Prague Zoo

One of the best zoos in Europe, built into a hillside

Area Troja
Type Park
Time needed 3h

Prague Zoo opened in 1931 in Troja, north of the centre, and occupies a hillside above the Vltava, so the site is split between a flat lower section by the river and an upper plateau reached by path, stairs or a chairlift. It is among the larger and better-regarded zoos in Europe, and is known internationally for breeding Przewalski's horse, the wild horse of the Mongolian steppe, which it has sent back to the wild. Allow most of a day; three hours is the minimum that makes the trip worthwhile.

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Getting there

Bus 112 from metro line C (red) at Nádraží Holešovice runs to the zoo gate; the metro ride from the centre is about ten minutes and the bus about fifteen, so roughly forty minutes door to door from Staroměstské náměstí. In summer a boat service runs up the river from the centre to the Troja landing stage, which is slower and more pleasant. Inside, the lower zoo is level and easy; the climb to the upper zoo is substantial and the chairlift, which runs seasonally, is the way most families do it.

What you see

The lower zoo holds the big pavilions: the elephant valley, with an indoor hall and a large outdoor enclosure where the herd is usually visible; the gorilla pavilion, which is the exhibit people queue for; and the indian ox, giraffe and hippo houses. Walk the lower loop before climbing, because the upper plateau is where the open paddocks are — Przewalski's horses, camels, and the large hoofed-animal enclosures that need space. The big-cat and bear sections, the aviaries and a walk-through tropical house fill the middle ground. The upper plateau also gives views back over the river valley and across to Troja Palace. Signage is in Czech and English, and feeding and training times posted at the gate are worth planning around, because several of the larger animals are indoors and invisible outside them.

What to pair it with

Troja Palace is directly next door and its gardens are a short walk from the zoo gate. The Botanical Garden with its glasshouse sits on the hill immediately above, and the three together make a full day in Troja.

When to go

Arrive at opening. By late morning in summer the paths around the gorillas and elephants are congested and parking and the bus are both full; animals are also more active in the cooler early hours. Weekdays in term time are much quieter than weekends and school holidays. Spring and early autumn are the best compromise: the outdoor enclosures are in use and the hill is bearable. In deep winter many animals are indoors and the chairlift may not run.

What is hard about it

It is a hillside, and the gradient between lower and upper zoo is the main complaint — long ramps and stairs, hard work with a pushchair or limited mobility, and the chairlift is not always running. Tickets are not cheap for a family and there is usually a queue at the gate on a fine weekend, so buy online if you can. Some animals are off view or asleep, the gorilla house can be packed to the glass, and in high summer the lower zoo smells. Food on site is canteen standard and expensive.

Common questions

How long do you need at Prague Zoo?

Three hours covers the main pavilions at a brisk pace. A family with children will comfortably spend five or six and still not see all of the upper zoo.

How do I get there without a car?

Metro line C to Nádraží Holešovice, then bus 112 to the gate. In summer a river boat also runs up to Troja.

Is it worth it in winter?

Less so. Many species are housed indoors, the chairlift is seasonal and the hill is slippery, though the indoor pavilions stay open and it is far quieter.

Nearby

Troja PalaceA red and white baroque villa with a staircase full of giants