Sight guide · Zurich · Switzerland
Visiting Zurich Zoo
On the wooded Zürichberg hill, the zoo is known for its Masoala Rainforest hall, a recreation of a Madagascan rainforest with free-roaming lemurs and birds, the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park and the Lewa savannah with giraffes and rhinos.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Zurich Zoo is a zoo in Fluntern, Zurich. Allow half a day; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Area
- Fluntern
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, outdoors, nature and rainy day
- Best months
- July–September
About Zurich Zoo
On the wooded Zürichberg hill, the zoo is known for its Masoala Rainforest hall, a recreation of a Madagascan rainforest with free-roaming lemurs and birds, the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park and the Lewa savannah with giraffes and rhinos. Tram 6 runs to the gates.
Tip: Head to the Masoala hall early when the animals are most active, and save the elephant park for feeding times.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Fluntern.
Best time to visit Zurich Zoo
Zurich Zoo is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- September: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- July: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- August: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Zurich has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Zurich Zoo is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Niederdorf and the right-bank Old Town and Grossmünster.
- No. 10 of the 18 sights in our Zurich things-to-do list.
- One of the picks in zurich on a rainy day.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Zurich.
- A family favourite in Zurich with kids.
If you like Zurich Zoo
- Lake Zurich cruise — Bürkliplatz, 1.5–4 hours
- Swiss National Museum — Main station, 2 hours
- Uetliberg — Uetliberg, Half a day
- Lake and river baths (Badis) — Lake Zurich and Limmat, 2–3 hours
Staying near Zurich Zoo
Where to stay in Zurich compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Zurich Zoo?
Plan half a day.
+Is Zurich Zoo free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Zurich Zoo?
July–September for the most comfortable weather. Head to the Masoala hall early when the animals are most active, and save the elephant park for feeding times.
+Do I need to book Zurich Zoo in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Zurich Zoo good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Zurich. Zurich is clean, safe-feeling and well organised for families, with trams that take pushchairs, lakeside playgrounds, shallow areas at the lake baths and hands-on museums.