Zoo Berlin

Close-up look at a Sumatran Tiger in the Berlin Zoo
Close-up look at a Sumatran Tiger in the Berlin Zoo cc licensed photo by Tambako The Jaguar

With over 3.5 million annual visitors (including the aquarium), Zoo Berlin is of the most popular attractions in Berlin. It’s the oldest Zoo in Germany and is home to more species than any other zoo in the world. Today the 80 acre zoo has more than 20,000 animals representing over 1300 species.

Zoo Berlin is located in Tiergarten at one of the city’s major transport hubs - Berlin Zoologischer Garten often referred to as the Zoo. Directly served by the U-Bahn, S-Bahn and multiple bus lines, it is easy to get to.

Zoo Berlin’s mandate goes well beyond displaying animals that people normally don’t get to see. It is highly specialized in its focus on global conservation efforts and preserving endangered species.

To this end, they work closely with universities, research facilities and other zoos from around the globe to support breeding programs and help reintroduce endangered species.

They also work closely with Berlin's other large zoo, Tierpark Berlin which came into being

Highlights of the zoo include the Hippopotamus House, Panda Garden, Eagle Canyon, Penguin World, Great Apes, and the World of Birds with free-flight halls.

Aquarium Berlin is also part of Zoo Berlin, but it can be visited separately or with a combination pass for only slightly more. We have more information about Aquarium Berlin on a separate page.

Zoo Berlin invests considerable effort to house its animals in enclosures that mimic their natural environments.

For an additional fee, you can take part in one of several guided tours around different themes providing additional insights into the animals and taking you behind the scenes.

History

The idea to open a zoological garden originated with the director of the zoological museum and a professor at Berlin University Martin Hinrich Lichtenstein. He was an advisor to the King and in charge of his collection of animals. Working with naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, and landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné the project was given the go-ahead.

The zoo took 3 years to build and first opened in 1844 with animals donated from the menagerie and pheasantry of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV.

The zoo underwent multiple expansions and was home to over 4000 animals by the start of the Second World War. Tragically, only 91 survived the war which was heavily damaged, especially near the end when it was one of the last areas of Nazi German resistance.

Since the war, the zoo has been and continues to be progressively restored and updated becoming the world-class facility it is today.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Zoo Berlin Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Address: Hardenbergpl. 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany

Official Website: Zoo Berlin

Zoo Berlin Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Visiting Berlin Zoo was honestly one of my most favourite zoo experiences as an adult in a long time. There’s something very special about being surrounded by so many animals right in the middle of the city, and it felt both exciting and comforting at the same time. The absolute highlight of my visit was seeing Leni and Lotti, the twin giant pandas. They were unbelievably cute, just cuddling and moving around in their own peaceful little world. Watching them felt like a rare moment you don’t forget easily. The zoo itself is very large and home to a wide variety of animals, from giraffes and elephants to hippopotamuses and many others. There is also a petting zoo area, which adds a more interactive and fun touch, especially for families and visitors of all ages. One thing I really loved was how much there is to do and see. There are plenty of places to eat, and the entire space feels well-planned for a full day. I also enjoyed watching feeding times, where you can see animals being given their meals and observe them up close in a natural rhythm. What stood out most to me was how well maintained and thoughtfully cared for everything felt. It didn’t feel rushed or overwhelming, just calm and immersive. I also love that it’s so accessible, with yearly passes available, making it easy to come back whenever you want. Overall, it felt like a truly memorable experience that I know I’ll carry with me for a long time.
NotesByNi - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating The Berlin Zoological Garden is one of those places that manages to be both charmingly old-world and faintly overwhelming—rather like Berlin itself. Established in the 19th century, it remains among the most species-rich zoos globally, and yes, the famous giant pandas do draw a crowd (as they should). Set conveniently in the city centre, right by Berlin Zoologischer Garten station, it is disarmingly easy to reach—and, consequently, rarely quiet. Two main entrances, the elegant Elefantentor and the slightly more understated Löwentor, frame what is essentially a small world tour of wildlife. Expect to spend a comfortable 2–3 hours here, though with children (or an enthusiasm for lingering), 4–5 hours passes rather effortlessly. Highlights include elephants, hippos, giraffes, and the adjacent aquarium, which feels like a different, slightly more contemplative universe. Opinions, as ever, are mixed. Many visitors praise the diversity and ongoing conservation work; others raise questions about enclosure standards. Both perspectives seem to coexist—perhaps uncomfortably, but honestly. Tickets are best purchased online (not only cheaper, but mercifully queue-free), with adult prices typically ranging from €16 to €25. If you find yourself wanting more space and fewer crowds, consider Tierpark Berlin—larger, greener, and altogether more expansive. All told, Berlin Zoo is less a perfect idyll and more a living institution: fascinating, flawed, and undeniably worth your time.
Adalbertus von Malapane - 5 months ago

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5 Star Rating A wonderful zoo, very large and diverse! We didn’t have enough energy to explore it all, including the aquarium. The pandas are very cute, and I have never seen penguins so close before. There are places to grab snacks and restrooms available. There is a lot of greenery and flowers, so it’s very pleasant to walk around. However, you need to be careful, because there is an exit from the aquarium to the outside, and you won’t be able to re-enter the zoo through the main entrance, as the ticket is for a single entry only.
Katsiaryna Slabkovich - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating I cannot say enough good things about this zoo! I been to many over last couple decades given i got nephews and now kids of my own. As the oldest zoo in Europe, it is incredibly welcoming, beautiful, and easy to navigate. You can instantly tell how well the animals are cared for—their enclosures are designed so naturally they hardly feel like enclosures at all. We visited on a hot Thursday, but the abundance of shade made the walk perfectly comfortable. Even though the zoo is incredibly spacious, it never felt crowded and we never had to wait in lines, which is a rare treat compared to other zoos we’ve visited. The Highlights: 1. The Pandas & Petting Zoo: Seeing the pandas was an absolute dream since they are so rare to see. We also loved the petting zoo; the goats were incredibly mellow and friendly. 2. Kid-Friendly Playgrounds: The play areas are massive! The kids easily entertained themselves for over an hour. 3. Food & Drinks: There are convenient drink and ice cream carts around almost every corner, and the sit-down dining area next to the playground is spacious with a great menu. We stayed for over five hours and still didn't see everything. It is an amazing value and a must-visit for families! One of my favorite zoo that I visited last two decades.
E Norman Dao - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating This is an amazing zoo! Every time I come to Berlin I come here, because this zoo is modern, stylish, and has a big variety of different animals. We saw pandas, and they have their own unique place in a Chinese style. It’s very pretty. If there is a line to the zoo, there’s no problem. You can buy the tickets online and show them to pass. Have a nice visit! 🐼🎋
Eva Sidletska - 2 months ago

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Directions

How to get to Zoo Berlin by U-Bahn or S-Bahn

Nearest U-Bahn or S-Bahn Line(s): U2, U3, U9, S3, S5, S7, S9, S75
Nearest U-Bahn or S-Bahn Station(s): Berlin Zoologischer Garten

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