Cologne Zoo
Historic zoo with diverse animals, a popular dinosaur park, and scenic Rhine views via cable car.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Cologne Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic zoo with diverse animals, a popular dinosaur park, and scenic Rhine views via cable car.
"A wonderful zoo, perfect size to walk around and see everything, animals looked after well."
🎯 Book Dino Kombi Tickets Online
Get the Dino Kombi ticket with a sticker album online to skip queues and enhance your dinosaur experience. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the zoo's expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Park
Explore life-sized animatronic dinosaurs scattered throughout the zoo, offering a prehistoric adventure for all ages.

Elephant Park
Witness the majestic elephants in their dedicated park, a long-standing attraction at this historic zoo.

Rainforest House
Immerse yourself in a tropical environment, home to a diverse array of fascinating rainforest creatures.

Aquarium
Discover a vibrant underwater world with a variety of aquatic life, from colorful fish to intriguing marine species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online to Skip the Line
Check for Refurbishments and Special Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Dino Kombi Tickets Online
Get the Dino Kombi ticket with a sticker album online to skip queues and enhance your dinosaur experience.
:ticket:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the zoo's expansive grounds.
:athletic_shoe:💧 Bring Your Own Snacks
Food can be pricey; packing your own healthy snacks and drinks is a good idea.
:forkandknifewithplate:📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the scenic cable car ride over the Rhine for stunning city and zoo panoramas.
:camerawithflash:Tourist with only one day left in Cologne and so much to see, need suggestions
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Dino Kombi Tickets Online
Get the Dino Kombi ticket with a sticker album online to skip queues and enhance your dinosaur experience.
:ticket:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the zoo's expansive grounds.
:athletic_shoe:💧 Bring Your Own Snacks
Food can be pricey; packing your own healthy snacks and drinks is a good idea.
:forkandknifewithplate:📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the scenic cable car ride over the Rhine for stunning city and zoo panoramas.
:camerawithflash:🗣️ Look for English Info
Information signs are primarily in German; consider a translation app if needed.
:iphone:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Cologne Zoo for its well-maintained grounds, diverse animal collection, and engaging exhibits like the dinosaur park. Many appreciate the spacious enclosures and the care given to the animals. Some minor drawbacks include information signs being solely in German and ongoing refurbishments, though these don't significantly detract from the overall positive experience.
"What a lovely day out with great friends! Weather was cooperating and most of the animals were out and about! Some we did not see because they were hiding or somewhere else but there was still plenty others to see. We loved the dinosaurs too! Stopped by the restaurant for some lunch which was also very nice. Lots of bees/wasps flying around while we were seated eating, so maybe not a great place if you are allergic, but otherwise really nice. Bathrooms were easy to find and it was easy getting in and out. Loved how playful the others were being! Thank you from the US!!"
Heather Bunch (Shuee01)
"The 165th anniversary of Cologne Zoo is celebrated with evergreen content: dinosaurs.
But also with a Panini sticker album. So, if you want to give your children a treat, buy the Dino kombi ticket with the sticker album. Do so online to jump the queue on site. I highly recommend to also book the Dino VR experience in advance - it is a ten minute visual aid (in coop with local VR hero TimeRide) and adds to the animatronics dinos scattered throughout the park.
Otherwise, the 14 dinos add a nice distraction to the regular inhabitants of the lovely zoo. Some are animated, others really huge. One of the oldest zoos of Germany sports some nice attractions but also undergoes some considerable refurbishments. Some areas are closed off, others are currently under construction (giraffe house).
But some historic buildings (old elephant house) surely add to the flavor.
We paid €98 for two adults and 2 kids. So plan to bring your healthy snacks and drinks with you, otherwise better top up your Amex ;)"
Stefankai Spoerlein
"Wonderful zoo and perfect size to walk around and see everything. My children loved the feeding sessions for the seals and otters and we really enjoyed our day. The animals are looked after well and I would come again and recommend to family and friends."
Diva Hinzmann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cologne Zoo is easily accessible. You can reach it by public transport, including trams and buses. It's also a pleasant walk along the Rhine riverfront, especially if you cross the Hohenzollern Bridge.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the zoo, but they can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Consider public transport or the cable car for a more scenic arrival.
Absolutely! Walking along the Rhine from the city center is a popular and scenic option. It takes about 30 minutes and offers lovely views.
For breathtaking views of Cologne and the zoo, take the historic Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn) across the Rhine. It connects the zoo to the Rheinpark.
The zoo is generally stroller-friendly, with paved paths throughout most of the grounds, making it easy to navigate with young children.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Cologne Zoo tickets online through their official website to skip the queues. Tickets are also available at the entrance.
Ticket prices vary, but a family ticket for two adults and two children was around €98. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing for Cologne Zoo tickets.
Look out for special offers like the Dino Kombi ticket, which includes access to the dinosaur exhibit and a sticker album. Booking online can sometimes offer savings.
Opening times vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Cologne Zoo website for the most up-to-date opening hours before your visit.
No, a valid ticket is required for entry into the Cologne Zoo. Purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment and long waits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the elephants, the Iranian cheetah, and the playful seals and otters. The zoo also features a variety of rare and interesting animals.
Yes, the zoo has a popular dinosaur park with animatronic and large dinosaur models. They also offer a VR experience that complements the dinosaur exhibit.
Cologne Zoo is very family-friendly, with interactive exhibits like the dinosaur park and feeding sessions that children adore. The size is perfect for walking around.
The zoo offers restrooms, benches for resting, and a restaurant. It's also noted for being clean and well-maintained.
While direct feeding by visitors is generally not allowed for the animals' well-being, the zoo often has scheduled feeding sessions for certain animals, like seals and otters, which are a highlight for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site offering lunch and other refreshments. However, some visitors suggest bringing your own snacks.
The restaurant offers standard zoo fare. While generally considered nice, be aware of potential insect activity like bees and wasps, especially when dining outdoors.
Information on specific dietary options is limited, but most zoo restaurants offer a range of choices. It's advisable to check with the restaurant directly or bring your own food if you have strict dietary needs.
Yes, bringing your own healthy snacks and drinks is a common practice and recommended by visitors to save money and cater to specific preferences.
While not explicitly mentioned as designated picnic areas, there are benches throughout the zoo where visitors can enjoy their own food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the diverse animals, the historic architecture, and the scenic Rhine views from the cable car. The dinosaur park also offers unique photo ops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the Cologne Zoo for personal use. However, always be mindful of any posted restrictions, especially in sensitive areas.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, leading to better photographic conditions and more active animals.
The elephant park, the rainforest house, and any areas with unobstructed views of the animals are excellent for photography. The cable car ride offers panoramic city shots.
A telephoto lens can be beneficial for capturing detailed shots of animals that may be further away or in larger enclosures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the Dino Kombi ticket online to streamline your entry and get a fun souvenir. The zoo is a good size for little legs, and the variety of animals ensures constant engagement. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is also a smart move to keep energy levels up throughout the day.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider utilizing public transport to reach the zoo, which is often more economical than parking. If you're looking for scenic views without the zoo entrance fee, the Cologne Cable Car offers a relatively inexpensive ride across the Rhine with stunning city vistas.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to take advantage of the Cologne Cable Car for panoramic cityscapes, especially with the Cologne Cathedral in the background. Early mornings or late afternoons often yield the best light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photographic opportunities. A telephoto lens can be very useful for capturing details of the animals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn)
The cable car connects the Cologne Zoo with the beautiful Rheinpark, making it a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two attractions. The ride is short, taking just a few minutes, and provides some of the best photo opportunities in the city, with the iconic Cologne Cathedral often visible in the distance.
It operates seasonally, typically from spring to autumn, and is an affordable way to add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit. It’s a fantastic experience for families and couples alike, offering a memorable way to see Cologne from above.
Exploring the Dinosaur Park
Visitors can purchase a special 'Dino Kombi' ticket online, which includes access to the dinosaur exhibit and a Panini sticker album, making it a fun souvenir. For an even more immersive experience, booking the Dino VR experience in advance is highly recommended; it's a short visual aid that enhances the encounter with the animatronic dinosaurs.
The dinosaurs are scattered throughout the zoo, providing a fun and educational distraction alongside the zoo's regular inhabitants. It's a well-executed addition that adds significant value and excitement to a visit to the Cologne Zoological Garden.
Animal Welfare and Conservation at Cologne Zoo
The zoo houses a diverse range of species, including rare and endangered animals like the Iranian cheetah, offering visitors a chance to see creatures they might not encounter elsewhere. This focus on biodiversity and conservation is a significant aspect of the zoo's mission.
While undergoing refurbishments, the zoo maintains its dedication to providing enriching environments for its animals and educating the public about wildlife conservation. The historic buildings also add a unique charm to the overall experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit