Posted by Vienna Zoo, officially called Tiergarten Schönbrunn, is one of the top family attractions in Vienna and a must for many first-time visitors. It is located inside the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace and is widely described as the world’s oldest zoo still in operation (founded in 1752).
It makes sense to buy tickets in advance on the Internet. Such tickets are available on the well-known web page Bookinhg.com The entrance tickets cost here just as much as at the zoo (20 for a zoo ticket and/or 10 euro for children starting from 6 years).
This very detailed English travel guide explains what makes Vienna Zoo special, what you can see there, how to plan your visit, and how to combine it with other major sights. The writing style is factual and easy to read, with practical tips for tourists.
Tours & experiences in Vienna
City tours, palace visits, museums, concerts, and unique experiences in Vienna:
Where is Vienna Zoo?
Vienna Zoo is located in the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens in the western part of the city. Most visitors combine it with the palace and the park, because everything is in the same area.
- Inside the Schönbrunn grounds (13th district, Hietzing)
- Easy to reach by public transport
- Perfect combination with Schönbrunn Palace
If you need help planning routes and tickets for metro and tram, see: Vienna local transport.
Why Vienna Zoo is worth visiting
Many cities have a zoo. Vienna Zoo is different because it combines a historic setting with modern animal habitats.
- Historic “menagerie” structures from the imperial period
- Modern enclosures and strong focus on conservation
- Large variety of animals and themed houses
- Good visitor infrastructure (food, rest areas, family services)
Even if you are not a “zoo person”, the setting inside Schönbrunn makes it feel like part of a cultural sightseeing day rather than a separate trip.
A short history: the world’s oldest zoo
Vienna Zoo was founded in 1752 as an imperial menagerie. Today it is considered the oldest zoo in the world still operating, and it remains part of the Schönbrunn UNESCO World Heritage setting.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
You can still see traces of that origin, especially around the historic core area. The difference is that the zoo is now designed as a modern institution with a strong focus on animal welfare and biodiversity education.
What you can see at Vienna Zoo
The zoo has a wide range of habitats: large outdoor areas, indoor animal houses, and themed worlds. Depending on your interests, you can plan your route to focus on specific highlights.
Giant pandas
Vienna Zoo is known for its giant pandas. This is one of the most popular areas, so it often gets crowded. If pandas are high on your list, go there early in the day and then continue with calmer parts of the zoo.
Elephants and large mammals
Many visitors focus on the “classic” zoo animals: elephants, big cats, giraffes, and rhinos. Vienna Zoo has strong visitor viewing design, so you usually get good angles without needing special tickets.
It makes sense to buy tickets in advance on the Internet. Such tickets are available on the well-known web page Bookinhg.com The entrance tickets cost here just as much as at the zoo (20 for a zoo ticket and/or 10 euro for children starting from 6 years).
Rainforest and tropical houses
Indoor houses are a big advantage in bad weather and winter. They give you warmth, humidity, and a completely different atmosphere from the palace park outside.
- Good option for rainy days
- High biodiversity in a small space
- Great for kids and photographers
Desert House (Wüstenhaus) – important note
The Desert House is connected to the Schönbrunn area but is not part of the main zoo and usually has its own admission rules and times. It is located opposite the Palm House near the Hietzing entrance.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
If you love unusual landscapes and “strange” desert wildlife, it can be a great add-on. If you have limited time, the main zoo is the priority.
Opening hours and best time to visit
Vienna Zoo is open every day from 9 a.m., and the closing time changes by season (roughly between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.). The last entry is typically 30 minutes before closing.
Best times (practical reality)
- Weekdays: fewer crowds than weekends
- Morning: better for popular animals like pandas
- Winter: indoor houses become more important
- Summer: start early to avoid midday heat
In peak tourist months and school holidays, you will see a lot of families. If you want a calmer experience, choose a weekday morning.
How long should you plan?
The zoo is larger than many visitors expect. Your ideal time depends on how deeply you want to explore the animal houses and how often you stop for breaks.
- Quick visit: 2–3 hours (highlights only)
- Standard visit: 4–5 hours (balanced pace)
- Full experience: 1 full day (slow, relaxed, families)
If you combine it with Schönbrunn Palace, plan a full day in this area of Vienna.
Suggested routes inside the zoo
The zoo is easiest if you decide your style first: highlights, family-friendly, or quiet corners.
Route 1: First-time visitor highlights
- Start early (avoid queues)
- Pandas first
- Large mammals (elephants, big cats)
- One tropical house for variety
- Finish with a relaxed café break
Route 2: Families with kids
- Mix outdoor and indoor sections (kids get tired)
- Use playground and rest stops regularly
- Focus on interactive houses and close-up viewing areas
Route 3: Calm visit for adults
- Arrive on a weekday morning
- Skip the busiest sections at peak time
- Spend more time in themed houses and less crowded corners
Tickets and practical tips
Tickets are available online and at the entrance. Online tickets can reduce waiting time at the ticket office.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
If you are planning a sightseeing-heavy trip, check whether the Vienna Pass matches your plans. (Always compare: the pass is only worth it if you use enough included attractions.)
Entrance fees 2026 Vienna Zoo
Unfortunately, the zoo experience is no longer inexpensive in Austria either. Adults pay 29 Euro entrance fee in 2026. Children up to 18 years, pensioners and disabled persons pay 18 Euro. There is no entrance fee for children under 6 years of age. Often you have to wait long at the cash desk.
It makes sense to buy tickets in advance on the Internet. Such tickets are available on the well-known web page Bookinhg.com The entrance tickets cost here just as much as at the zoo (20 for a zoo ticket and/or 10 euro for children starting from 6 years).
Vienna Pass
Those who have the Vienna Pass do not have to pay admission. The relatively high entrance fees for many attractions and the many interesting sights in Vienna make the Vienna Pass worthwhile for many tourists. >>> More about the Vienna Pass on this website
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes (you will walk a lot)
- Water bottle (especially summer)
- Rain jacket (Vienna weather changes quickly)
- For kids: snacks and a small break plan
Food and breaks
The zoo has food options and rest areas. Still, it helps to plan at least one longer break, especially if you want a half-day visit or you are traveling with children.
How to get to Vienna Zoo
Schönbrunn is well connected by Vienna’s public transport network. For route planning and ticket types, see:
If you are doing a short city trip, consider combining Schönbrunn (zoo + palace) with a different part of the city on another day, such as the historic center around St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Combine Vienna Zoo with other Vienna highlights
Vienna Zoo works best when it becomes part of a wider itinerary.
- Schönbrunn Palace (same area, classic combination)
- Butterfly House Vienna (tropical theme, indoor option)
- Natural History Museum Vienna (science-themed day)
- Leopold Museum (art and modern Vienna)
- Prater Vienna and Giant Ferris Wheel (fun, city views)
Who should visit Vienna Zoo?
- Families and multi-generation trips
- First-time visitors to Vienna who want something beyond palaces
- Animal lovers and photographers
- Travelers who want a relaxed outdoor day
Who might skip it?
- Very short trips (1–2 days) focused only on the old town
- Visitors who prefer museums and concerts only
- Those who dislike crowds (unless you go weekday mornings)
Accommodation in Vienna
Hotels in Vienna (Booking.com)
Find hotels near Schönbrunn (Hietzing) or in the historic center for easy sightseeing:
Conclusion
Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) is one of the most enjoyable attractions in the city, especially if you want a break from museums and classical architecture. With its historic imperial setting, modern habitats, and excellent infrastructure, it is ideal for families, casual visitors, and anyone who wants a relaxed day in Schönbrunn.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Related Vienna travel guides
See also: The Zoo Rome in the central park Villa Borghese and the great Zoo of Prague in the czech capital. The zoo of Hamburg is also famous and great. The zoo of Karlsruhe i in he city centre.