Ljubljana Zoo
A tranquil, forest-like zoo with naturalistic enclosures and ample shade, perfect for a relaxed day out with family.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Ljubljana Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, forest-like zoo with naturalistic enclosures and ample shade, perfect for a relaxed day out with family.
"It really does feel more like a stroll through a forest than a zoo visit, which just makes it even better."
🎒 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food and drinks inside are pricey. Bring your own to save money! :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
With 6.5 km of trails, comfy shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Forest Trails
Throughout the zoo
Wander through 6.5 km of shaded trails, feeling more like a forest walk than a traditional zoo.

Children's Playgrounds
Various locations
Multiple play areas, including the 'Frog Leap' playground, offer fun for younger visitors.

Seal Show
Seal enclosure
Enjoy an entertaining and fun show that delights visitors of all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Shade on Warm Days
Budget-Friendly Entry, Pack Snacks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food and drinks inside are pricey. Bring your own to save money! :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
With 6.5 km of trails, comfy shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Embrace the Shade
The zoo's forest setting offers great shade, perfect for hot days. :sunwithface:
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Direct bus routes from the city center make getting here a breeze. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food and drinks inside are pricey. Bring your own to save money! :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
With 6.5 km of trails, comfy shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Embrace the Shade
The zoo's forest setting offers great shade, perfect for hot days. :sunwithface:
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Direct bus routes from the city center make getting here a breeze. :bus:
📸 Capture Nature
The natural enclosures offer great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ljubljana Zoo is praised for its beautiful, shaded forest setting and naturalistic enclosures, offering a pleasant escape. Visitors appreciate the child-friendly playgrounds and the overall relaxed atmosphere. However, some enclosures are noted as being small, and food prices inside are considered high.
"We had the most incredible day at the zoo! ❤️ It was such a beautiful space, filled with shade, perfect for a warm day of adventure. With 6.5 km of stunning trails to explore, every step was a delight! To top it all off, we celebrated the elephant's 50th birthday! 🎉 Everyone was treated to free ice cream and delicious Indian desserts, which made the experience even sweeter. The zoo staff were super friendly, adding to the festive atmosphere. What an unforgettable day!"
Taoane Lemos
"A really nice experience at Ljubljana Zoo. It’s easy to get there via a single bus trip from the city center. The animals are generally well located and preserved. There is a small hill in the zoo, which creates a natural habitat for wild animals such as wild cats and birds. The elephant place is not big enough and it can be better if more space is available."
Sihang Liu
"A lovely natural park type zoo, the perfect place to spend a few hours on a hot day as there is lots of shade. There's lots of free parking outside as well, which is great.
The animals mostly seem well cared for and happy, with large natural enclosures. There are lots of playgrounds for children as well, the frog leap playground is especially cool.
The ticket price is quite good, but inside the prices for food and drinks is crazy - €3.80 for a Pepsi!!"
Mike
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
It's very easy to reach Ljubljana Zoo from the city center via a single bus trip. Several bus lines connect the city to the zoo, making it a convenient option for visitors without a car.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available outside the zoo, which is a great perk for those driving to the attraction.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official Ljubljana Zoo website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Generally, it opens in the morning and closes in the early evening.
Absolutely! Public transport is a popular and efficient way to get to the zoo from Ljubljana's city center.
The zoo is generally considered accessible, with pathways that allow for easy navigation. The natural, hilly terrain in some areas might require a bit more effort, but overall it's manageable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ticket price for Ljubljana Zoo is quite good and offers good value for the experience. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing, as it may vary.
While specific discount information isn't always readily available, family tickets or group rates might be offered. It's always a good idea to check the zoo's official website or inquire at the ticket counter for any potential deals.
Purchasing tickets online is often a convenient option for many attractions, including zoos. Check the official Ljubljana Zoo website to see if online ticket booking is available to save time upon arrival.
Your zoo ticket typically grants you access to explore all the animal enclosures and enjoy the zoo's facilities, including the playgrounds and walking trails. Special events or shows might have separate arrangements.
Weekends can be busier, especially during peak seasons or special events. Visiting on a weekday morning can offer a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often highlight seeing the tigers, even if napping, and other animals in their naturalistic enclosures. The seal show is also a popular attraction.
Yes, Ljubljana Zoo is very child-friendly, with play areas located throughout the park. The 'Frog Leap' playground is particularly noted as being very cool and fun for kids.
Many visitors spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring the zoo, enjoying the trails and observing the animals. It's a place where you can leisurely spend a good part of your day.
The zoo is situated on a small hill, which contributes to naturalistic habitats for animals like wild cats and birds. This means there are some inclines to navigate.
Absolutely! The zoo is set within a forested area, providing abundant shade, making it a comfortable place to visit even on a warm day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is an on-site eatery offering food and drinks. However, prices for items like a Pepsi can be quite high, so consider bringing your own refreshments.
Yes, reviews suggest that the prices for food and drinks inside the zoo can be surprisingly expensive, with one mention of €3.80 for a Pepsi.
Bringing your own food and drinks is a common recommendation to manage costs, especially given the higher prices inside the zoo.
While not explicitly mentioned as designated picnic areas, the shaded trails and open spaces offer opportunities for visitors to enjoy their own packed meals.
During special events, like the elephant's birthday, visitors have been treated to delicious Indian desserts, adding a sweet surprise to the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The naturalistic enclosures and the forested setting provide beautiful backdrops. Try capturing animals in their habitats, especially during the golden hours for softer light.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or areas where photography might be restricted for animal welfare.
A versatile zoom lens can be useful for capturing animals at varying distances. A wide-angle lens can be great for the forest scenery.
Yes, you can photograph the animals. Many visitors enjoy capturing the diverse wildlife in their thoughtfully designed enclosures.
The enclosures are designed to be naturalistic, which can make for great photos. However, some animals might be hiding or far away, so patience is key.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Getting there is easy with direct bus routes from the city center or ample free parking. Consider packing snacks and drinks to keep costs down, as on-site prices can be high. It's a wonderful place for a relaxed, educational, and fun-filled family day out.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
The zoo is easily accessible via public transport from the city center, saving on taxi fares. The extensive free parking is also a bonus if you're driving. The real draw is the immersive natural experience, which costs nothing extra beyond your entry ticket.
🌳 Nature Enthusiasts
Enjoy observing animals in a setting that feels more like a nature reserve than a traditional zoo. The emphasis on green spaces and thoughtful habitat design makes it a rewarding visit for anyone who loves nature and wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Welfare and Enclosures
However, some reviews mention that certain enclosures, such as those for seals, some birds, and particularly the elephants, might seem a bit small or could benefit from more space. The elephant enclosure, in particular, has been described as not being big enough, with the elephant appearing a bit lonely and bored. Despite these observations, the overall impression is one of a zoo that prioritizes animal welfare through thoughtful habitat design where possible.
It's worth noting that the zoo's location within a forested area contributes significantly to the natural feel of the enclosures. This green setting allows for a more immersive experience, where observing animals feels less like looking into cages and more like glimpsing wildlife in a reservation.
A Family-Friendly Escape
Beyond the playgrounds, the zoo's layout itself is conducive to a family outing. The extensive network of shaded trails makes it comfortable for parents and children to explore, even on warmer days. The seal show is another highlight that consistently entertains younger visitors, adding an element of interactive fun to the day.
With its easy accessibility via public transport and ample free parking, getting to the zoo with family is hassle-free. The reasonable ticket prices also make it an affordable option for a day of educational entertainment.
The Naturalistic Zoo Experience
This naturalistic approach extends to the animal enclosures, which are often spacious and designed to mimic the animals' native habitats. This not only benefits the animals by providing a more stimulating environment but also enhances the visitor experience by allowing for more naturalistic viewing. You might even spot animals napping in the shade, a testament to their comfort.
Visitors frequently comment on how the zoo feels less like a traditional zoo and more like an immersive nature experience. It's a place where you can spend hours leisurely exploring, observing wildlife, and enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding forest.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit