Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden: Tickets & Visitor Info

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden offers an enchanting blend of wildlife and lush greenery, making it a must-visit oasis in the heart of Hungary’s bustling capital.

Highlights

• Wander through the enchanting Palm House, a lush, tropical paradise teeming with exotic plants and vibrant butterflies.
• Marvel at the majestic big cats in the expansive Savannah Zone, where lions and cheetahs roam in a naturalistic habitat.
• Discover the playful antics of the resident meerkats and lemurs in the Madagascar House, a whimsical exhibit that transports you to the heart of the island.

Tickets & Prices

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden offers a variety of ticket options to suit different visitors. General admission tickets are priced at 5,000 HUF for adults and 3,500 HUF for children aged 2-18, with free entry for children under 2 (accompanied by a ticket-purchasing adult). 

Discounts are available for students and seniors over 65. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online, with online purchasing recommended to avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons. Family passes are also available, providing significant savings for groups, with packages that accommodate up to 2 adults and 4 children. 

For frequent visitors, annual passes offer unlimited entry for a year, while companies can opt for a corporate pass for employee use. Seasonal discounts and promotions may also be available, so it’s worth checking the zoo’s official website for updates. Both cash and card payments, including MasterCard and Visa, are accepted at the ticket office and gift shop.

Opening Times

The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is open daily throughout the year, with regular hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, and extended hours until 7:00 PM on weekends and holidays. 

During the winter months (December through February), the zoo operates on a shorter schedule from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last entry an hour before closing and animal houses closing half an hour earlier. 

Special holiday hours apply on December 24th and 31st, when the zoo closes early at 1:00 PM, with the last entry at noon. For the best experience, it is recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds, particularly on weekends and holidays.

What to see and do

There are plenty of exciting things to do at Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden that will make your visit both educational and memorable.

Visit the Great Rock (Nagy Szikla)

One of the most stunning features of the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is the Great Rock, or “Nagy Szikla.” Built in 1912, this large artificial rock isn’t just a sight to behold; it’s a historical marvel. The rock houses several animal enclosures, making it both an architectural and zoological masterpiece. From its elevated walkways, you can catch unique views of the zoo and the surrounding City Park, offering a picturesque blend of nature and urban landscape.

Pro tip: Take the less-traveled paths around the rock. You’ll find quieter areas with fantastic views, perfect for a peaceful moment away from the crowd.

Inside the Great Rock, you’ll encounter mountain goats, birds of prey, and vultures. The rock’s design mimics natural habitats, providing an immersive experience that feels like a slice of the wild within the city.

Explore the Elephant House

The Elephant House is a true gem. Designed in the stunning Art Nouveau style, it’s one of the zoo’s most famous buildings. Dating back to the zoo’s early days, this structure has been modernized to ensure top-notch animal care while maintaining its historical charm.

The elephants here enjoy a spacious enclosure designed for their comfort. If you arrive in the late morning, you might catch the daily feeding and bathing sessions – a delightful sight that ensures you see these gentle giants at their most active.

Don’t miss the daily elephant feeding and bathing. It’s usually in the late morning, and it’s an experience you won’t forget.

See the Majestic Big Cats

The design of the lion and tiger enclosures allows for safe, close-up views of these majestic animals. The zoo has put considerable effort into mimicking the animals’ natural environments, making your visit feel like a mini-safari.

Keep an eye on the posted feeding times near the enclosures. Visiting during these times means you’re more likely to see the big cats in action.

Late afternoons are usually quieter, and you’ll find the big cats more likely to be roaming their enclosures. It’s a perfect time for a serene visit.

Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens

The zoo isn’t just about animals; it’s also a botanical wonderland. With over 7,000 species of plants from around the globe, including a tropical greenhouse and a serene Japanese Garden, there’s plenty to marvel at.

The garden changes with the seasons, offering something new year-round. Spring brings vibrant tulip displays, while autumn offers a peaceful, golden-colored walk.

Visit in the spring for a riot of tulip colors, or in autumn for a tranquil, golden-hued stroll.

Enjoy the Interactive Petting Zoo

The petting zoo is a family favorite, especially for young children. Here, kids can interact with domestic animals like goats, rabbits, and sheep – an educational and fun experience rolled into one.

This area promotes learning about animal care, responsibility, and farming practices.

On weekends or holidays, the petting zoo often holds workshops where kids can learn more about taking care of animals. Check the schedule and plan accordingly.

Walk Through the Madagascar House

Step into the Madagascar House to see species native to the island, such as lemurs and chameleons. This indoor exhibit offers a rainforest-like environment, making it an intimate setting to observe these exotic creatures.

One of the highlights is the semi-open enclosure where lemurs roam freely.

Arrive early to catch the lemurs when they’re most active, and avoid peak hours for a quieter experience.

Discover the Magical Aquarium and Palm House

This building combines an impressive aquarium with a lush tropical palm house, offering a mix of aquatic and plant life to explore. The aquarium showcases various marine life, including fish, amphibians, and coral reefs.

Inside the palm house, you’ll find exotic tropical plants and a serene waterfall – a perfect spot to relax and cool down.

This is a great place to escape the crowds or cool down on a hot summer day.

Attend Animal Shows and Feedings

The zoo offers regular animal shows, such as sea lion performances, parrot demonstrations, and elephant feeding. These shows provide not only entertainment but also valuable insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts.

Daily feeding sessions for popular animals like penguins, elephants, and giraffes are a must-see.

Arrive a few minutes early to secure a good viewing spot, especially during busy seasons.

Take a Ride on the Zoo Train

For families with young children, the mini-train ride around the zoo is a hit. It’s a relaxing way to cover more ground and see various parts of the zoo without the walking.

The train passes by some of the zoo’s most popular exhibits, offering a scenic and relaxing ride.

End Your Visit with the Animal Sculptures Garden

Don’t miss the collection of animal sculptures scattered around the grounds. It’s a peaceful area perfect for a relaxing walk after a day of exploring.

These sculptures are crafted by well-known Hungarian artists, blending art with nature in a unique way.

Explore this quieter area toward the end of your visit for a relaxing wind-down to your day. It’s a perfect way to reflect on your zoo adventure.

Directions

Visitors to the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden can easily reach the attraction using public transport. The most straightforward option is the Metro, where taking the yellow Metro line (M1) to the Széchenyi Fürdő stop will leave you just a 2-minute walk from the zoo entrance. 

For those opting for bus routes, you can use routes 20E, 30, 30A, 105, or 230, which all stop at Hősök Tere (Heroes’ Square), a short walk from the zoo. Alternatively, for a more direct route, the Trolleybus lines 72 (to Állatkert stop), 75, or 79 (to Gundel Károly út stop) drop you very close to the entrance.

For a more convenient visit, consider purchasing a 24-hour or 72-hour travel pass, which allows unlimited travel on metro, bus, and trolleybus services, making it easier to explore more of Budapest after your trip to the zoo.

Nearby Places

Heroes’ Square (Hősök Tere): This historic square features impressive statues of Hungarian leaders and the famous Millennium Monument, making it a must-see for visitors interested in Hungarian history.

Széchenyi Thermal Baths: Located close to the zoo, these famous thermal baths offer relaxing thermal pools known for their medicinal waters, providing a perfect way to unwind.

Vajdahunyad Castle: A fairy-tale castle blending various architectural styles, it houses the Hungarian Agricultural Museum and is ideal for a short exploration after visiting the zoo.

Capital Circus of Budapest: Just a few minutes from the zoo, this family-friendly attraction offers exciting performances suitable for all ages.

Museum of Fine Arts: Situated near Heroes’ Square, this prominent art museum features a vast collection of European artworks from ancient to modern times, perfect for art lovers looking to enhance their cultural experience.

Did you know that: (4 Interesting Facts!)

1. The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the oldest zoos in the world, having been established in 1866. It has continuously operated since then, even through two World Wars.
2. The zoo is home to a unique architectural wonder called the “Elephant House,” designed in an Art Nouveau style by renowned Hungarian architect Károly Kós.
3. One of the zoo’s most famous residents was a hippo named “Ulrich,” who lived to be nearly 50 years old, making him one of the oldest hippos ever recorded in captivity.
4. The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is not just about animals; it also features over 2,000 species of plants, making it a haven for botany enthusiasts as well.

History

• 1866. The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is established, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world. It officially opens its doors to the public on August 9th.
• 1907-1912. A major reconstruction and expansion project takes place, introducing several iconic buildings and enclosures, including the Elephant House and the Palm House.
• 1944-1945. The zoo suffers significant damage during World War II. Many of the animals perish, and buildings are destroyed or heavily damaged.
• 1950s. Post-war reconstruction efforts begin, and the zoo slowly recovers, rebuilding enclosures and restocking animal populations.
• 1980s. Modernization projects are initiated to improve animal living conditions and visitor experiences, aligning with contemporary zoo standards.
• 1996. The zoo celebrates its 130th anniversary with the opening of new themed exhibits and educational programs aimed at conservation and wildlife education.
• 2000s. A series of renovation projects are undertaken, including the restoration of historic buildings and the introduction of new species to the zoo’s collection.
• 2010. The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden launches the Biodome project, an ambitious plan to create a massive new complex housing diverse ecosystems and species.
• 2016. The zoo marks its 150th anniversary with special events, exhibitions, and the inauguration of new attractions, including a state-of-the-art polar bear exhibit.
• Present Day. The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is a leading institution in wildlife conservation and education, attracting over a million visitors annually and participating in numerous international conservation programs.

FAQ

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