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 – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 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 Fantastic zoo! I recommend watching the animal feeding displays, they have a timetable available on the welcome map. It’s great to see the animals up close. Big zoo, doesn’t feel like it’s in the city centre, lots of green areas to walk around. The baby pandas are so cute! Also, there is food available to buy inside for ok price.
Mollie Appleyard - a week ago

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5 Star Rating What a wonderful zoo. The animals feel so close to you due to the clever way their enclosure s have been designed. They have lots of space too. The whole zoo is tree lined and beautifully kept. There are places to eat, have a coffee and cake or buy an ice cream. It is one of the best zoos we have ever visited.
Me Me - 4 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Visiting the Berlin Zoological Garden was truly one of the most enjoyable experiences I had in the city — it’s honestly one of the most beautiful zoos I’ve ever been to. The park is spacious, green, and very well maintained, making it a pleasure to walk around. The enclosures are thoughtfully designed, giving a good balance between visitor visibility and the animals’ comfort. I also had the chance to catch a few of the scheduled shows and feeding times — they were informative and really well done, especially for kids and families. The staff seemed genuinely passionate and knowledgeable. It’s easy to spend half a day here, especially if you include a visit to the aquarium next door. Whether you’re an animal lover or just looking for a relaxing, fun day outdoors, I highly recommend it!
Alin Bocu - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Very nice zoo. We have spent the entire day there. The good thing we didn’t take the ticket for the aquarium, because it was already very charged visit. We liked the pandas, the petting zoo, tigers, lions, giraffes, bears, monkeys, birds, cats and we have seen other nice animals. The playground for kids inside is just amazing. The restaurant was average, a bit expensive.
jt - in the last week

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4 Star Rating We came here on our last day in Berlin specifically to see the baby pandas. They did not disappoint. They are so cute! We did have to wait a while to see them though. We got there around 9:00 and went straight toward the pandas but there was a “private experience” happening and they wouldn’t let anyone in. That was annoying, but we walked around and saw other animals, periodically checking back in until the pandas were available to be seen by the unprivileged. Once we could see them, we did have to fight the crowd, but by being patient, did secure a good spot to watch them for a little while. The rest of the zoo is worth seeing too. As far as zoos go, I think this one has pretty decent habitats for the animals and a good snack and food variety for visitors. I also like there are quite a few indoor areas - which we utilized during sporadic rain showers on the day we went. Overall, we had a good day visiting here.
Hannah - a week 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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