world. The presence of several endangered species from the country’s Yangtze River, including the Yangtze alligator and giant salamander makes this aquarium unique. Chinese water dragons and even rare penguins from Antarctica are great additions to the above.

9. uShaka Marine World, Durban, South Africa

 

The uShaka Marine World aquarium is located in Durban, South Africa. Built to resemble a ship’s wreckage, making its ambience unique and different. When you get hungry, you can eat up while having an amazing underwater feeling. Visitors to the place can enjoy up to 32 tanks that feature practically every sea creature on earth, from several tiny seahorses to large dolphins. Try out the Cargo Hold restaurant, which features a full-size aquarium with sharks roaming around inside.

10. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa, Japan

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium used to have the largest acrylic panel in the world. The aquarium in Dubai has since surpassed it. Recently four manta rays have been born in the aquarium. Making a trip there can be something memorable as it has regular surprises for its visitors.