Prague Zoo

Prague Zoo lies in Troja, on the right bank of the Vltava in the north of the city, and it is one of the best days out in Prague for families. Opened in 1931, it spreads across a steep, rocky hillside and the flat land beside the river, which gives the enclosures a natural, varied setting. The zoo is run by the city and has built a strong reputation for its modern exhibits and conservation work.

Highlights include Elephant Valley, a large complex for the zoo's Asian elephants, and the Indonesian Jungle, a humid tropical pavilion with free-flying birds, macaques and other animals of South-East Asia. The gorilla pavilion is another favourite, and the zoo has long been known for its success with breeding rare species such as Przewalski's horses, which it helped save from extinction. A recent addition is a display of Lord Howe Island stick insects, which the zoo says are not shown anywhere else in continental Europe. A chairlift carries visitors up the hillside to the upper part of the zoo, which saves a steep climb.

Plan for a full day if you want to see most of the zoo, as the paths cover a large area with some steep sections. There are restaurants, snack kiosks and playgrounds around the grounds, and many pavilions provide shelter in bad weather. Opening hours change with the seasons, closing earlier in winter, so check the official website before you go and buy tickets there if you want to avoid queues at the gate in summer.

The zoo is ideal for families with children of all ages, and it is also rewarding for photographers and anyone interested in conservation. Pushchairs are manageable on the main paths, though the upper areas are hilly. Weekday mornings outside school holidays are the quietest times.

From the centre, take metro line C to Nádraží Holešovice and then a bus to the zoo, or in the warmer months take a river boat or walk or cycle through Stromovka park and across the river. Troja Château, a Baroque summer palace with formal gardens, and the Prague Botanical Garden are right next to the zoo and can easily be combined on the same day.