Attraction
Grossmünster
Zurich's twin-towered Romanesque church, where Zwingli launched the Swiss Reformation, with Giacometti and Polke windows, a crypt and a 187-step tower climb.
Zoo Zürich
A large zoo on the Zürichberg with thousands of animals in landscaped habitats, including the Masoala Rainforest hall, the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park and the Lewa Savannah.
At a glance
- Type
- Zoo and rainforest hall
- Area
- Zürichberg, Zurich, Switzerland
- Official site
- zoo.ch
Good to know
- Masoala Rainforest hall
- Elephant park
- Aquarium
- Children's zoo
- Restaurants
Why we recommend it
Zoo Zürich opened on the slopes of the Zürichberg on 7 September 1929 and has grown into one of the city's most popular days out, with around 1.26 million visitors in 2023. According to Zürich Tourism it covers 27 hectares and holds more than 365 species. Its newer areas are large landscaped habitats designed around particular ecosystems, from an Asian elephant park to an African savannah, and Zürich Tourism counts around 6,000 animals in total.
The Masoala Rainforest, opened in 2003, is a huge rainforest hall of just over a hectare. Geckos, turtles, snakes, parrots and other rainforest animals live among the plants, and the warm, humid air is welcome on a winter day. The Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park, opened in June 2014, is home to eight Asian elephants. The Lewa Savannah, completed in 2020, is the largest enclosure, shared by white rhinos, giraffes and Grevy's zebras. Smaller areas include an aquarium with around 700 fish from about 70 species in eight basins, a penguin enclosure, an Australian section with koalas and kangaroos, the Mongolian Steppe with Bactrian camels and yaks, and Zoolino, a petting area for younger children.
The zoo is open daily. Opening hours are longer from March to October than in winter, and the Masoala hall opens an hour later than the main gates, so check the current times on the zoo's website. Buying tickets online avoids queues at busy times such as school holidays and sunny weekends. Allow at least half a day; the site is hilly, and seeing everything at a relaxed pace takes four or five hours. There are places to eat on site, including Restaurant Pantanal.
It suits almost anyone, from families with small children to photographers and people interested in conservation. Weekday mornings outside school holidays are usually the quietest time to visit.
The zoo is about 3 kilometres from the main station, and Zürich Tourism puts the journey at around 25 minutes by public transport. Use the ZVV journey planner for the current tram and bus connections to the Zoo stop. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths climb and fall across the hillside.
Zoo Zürich FAQs
How do I get to Zoo Zürich?
The zoo is about 3 km from the main station, around 25 minutes by public transport. Use the ZVV journey planner for current connections.
Is the zoo open all year?
Yes, it is open daily. Hours are shorter from November to February than from March to October.
What is the Masoala Rainforest?
A greenhouse of just over a hectare, opened in 2003, home to geckos, turtles, snakes, parrots and other rainforest animals.
Which animals can I see?
Asian elephants, white rhinos, giraffes, Grevy's zebras, penguins, koalas, Bactrian camels and many more.
How long should I spend?
Plan on four to five hours to see the main areas at a relaxed pace.
Is the zoo good for small children?
Yes. Zoolino lets young children meet pygmy goats, pigs and other farm animals.
Should I book tickets online?
It is a good idea at weekends and during school holidays to avoid queues.
How big is the zoo?
Zürich Tourism lists it at 27 hectares with more than 365 species.