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Budapest Zoo

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Budapest Zoo (Hungary)

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The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the oldest zoos in the world and a significant cultural heritage site in Hungary. Opened in 1866, it is located on the edge of City Park (Városliget) and covers an area of approximately 18 hectares. The zoo is world-renowned for its unique Art Nouveau architecture, designed by famous architects such as Károly Kós and Dezső Zrumeczky. A standout feature is the Elephant House, which is decorated with bustling Zsolnay ceramics and resembles an Oriental mosque. Today, the garden houses over 1,000 animal species from across the globe and an extensive botanical collection featuring rare plants. Modern additions include the 'Holnemvolt Castle' family play area and the massive Pannon Park project, designed to showcase the ancient wildlife of the Carpathian Basin. As a member of international zoo associations, the institution plays a vital role in species conservation, scientific research, and environmental education for all generations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Budapest Zoo is a large, year-round zoo in the heart of the city. You can observe thousands of animals from around the world in naturalistic enclosures and admire the zoo's historic buildings.
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Typical hours
The zoo is typically open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 or 18:00, with extended hours in summer. Please check the current times on the official website as seasonal changes may occur.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the zoo, and you can get great animal shots, especially at enclosures without bars. Please do not use flash as it may disturb the animals; selfie sticks are restricted in some areas.
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Time needed
For a thorough visit, allow at least three to four hours to see all the areas. If you also want to experience shows or feedings, a full day may be needed.
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Combine with
The zoo is located in City Park, next to Vajdahunyad Castle and Heroes' Square, both worth visiting. The nearby Museum of Fine Arts and Andrássy Avenue are also easy to combine.
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Getting there
The zoo is easily reachable by metro (line 1, Hősök tere stop), tram, or bus. From the city center, it is about 15 minutes by public transport, and there are parking facilities nearby.
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Insider tip
Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially on weekends. Plan your visit on weekdays or early morning to avoid crowds and see the most active animals.

Geography

Coordinates
47.51000, 19.07000

Facts

  • The zoo officially opened to the public on August 9, 1866.
  • It is the oldest and largest zoological collection in Hungary.
  • The Elephant House features intricate towers decorated with Zsolnay tiles.
  • More than 1,000 animal species are cared for within its grounds.
  • The entire area has been a protected heritage site since 1986.
  • The zoo includes a historic Palm House that dates back to 1912.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Andrássy AvenueAndrássy Avenue<1 km · SWExplore →
Budapest Zoo and Botanical GardenBudapest Zoo and Botanical Garden1 km · NEExplore →
Danube PromenadeDanube Promenade2 km · SWExplore →
Margaret IslandMargaret Island3 km · NWExplore →
Corvin QuarterCorvin Quarter3 km · SExplore →
Gellért HillGellért Hill4 km · SWExplore →
ÓbudaÓbuda4 km · NWExplore →
Pálvölgyi CavePálvölgyi Cave5 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Budapest Zoo (10)

Kodály Zoltán Emlékmúzeum és Archívum🏛 museum

Museum on Zoltán Kodály in Budapest.

🕒 We,Th,Fr 10:00-12:00,14:00-16:30; Sa 11:00-14:00 || "by appo💶

Saxon art gallery

Gallery in Budapest featuring Saxon art.

Osztrák Kulturális Fórum

Cultural venue in Budapest presenting Austrian art.

🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-16:00

Kolibri Pince

Theatre in Budapest.

Magyar Művészeti Akadémia

Arts centre in Budapest.

Kolibri Children and Youth Theater - Nest

Children's and youth theatre in Budapest.

Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts🏛 museum

Museum in Budapest, Hungary, with Asian art.

Iparművészeti Múzeum Ráth György-villa🏛 museum

Museum in Budapest named after founder György Ráth (1828-1905).

Szent Család-templom

Church building in Budapest, Hungary.

Budapest Puppet Theatre

Puppet theatre in Budapest, Hungary.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was the zoo founded?
It opened in 1866, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world.
What is the Magic Mountain?
An interactive exhibition inside the Great Rock.
Are there Art Nouveau buildings?
Yes, the Elephant House is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture.
Is feeding the animals allowed?
Only at designated spots with special zoo-snacks available on site.
Are there programs for children?
Yes, public feedings and animal shows take place daily.
Budapest Zoo: where is it located?
Budapest Zoo is located in Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kodály Zoltán Emlékmúzeum és Archívum, Saxon art gallery, Osztrák Kulturális Fórum.
Budapest Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Budapest Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the oldest zoos in the world and a significant cultural heritage site in Hungary.
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