Prague Zoo

The Zoological Garden in Prague is one of the city’s most popular attractions, among tourists and locals alike. Internationally recognised as one of the best zoos globally, Prague Zoo was ranked number four in the world by the travel website, TripAdvisor, in 2015. Established in the 1930s, its first inhabitant was a lioness named Šárka.

Useful information for visitors

Address: U Trojského Zámku 3/120, Prague
GPS: 50.11678720, 14.41105670
Prague Zoo map

Public transport connections

Prague Zoo is located close to the city centre in Troja, Prague 7. The closest metro station to Prague Zoo is Nádraží Holešovice (line C, red). From there, visitors can take bus 112 and disembark at the Zoologická zahrada stop.

The closest tram stop is Trojská on tram 17. From there, take bus 112, or walk (15min).

A passenger ferry connects Podbaba with Podhoří on the Prague Zoo side of the river. It operates Mon – Fri: 5:40am until 8:00pm (and Sat – Sun: 6:50am to 8:00pm).

From the Podhoří stop take bus 112 or 236, and disembark at the Zoologická zahrada stop. Alternatively, Podhoří is a 1,5km walk from the Zoo. For those coming from Dejvice, note that the ferry takes half the time (15mins) compared to regular public transport (30mins). Standard public transport tickets can be used on the ferry.

Travellers to Prague Zoo can also use a steamboat which operates on the Vltava River from 1st April until 2nd October. The steamboat sails from Rašínovo nábřeží, around Kampa Island, then under Charles Bridge to Čechův most quay. After a short stop, it continues to Holešovice, Libeň, and finally Císařský most quay. Císařský most quay is located approximately 1 km from Prague Zoo. The voyage takes 75 minutes, followed by a 17-minute walk to Prague Zoo. A one–way ticket costs 330CZK (250CZK for children), and a return ticket costs 420CZK (290CZK for children).

Prague Zoo can also be reached by bicycle. There is a 7km cycle and in-line path along the Vltava River to Prague Zoo. Bicycles can be left in an un-guarded bicycle lot. Visitors can borrow a lock at the Information Office by the main entrance.

Opening hours and admission

Opening hours and more information about Zoo is on the web www.zoopraha.cz.

Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. During the summer months, the ticket office closes at 7:00pm, but visitors can remain in the Zoo until 9:00pm.

The ticket office at the main entrance is open daily. The northern and southern entrance ticket offices are open on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays.

For up-to-date information about admission fees of the Prague ZOO, visit the official website.

Interesting facts about Prague Zoo

Parking

Bicycle parking near Prague Zoo is freeCar parking is available for a fee of 100CZK/day. Car parking areas close one hour after the Zoo’s closing times.

Other information

Situated on the banks of the Vltava River in Troja Prague 7, the Zoo covers an area of 58 hectares with animal exhibits taking up to 50 hectares. Amenities include two restaurants, seven snack bars, and souvenir shops. An added attraction is a chairlift which offers amazing views, not only of Prague Zoo, but also of the surrounding area.

Prague’s devastating floods in 2002 caused significant damage to the Zoo. Parts of it had to be rebuilt, and new pavilions and exhibits were added.

Interesting facts about Zoo

Pavilions, exhibitions, animals, and attractions

Prague Zoo has 12 pavilions, and 150 exhibits. It houses 681 animal species, a total of 4,716 animals. Of special interest are the Gorilla Pavilion, Water World and Monkey Island, the Indonesian Jungle with Komodo dragons, Africa Up Close and the Chambal Pavilion with Gharials. Prague Zoo is the only zoo in Europe to breed gharials, a type of crocodile, native to India, which is one of the most endangered species on the planet.

Programmes and events for the Zoo visitors include feeding the animals, guided tours, night tours, and experiential programmes for children. There are also special programmes. For example, visitors can experience a day as a zoo keeper in the Keeper for A Day’ programme. Smaller children can enjoy a ride on a train, a children’s tram, or a pony. There is also a children’s area called Bororo Reservation. Parents with children can borrow comfortable strollers, or “carts” for larger groups of children. Wheelchairs can also be borrowed.

Prague Zoo and its surroundings

In-line skates and scooter rental is located on the cycle path at Sportcentrum Troja, next to the canoe area in Troja

Nearby historical sights