Moscow Zoo
Historic Moscow Zoo, home to 8,000 animals including rare species like polar bears and pandas. Offers conservation and education.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Moscow Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Moscow Zoo, home to 8,000 animals including rare species like polar bears and pandas. Offers conservation and education.
"A historic and diverse attraction with a wide range of animals, including popular pandas and polar bears."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets online in advance to skip the ticket counter queues.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The zoo has Old and New Territories; grab a map to see everything efficiently. Allow 2.5-3 hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Polar Bears
Arctic Exhibit
Witness the majestic polar bears in their habitat, a rare and captivating sight for all ages.
Pandas
Panda Enclosure
Meet the beloved pandas, a favorite for many visitors, and perhaps pick up a souvenir.
Alpacas
Farmyard Area
Interact with the charming alpacas, known for their gentle nature and unique appearance.
Birds of Prey
Aviary Section
Listen to the diverse sounds of various birds, including parrots, in their dedicated enclosures.
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Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Weekday Visits Recommended
Ticket Tips & Language
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets online in advance to skip the ticket counter queues.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The zoo has Old and New Territories; grab a map to see everything efficiently. Allow 2.5-3 hours.
📱 Use a Translation App
Staff may not speak English, so a translation app is useful for communication.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the zoo.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets online in advance to skip the ticket counter queues.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The zoo has Old and New Territories; grab a map to see everything efficiently. Allow 2.5-3 hours.
📱 Use a Translation App
Staff may not speak English, so a translation app is useful for communication.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the zoo.
🧸 Souvenir Shopping
Don't forget to check out the gift shops for unique souvenirs, especially panda-themed items.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Moscow Zoo is a historic and diverse attraction with a wide range of animals, including popular pandas and polar bears. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained enclosures and the presence of playgrounds for children. However, it can get extremely crowded on weekends, and communication can be challenging due to a language barrier.
"My favorite lovely zoo in Moscow. I like the branding of it and of course it has a lot of things to see. I really like the pandas there and I make sure to buy a souvenir panda everytime I'm there.
I recommend you to buy tickets online if possible!"
IoannisV
"Amazing well-planned out zoo. A great variety of animals, there were playgrounds for the children, and numerous food stalls. There’s a map of the zoo at the entrance displaying the Old and New Territories of the zoo. If you want to see everything, plan 2.5-3hrs without rushing."
Rayna Markova
"We recently visited the Moscow Zoo, and while it was a pleasant experience, it felt quite basic, similar to the Old Zoo Park in Dubai. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Timing Matters: It's better to visit on a weekday. We went on a weekend, and it was extremely busy and crowded. We had to wait in line for tickets and at the entrance for 45 minutes. The crowd inside made it difficult for the kids to see many animals.
- Language Barrier: The staff do not speak English, so it's helpful to have a translation app ready.
- Ticket Requirements: Every person, including children under two, must have a ticket. We had to go back and get two more tickets because the staff didn't understand us, even with the help of Google Translate. Make sure everyone, including babies, has a ticket.
- Play ground: at the end of the zoo, they have a kids play area which is less busy and the kids enjoyed playing there.
Personally, I wouldn't visit this zoo again, but if you have kids, it's worth going at least once for them to enjoy the weather. Just avoid weekends if possible."
Na3meh -
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moscow Zoo is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro stations are Krasnopresnenskaya and Barrikadnaya. Many bus routes also serve the area.
Parking can be limited and challenging in the city center. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to reach the zoo.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally advisable to check the official Moscow Zoo website for current regulations on outside food and beverages. There are food stalls within the zoo.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Moscow Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times.
The zoo has a map that indicates different territories, and while some areas might be more accessible than others, it's generally designed to accommodate visitors with strollers and wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Moscow Zoo website for current pricing. Children under two may not require a ticket, but policies should be verified.
It is highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance, especially on weekends or holidays, to avoid long queues.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or families is usually available on the official Moscow Zoo website. It's worth checking their promotions page.
Every person, including young children, typically requires a ticket. It's crucial to confirm the age for which tickets are mandatory to avoid issues at the entrance.
Generally, re-entry policies vary by attraction. It's best to confirm with the zoo staff or check their official guidelines regarding same-day re-entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often highlight the polar bears, pandas, and alpacas. The zoo also houses a wide variety of other animals, including gorillas and elephants. +1
Yes, there are designated play areas for children, which can be a great spot for them to enjoy themselves, especially towards the end of the zoo visit.
Moscow Zoo offers many opportunities for photography, from close-ups of animals to scenic shots of the grounds. Capturing the unique expressions of the animals can be very rewarding.
The zoo is divided into Old and New Territories. Grabbing a map at the entrance is recommended to plan your route and ensure you see all the areas you're interested in.
Currently, most signage at Moscow Zoo is in Russian. Visitors may find it helpful to use a translation app for better understanding.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Moscow Zoo offers numerous food stalls and stands throughout the park, providing various snacks and meals for visitors.
While specific options can vary, many food stalls offer a range of choices. It's advisable to inquire directly at the stalls for vegetarian or vegan selections.
Check the official zoo policy for bringing outside food. If permitted, designated picnic areas might be available.
Prices at zoo food stalls can be typical for such attractions. Visitors have noted that the overall cost for tickets and food can be reasonable.
Yes, the zoo has various food stalls and potentially small cafes offering refreshments and meals for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Every enclosure offers unique photo opportunities. The polar bears, pandas, and colorful birds are particularly popular subjects.
Photography of animals is generally permitted, but flash photography might be restricted in some areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check for signage.
A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture animals at various distances. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the zoo grounds.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around zoos to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals and visitors.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting and potentially more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To ensure a smooth visit, aim for a weekday to avoid large crowds and long waits. Make sure to purchase tickets for everyone, including very young children, and consider bringing a translation app for easier communication with staff. Planning your route using the zoo map will help you see all the highlights without exhausting little legs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The zoo's diverse enclosures provide varied backdrops for your shots.Visit during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best natural light and potentially more active animals. A good zoom lens will be your best friend here. Be mindful of any restrictions on flash photography to ensure the well-being of the animals.
🌍 Budget Travelers
Utilizing Moscow's efficient public transportation system to reach the zoo is also a budget-friendly option compared to taxis or private cars. Weekday visits can also mean fewer crowds, potentially leading to a more relaxed and cost-effective experience overall.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Moscow Zoo's History and Conservation
Visitors can explore distinct areas like the Old and New Territories, each offering a unique experience. The zoo houses over 8,000 animals representing a vast array of species from around the globe. Efforts are continuously made to provide living environments that are as close to the animals' natural habitats as possible, ensuring their well-being.
Conservation is a cornerstone of Moscow Zoo's mission. They actively participate in international breeding programs for rare and endangered animals, contributing to global efforts to protect biodiversity. The zoo also focuses on research and public education, aiming to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the animal kingdom.
Navigating Moscow Zoo with Children
When planning a visit with children, it's highly recommended to go on a weekday to avoid the overwhelming crowds that can make it difficult for little ones to see the animals. Ensure you have all the necessary tickets for everyone, as policies can be strict. Having a translation app can also be a lifesaver for communicating with staff if needed.
Consider the zoo's layout with its Old and New Territories. Planning your route can help maximize your time and ensure you visit the exhibits most interesting to your children. The zoo's commitment to providing suitable living environments for its animals also contributes to a positive and educational experience for young visitors.
Photography at Moscow Zoo: Capturing Wildlife Moments
+1To make the most of your photography experience, consider visiting during the softer light of early mornings or late afternoons. This can lead to more active animals and more dramatic lighting. While most areas allow photography, be mindful of restrictions on flash photography, which can disturb the animals.
A versatile zoom lens is often recommended to get clear shots of animals from varying distances. The zoo's diverse enclosures, from aviaries filled with birdsong to the expansive habitats of larger mammals, offer a rich backdrop for your photographs. Remember to check for any specific photography guidelines posted by the zoo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit