Planckendael Zoo - Flamingos at the watering hole
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Planckendael Zoo

4.4
·21k reviews·Mechelen, Belgium

Explore diverse wildlife across continents, with engaging playgrounds and a focus on animal rescue and conservation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays (non-holidays)

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Planckendael Zoo - Flamingos at the watering hole

Planckendael Zoo

Best Time

Weekdays (non-holidays)

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore diverse wildlife across continents, with engaging playgrounds and a focus on animal rescue and conservation.

4.4
(21k reviews)

"One of the best zoos visited, with incredible exhibits and amazing parks for kids."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Pack Your Own Snacks

Food inside can be pricey. Bring your own lunch & drinks to save money! :moneybag:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the continents. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.4 · 20,740 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Continent-Themed Zones

Continent-Themed Zones

Throughout the zoo

Explore diverse animal habitats meticulously designed to represent their native continents. A truly immersive experience!

Flamingo Walk-Through Exhibit

Flamingo Walk-Through Exhibit

Asia zone

Get up close with vibrant flamingos in a unique walk-through enclosure. A favorite for bird enthusiasts!

Playgrounds Galore

Playgrounds Galore

Multiple locations

Kids will love the numerous, well-maintained playgrounds scattered throughout the park. Fun for all ages!

Lion Rescue Residents

Lion Rescue Residents

Africa zone

See lions Vanda, Amani, and Lira, who have found a safe haven here. A heartwarming story of rescue and care.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekdays outside of school holidays. Weekends and holidays can get very busy, especially during peak seasons. Consider arriving early to make the most of your day and see animals when they're most active.

Budgeting for Your Day

While parking is free nearby, on-site parking has a fee. Food and drinks can be pricey, so packing your own snacks or lunch is a smart way to save money. Look into yearly passes if you plan to visit multiple times, as they offer good value.

Best Times

When
Weekdays (non-holidays)
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Mornings
Why
Animals are more active
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings (light festival)
Why
Magical light displays
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Droevig nieuws uit Planckendael 🦁 #leeuw #lorena #planckendael #zoo #lion
@karrewiet
31.1K likes • 363.3K views

🎯 Pack Your Own Snacks

Food inside can be pricey. Bring your own lunch & drinks to save money! :moneybag:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the continents. :athletic_shoe:

44-jarige olifant Yu Yu Yin gestorven in ZOO Planckendael. 🤍🐘 #hln #olifant #yuyuyin #zoo #planckendael #mechelen #viral
@hln_be
15.8K likes • 181.5K views
🤩 Vandaag vond de eerste editie van de CP Familiedag plaats in het prachtige @zoo_planckendael. Ruim 300 lachende snoetjes, een hele dag dierenplezier en tal van leuke en inclusieve animaties op de familieweide. - 🔥 We zijn ontzéttend blij met het resultaat van maandenlang voorbereiding. Voor vele kindjes is hun strijd tegen CP dagdagelijkse kost. En ook voor om voor de rest van het gezin wegen d...
wonderkids.vzw
90 likes • 0 views

⏰ Arrive Early

Beat the crowds and see animals at their most active. :clock1:

👶 Baby Care Facilities

Convenient baby cabins with microwaves available for parents. 👶

Vandaag hebben we het werkjaar afgesloten met een superleuke eindreis naar Planckendael! 🐘🦓🦁 Tussen het dieren kijken door was er ook tijd om te ravotten in de verschillende speeltuinen. ☺️ We zien jullie allemaal graag terug op onze startdag, zondag 21 september! 😘
klj_lier_noord
59 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Pack Your Own Snacks

Food inside can be pricey. Bring your own lunch & drinks to save money! :moneybag:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the continents. :athletic_shoe:

⏰ Arrive Early

Beat the crowds and see animals at their most active. :clock1:

👶 Baby Care Facilities

Convenient baby cabins with microwaves available for parents. 👶

🚗 Parking Options

On-site parking available (fee applies), or find free parking nearby. 🚗

What Travellers Say

4.4
(21k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise Planckendael Zoo for its excellent organization by continent, engaging animal exhibits, and fantastic playgrounds for children. The zoo's commitment to animal welfare, including the rescue of lions, is also a highlight. However, some guests note that food can be expensive and that certain enclosures, particularly for birds, could be larger. Cleanliness of restrooms and dining areas has also been a point of concern for some.

"We visited Planckendael on Saturday with family and a small child. There is plenty of parking on site. It costs €11 for one day and €32 for a yearly pass, which is a good deal!
The animals are organized by continent, and we managed to visit three continents in one day. There are many play areas for kids, which is really nice.
On the downside, the washrooms were not clean at all. We checked four different ones, and it seemed like no one was in charge of maintaining them, which is disappointing. The bird enclosures were quite small, with not enough space for them to fly. Other animals seemed to have better conditions, although of course a real jungle would always be more suitable.
There are also several restaurants and places to grab a drink or ice cream. We chose the warm food self-service restaurant, which wasn’t very crowded, but the prices were high for self-service. The tables were not clean, and the service was quite slow. Honestly, if they lowered their prices, I believe they would have more clients.
On the positive side, there is also a flying show at certain hours, which could be very interesting for some visitors. I also noticed a baby cabin with a microwave for parents who want to rest or warm up their baby’s food, which is a very nice detail.
All in all, considering everything, I give Planckendael 4 stars out of 5. Thank you to the team, and I really hope to see some progress on my next visits."

Hanna

"You can easily spend the whole day here. There is a lot to see, animals are separated by continents of origin, and most of them have decently sized living spaces. There are enough food and drink stops, toilets and playgrounds for children."

Marija Milovanović

"Visited the zoo on a Monday with my daughter. Well worth the trip. Although I was a bit shocked about the price of parking (you can park for free close by…) , the park itself felt reasonably priced and was well organized! Seems they are rebuilding and revamping in some places, but that wasn’t a problem as we got to see all the animals."

Duncan Epping

What People Like

Continent-themed zones
Great playgrounds
Animal rescue stories

What People Dislike

Expensive food
Small bird enclosures
Restroom cleanliness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Planckendael Zoo is easily accessible by car, with on-site parking available for a fee. You can also find free parking options nearby. Public transport is also an option, with bus routes serving the area. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at Planckendael Zoo, though it comes with a fee. Many visitors opt for free parking spots located a short distance away. Reddit

Yes, public transport options are available to reach Planckendael Zoo, with bus lines serving the vicinity. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes. Reddit

For convenience, driving is a popular choice, especially for families. However, public transport is also a viable and eco-friendly option. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking fee for the on-site parking at Planckendael Zoo. Some visitors prefer to find free parking nearby to save costs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A one-day ticket for Planckendael Zoo costs around €11, while a yearly pass is priced at €32, offering excellent value for frequent visitors. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't detailed, the yearly pass offers significant savings for those planning multiple visits. It's always worth checking their official website for any ongoing promotions. Reddit

It's generally recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially during peak seasons. TikTok

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Planckendael Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit. TikTok

Yes, Planckendael Zoo offers a yearly pass for €32, which is a great deal if you plan on visiting more than a few times a year. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Planckendael Zoo is brilliantly organized by continent, making it easy to navigate and ensuring you don't miss any animals. The layout is designed for a seamless journey through different habitats. Reddit

Absolutely! Planckendael Zoo features numerous well-maintained playgrounds, providing ample fun and activity for children of all ages. InstagramReddit

You can see a wide variety of animals from five continents, including lions, elephants, giraffes, koalas, red pandas, and many more. TikTokReddit

Yes, Planckendael Zoo is highly recommended for families. It offers dedicated play areas, a petting zoo, and engaging exhibits suitable for young children. Instagram+1

Planckendael Zoo sometimes hosts special events, like flying shows or seasonal light festivals. Check their schedule for current offerings. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Planckendael Zoo has several restaurants and snack spots, including a self-service restaurant. However, food prices can be high. Reddit

Many visitors find the food prices at Planckendael Zoo to be on the higher side for self-service options. Packing your own food is a common recommendation. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own snacks and lunch is a great way to manage costs. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your packed meal. Reddit

While specific menus aren't detailed, most zoo restaurants offer a range of options. It's advisable to check with the staff upon arrival for current offerings. Reddit

Reviews suggest that while food is available, the quality might not always match the high prices. Some visitors have noted cleanliness issues with tables. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The continent-themed zones offer diverse backdrops. Look for elevated vantage points and unique viewing tunnels for creative shots. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash if it might disturb them. TikTok

While not explicitly stated, general zoo etiquette applies. Avoid intrusive photography that might stress the animals. TikTok

A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing animals from a distance. However, a smartphone can also capture great memories, especially with the zoo's scenic environments. TikTok

You can photograph the rescued lions, Vanda, Amani, and Lira, in their habitat. Remember to maintain a respectful distance. TikTok

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