Berlin Zoo

Berlin Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is Germany's oldest zoo that is still operating and one of the most species-rich zoos in the world. Set in the heart of West Berlin, right next to Zoologischer Garten station, it is home to more than 18,000 animals, including giant pandas. Its ornate Elephant Gate and historic animal houses make it one of the top things to do in Berlin, especially with kids.

Where it is and how to get there

The zoo lies in the City West area, between the Tiergarten park and the Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard. The main Lion Gate entrance is at Hardenbergplatz 8, directly opposite Berlin Zoologischer Garten station, served by S-Bahn trains, subway lines U2 and U9, regional trains and many buses. From Berlin Hauptbahnhof it is just a few stops by S-Bahn, and from BER airport you can take a regional train into the city and change. All local transit is covered by the Deutschlandticket.

The zoo has no visitor parking of its own; there are a few paid spaces at Hardenbergplatz and several garages nearby, but public transit is far easier.

A short history

Berlin Zoo opened on August 1, 1844, as only the ninth zoo in Europe. Naturalist Martin Hinrich Lichtenstein proposed it and became its first director, with support from Alexander von Humboldt and King Frederick William IV of Prussia. World War II nearly wiped it out:, just 91 of 3,715 animals survived. Rebuilt after the war, it became a symbol of West Berlin. In 2024 it welcomed 3.6 million visitors, more than any other zoo in Europe, and kept 18,057 animals of 1,008 species.

What you will see

• The Elephant Gate on Budapester Straße, an Asian-inspired entrance first built in 1899
• The Panda Garden, home to giant pandas Meng Meng and Jiao Qing since 2017; twins were born here in 2019 and again in 2024
• The renovated big cat house, the bird house with more than 300 bird species, and the hippo house with underwater viewing windows
• Elephants, giraffes, great apes and historic pagoda-style animal houses

Next to the Elephant Gate is the Berlin Aquarium, opened in 1913; a combined ticket covers both.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, according to the official website:

• Open 365 days a year: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October 25 (last entry 5 p.m.), then 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from October 26 (last entry 3:30 p.m.). On December 24 the zoo closes at 2 p.m.
• Adults (16+): €25 at the gate or from €16 online; children aged 4 to 15: €12.50 at the gate or from €7.50 online. Children under 4 enter free.
• Zoo + Aquarium: €37 at the gate or from €24 online.

Buying online is much cheaper and lets you skip the ticket line.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you are traveling with children or want a green break in the middle of the city. Plan three to five hours, or a full day if you add the aquarium. Most paths and all entrances are step-free, and wheelchairs can be borrowed for free. Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs. Afterward, walk to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the Kurfürstendamm, both just a few minutes away, or stroll through the Tiergarten toward the Brandenburg Gate.