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

Regular 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

Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating Very big and cool zoo! Many different animals to look at. Especially meeting the animals close by, was very fun. My only concern is that all the elephants was standing by the closed doors. Looked like they wanted to go in side, but we’re held outside. Hope they were doing fine.
Lotte Neumann-Larsen - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Amazing place. Go with your family members, friends and especially children. Take food and water because you need lots of energy for walking. See beautiful animals and birds. If you have time then visit aquarium also. Buy both tickets together which is cheaper than a single ticket. Note: if you are a student then take a student ID card which gives you a discount..
tabassu - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Nice city zoo, the aquarium is amazing. And they have panda, too. There are a lot of interesting reptiles. Only the entrance fee is a little bit high.
Pearl Xia - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Family, F(31) M(30) toddler (20months) Visited just before Christmas and was expecting the zoo to be busy - far from it! We had basically the place to ourselves. Many of the cafes etc were closed for winter season, but the central restaurant was open, offering delicious German food and snacks... (and English alternatives for fussy eaters!) There are a couple of children's playgrounds too. Toilet and baby change facilities were clean and easy to find. Reasonably priced for a family day out. We spent a good 5 hours looking around with a stop for lunch. Lots of great animals that you can get up close to. Also easy to travel to with a train station literally across the road. We bought the joint ticket with admission to the Aquarium. This was a nice addition on a rainy day and our toddler loved it.
Kirstie Jones - a month ago

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5 Star Rating We were so fortunate to have such a beautiful sunny day! And the best part? We didn't even have to wait in line to buy a ticket at the entrance. We spent a good half of the day there, and let me tell you, it's absolutely massive! You definitely need some time to explore everything, but trust me, it's totally worth it. It felt like a therapeutic experience to see all those incredible animals, and they looked so vibrant and healthy. It's clear that they are being taken excellent care of. Without a doubt, I'll be visiting again in the future.
Rosie Benchikh - a month 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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