Zurich Zoo

A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Conservation

Zurich Zoo presents a compact space where wildlife meets city life. Visitors find walking paths lined with trees and open areas designed for animals like big cats, primates and birds. The zoo focuses on conservation and education, showing how humans can protect species in natural habitats. Exhibits include recreated environments that support animal behavior while keeping the area clean and well maintained. Guests can observe wildlife up close without crowds overwhelming the grounds. Zurich Zoo offers a calm place to learn about animals and their roles in ecosystems near urban settings.

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Zoo in Zurich

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 8.8

General Safety:	9
Accessibility:	8

Read details

4/5

English is widely spoken by staff and volunteers, facilitating easy communication for international visitors.

Zoos

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Zurich Zoo Summary

Great for wildlife and family visits. See animals from around the world, explore themed habitats and enjoy educational exhibits and walking paths through landscaped enclosures.

Opening hours:

Mon-Sun:

09:00 - 18:00

Public website:

www.zoo.ch

Switzerland – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type J Type C: Type J: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Swiss Franc (CHF) £1 ≈ CHF 1.10
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Switzerland is very cashless-friendly, with credit and debit cards widely accepted. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also increasingly common. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Switzerland. Most service charges are included in bills. In restaurants, rounding up to the nearest 5 CHF or leaving 5-10% is common. Taxi drivers and hotel staff appreciate small tips for exceptional service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed and socially acceptable in Switzerland, but being disruptive is frowned upon. Alcohol can be consumed in parks, trains, and outdoor events.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned indoors in public places but allowed in designated areas. Outdoor smoking is common.

Swiss National Day (August)	Expect celebrations, parades, and fireworks throughout the country.
Christmas (December)	Markets and festive events are common, with tourist areas being busier than usual.
Easter (March/April)	Many attractions are closed, but some areas offer special events and celebrations.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Bolt
Other:	Switzerland is famous for its natural beauty, well-organised transport, and multilingual culture. The Swiss Travel Pass is highly recommended for tourists.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Zurich Zoo, Switzerland

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Apr

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May

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Jun

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Aug

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Sep

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High season:	April - Sep.
Shoulder season:	March, Oct.

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Masoala Rainforest hall is warm and humid year-round, ideal in bad weather

Shorter opening hours November to February, last entry earlier

Don't miss

🌿 Walk through the lush Masoala Rainforest filled with exotic wildlife
🐘 Watch elephants roam in the spacious Kaeng Krachan habitat
📚 Learn about conservation at the interactive education center

You've been here?

Zurich Zoo, established in 1929, is known for its commitment to animal welfare and conservation; it provides spacious, natural environments for over 380 species. The zoo's design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding wooded hills, creating an immersive experience. The Masoala Rainforest exhibit is a particularly popular highlight, showcasing tropical biodiversity under a massive glass canopy.

The zoo also focuses on education and research, offering workshops and interactive exhibits. Many animals are part of international breeding programs aimed at species preservation.

Visitors should be aware that exploring the zoo involves considerable walking, including uphill sections, so comfortable footwear is advised. Weather can influence the visit, with indoor areas serving as great options on rainy days.

Despite occasional crowds, Zurich Zoo remains a peaceful retreat to engage with wildlife in a responsible and enjoyable way, suitable for all ages.

Knowledge before you go

Arrive early; it’s hilly and takes longer than expected.
Prioritize Masoala Rainforest and Lewa Savanna; they’re signature habitats with immersive viewing.
Wear good walking shoes and pack layers; weather shifts quickly on Zürichberg.
Use public transport to Zürichberg/Fluntern; parking fills fast and trams stop close to entrances.

How to travel to Zurich Zoo

Zurich Zoo is located in the Fluntern neighborhood on the Zurichberg. It is accessible via tram line 6 to the Zoo station or express bus routes from Zurich's main station. International travelers can reach Zurich via Zurich Airport, with easy connections to public transport.

Access summary

From Zurich Airport (ZRH): Train or tram to city, then tram 6, ~40–50 min.
From central Zurich: Tram 6 from Hauptbahnhof/Bahnhofstrasse directly to “Zoo”, ~20–25 min.
From Lucerne: Direct train to Zurich HB (~45–60 min), then tram 6 to “Zoo”.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near Zurich Zoo

Visitors often choose accommodations in central Zurich or nearby districts, benefiting from a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury, with good transit options to the zoo.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Hotel Zuri by Fassbind

8.4

Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich by IHG

9.0

ibis Styles Zurich City Center

8.2

Hotel St. Gotthard

8.3

Aparthotel Adagio Zurich City Center

8.4

Hotel City Zürich Design & Lifestyle

8.9

Explore more accommodations

Packing recommendations for Zurich Zoo

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Camera

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Comfortable walking shoes

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Sun cream

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Reusable water bottle

Universal travel adaptor

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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Budget snapshot

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+51 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 51% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.

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+6 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to CHF) is 6% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is more expensive compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Zurich Zoo enjoys excellent safety standards, with well-trained staff and secure enclosures ensuring minimal risk of animal escape or injury. The surrounding area is highly monitored, featuring clear signage, emergency protocols and a low crime rate, making it safe for visitors of all ages.

Accessibility

Zurich Zoo has wheelchair‑accessible paths, elevators and audio guides. Accessible restrooms and stroller‑friendly areas are available. However, some older exhibits lack ramps and large crowds can create navigation challenges. Visitors should plan early and use the zoo’s accessibility map.