Prague Zoo (Zoo Praha)

Prague Zoo Main EntranceThe Prague Zoo was first opened on September 28, 1931. It is located on the Vltava river bank near the Trója Chateau in Prague 7 and is open year round. Its grounds are spread at the foot of a hill and climb up the hill, so you can enjoy beautiful views of the river and the city from the upper areas.

The Prague Zoo has been consistently ranked as one of the top 10 zoological gardens in the world by Forbes Traveler Magazine and Trip Advisor. The zoo was badly damaged in the 2002 flood. Lots of reconstruction was needed to turn it into one of the world's best only five years later.

Although the Prague zoo is spread out, it also has an intimate feel. Be prepared to examine a tiger's paw from inches away, share a bench with a lemur or exchange a face to face stare with a gorilla. Gravel paths, wooden boardwalks and lots of greenery make the area very pleasant to walk around. Children will enjoy the play areas that are scattered through the park, a petting zoo, a viewing train, and older kids will like the short chair-lift (with individual chairs). Parents with little ones can borrow a stroller or cart in which they can push or pull their kids around to give them a break from walking. Dogs are allowed in the zoo when on a leash.

Prague Zoo - ElephantsPrague Zoo - Lemur

The zoo is definitely worth a visit. You can see a lot in two to three hours or you can spend half a day watching the animals, visiting the different pavilions, having lunch in one of the restaurants or just relaxing with a cup of coffee while your kids play at the Bororo playground. For a full day out, you can combine your visit with a river cruise on the way there or back, seeing the Trója Chateau that's literally across the street, or strolling through the Prague Botanical Garden that's up on the hill nearby.


Getting to the Zoo

Take bus 112 from Nádraží Holešovice (Metro C) to the end of the line at Zoologická zahrada. You can also take a steamboat one or both ways. One way is more practical because the boat trip takes 75 minutes plus there's a 15 - 20 min. walk between the zoo and the dock.

Prague ZOO opening times

Admission (get free entry with the Prague Card)

The ZOO website


Critically Endangered Indian Gavial at the Prague ZooThe Giraffe Run at the Prague Zoo

Hippos Up Close at the Prague ZooThe Popular Penguins at the Prague Zoo