Schönbrunn Zoo
Explore the world's oldest zoo, a historic Baroque gem in Vienna, home to pandas, tigers, and elephants.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Schönbrunn Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the world's oldest zoo, a historic Baroque gem in Vienna, home to pandas, tigers, and elephants.
"A magical blend of history and nature, Schönbrunn Zoo captivates with its charm and commitment to conservation."
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the vast zoo grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Pandas
Panda Enclosure
Marvel at these beloved black and white bears, a star attraction at the world's oldest zoo.
Imperial Architecture
Throughout the Zoo
Wander through historic Baroque buildings and charming enclosures that blend seamlessly with the palace gardens.
Rainforest House
Great Palm House
Experience a humid, tropical paradise filled with exotic plants and vibrant birdlife.
Siberian Tigers
Tiger Enclosure
Witness the majestic power of these striped predators in their spacious habitat.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Construction
Dress for All Weathers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the vast zoo grounds.
🧥 Layer Up for Weather
Pack layers as you'll move between outdoor exhibits and warm indoor houses.
🐼 Panda Construction Alert
The panda enclosure is under renovation until 2025, so pandas won't be visible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the vast zoo grounds.
🧥 Layer Up for Weather
Pack layers as you'll move between outdoor exhibits and warm indoor houses.
🐼 Panda Construction Alert
The panda enclosure is under renovation until 2025, so pandas won't be visible.
⏰ Check Feeding Times
Plan your visit around animal feeding times for a guaranteed sighting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Schönbrunn Zoo for its historical charm, beautiful Baroque architecture, and commitment to animal welfare. Many highlight the well-maintained enclosures and the unique experience of visiting the world's oldest zoo. Some visitors note ongoing construction in certain areas, which may affect viewing of specific animals like pandas.
"I absolutely loved my visit to Schönbrunn Zoo! It’s beautifully maintained, with a wide variety of animals and plenty of space to explore. The trail takes around 3 to 4 hours, so I highly recommend bringing water, wearing comfortable clothes, and good walking shoes, especially since some paths are uphill.
Highlights include the giant pandas, the tropical house, and the aquarium. It’s a perfect place for a day out, and being located next to Schönbrunn Palace makes it easy to combine both attractions. Highly recommended!"
Roberto Neacsu
"amazing zoo, clean and fun to walk around. saw many types of animals here and there was many viewing points for each enclosure ensuring you can see each animal. had a great time here, and the surrounding area is beautiful."
Evan Thomas
"We are very satisfied with our first visit to the zoo. There is a great variety of animals that could be seen there. Vienna zoo is known as one of the best in Europe and also worldwide and it is true. We had very good time and spent more than 5 hours walking around and exploring. It is a must visit if you plan a trip to Vienna!!!"
Nikolay Dimitrov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Schönbrunn Zoo is by public transport. Take the U4 (green line) metro to the "Hietzing" station, which is a short walk from the zoo entrance. Alternatively, you can use tram lines 10 or 52 to reach the "Schönbrunn" stop.
Yes, there is parking available near the zoo. One option is the "Parkplatz Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg" located close to one of the zoo entrances. However, public transport is generally recommended to avoid potential parking hassles.
If you're coming by car, you can utilize Park & Ride facilities. The Erdberg P+R (U3 orange line) connects to the U4 (green line) at Wien Mitte station, which will take you to Hietzing.
The "Hietzing" station on the U4 metro line is the closest to the zoo entrance. The "Schönbrunn" station is closer to the palace and gardens.
Absolutely! Schönbrunn Zoo is very well-connected by Vienna's excellent public transportation system, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Schönbrunn Zoo tickets online in advance to save time, or buy them directly at the zoo's ticket counters upon arrival.
The zoo's opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Schönbrunn Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times for your planned visit.
Ticket prices for Schönbrunn Zoo can vary depending on age and any special exhibitions. It's recommended to check the official website for current ticket prices and potential discounts.
Discounts may be available for children, students, seniors, and families. Look for information on the official Schönbrunn Zoo website or inquire at the ticket office.
While not always mandatory, booking your Schönbrunn Zoo tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues and guarantee entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the giant pandas, Siberian tigers, elephants, and orangutans. The zoo also houses a diverse range of other fascinating creatures.
Yes, some areas like the panda enclosure and the rainforest house are undergoing renovations and are expected to be completed by 2025. +1
Absolutely! Schönbrunn Zoo is very family-friendly. You can rent wooden trolleys for young children and check feeding times for guaranteed animal sightings.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, be mindful of lighting conditions, especially during winter months, which might affect photo quality.
A typical visit to Schönbrunn Zoo can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and interest. If you're short on time, you can see the main attractions in about 2 hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes within Schönbrunn Zoo offering a variety of food options for visitors.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally permitted, which can be a budget-friendly option. However, check the zoo's specific policies on outside food.
You can find typical zoo fare like snacks, light meals, and beverages at the eateries within the zoo.
While specific options can vary, many zoo restaurants offer a selection of vegetarian dishes. It's advisable to inquire directly at the food outlets for vegan choices.
Food prices at zoos can be on the higher side. Bringing your own snacks can help manage costs.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. However, be aware that winter months have less daylight.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
The historic Baroque architecture, the diverse animal enclosures, and the lush greenery of the palace gardens offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
Tripod usage might be restricted in some areas or require special permission. It's best to check the zoo's official guidelines regarding photography equipment.
Animals that are more active during daylight hours and those with distinct features, like the tigers or pandas, make for great photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The World's Oldest Zoo
+1 It was originally established as an imperial menagerie for the Habsburg monarchy, showcasing exotic animals as a symbol of power and prestige. Unlike modern zoos, its early design reflected Baroque garden aesthetics, with enclosures integrated into the grand Schönbrunn Palace grounds. This historical context is still palpable today, with many of the original Baroque buildings beautifully preserved and incorporated into the zoo's modern facilities. Today, Schönbrunn Zoo has evolved significantly, embracing contemporary conservation efforts and animal welfare standards. It's recognized as one of Europe's best and most modern zoos, yet it masterfully retains its historical charm.
The zoo is a leader in breeding programs for endangered species, including its famous giant pandas. Visitors can appreciate how the zoo balances its rich heritage with cutting-edge zoological practices, offering a unique educational and engaging experience that spans centuries of animal care and display. Navigating Schönbrunn Zoo with Little Ones
Beyond the practicalities, engaging the children with the animals is key. Checking the daily schedule for animal feeding times, such as the seal feeding, can be a highlight and guarantees a good view of the animals.
Photography Tips for Schönbrunn Zoo
When photographing animals, patience is key. Observe their behavior and wait for the perfect moment. Some animals, like wolves and lynxes, can be easier to spot and photograph when trees have no leaves in winter.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit