Antwerp Zoo - Lizard faceoff
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Antwerp Zoo

4.4
·25k reviews·Antwerpen, Belgium

Europe's historic 19th-century zoo, blending stunning architecture with diverse animal life and conservation efforts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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Antwerp Zoo - Lizard faceoff

Antwerp Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Europe's historic 19th-century zoo, blending stunning architecture with diverse animal life and conservation efforts.

4.4
(25k reviews)

"Beautiful zoo within the city centre of Antwerpen. Few of the zoo buildings have beautiful historic architecture which makes the zoo unique."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Antwerp Zoo tickets in advance online.

⏰ Check Feeding Times

Don't miss the daily penguin feedings and sea lion shows for an engaging experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Throughout the zoo

Step back in time with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, offering a unique backdrop to the animal enclosures.

Vibrant Aquarium

Vibrant Aquarium

Aquarium section

Marvel at a colorful underwater world, featuring a diverse array of fish and marine life in a peaceful setting.

Majestic Lions

Majestic Lions

Lion enclosure

Witness the power and beauty of lions, with a chance to see cubs if you're lucky!

Penguin Feedings

Penguin Feedings

Penguin enclosure

Enjoy the lively spectacle of penguins being fed, a guaranteed hit with all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by visiting during weekdays, especially in the morning. The zoo can get busy on weekends and during school holidays. Check the feeding schedules for popular animals like penguins and sea lions to maximize your experience.

Beyond the Gates

Antwerp Zoo is conveniently located next to the stunning Central Station and across from the Chocolate Nation museum, making it easy to combine with other city attractions. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
After 4:30 PM (ZOOmerbar)
Why
Free entry to bar area
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ideal for outdoor exploration
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Five Things to do in Antwerp 🇧🇪 #antwerp #thingstodo #traveltips
@jyptravels
25.7K likes • 1.3M views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Antwerp Zoo tickets in advance online. Instagram

⏰ Check Feeding Times

Don't miss the daily penguin feedings and sea lion shows for an engaging experience. Reddit

Antwerp ZOO (@zooantwerpen) is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in Europe.🤩 Reasons to visit? ✅ It’s one of the only remaining zoos from the 19th century. It opened in 1843! Discover characterful listed buildings. ✅ Enjoy an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.🌳 ✅ The animals of course! Discover 🦒, 🦭, 🦋, 🦓, 🦩… Thanks to the enormous size of the Reef Aquarium, you stand among the fish an...
antwerpen
1.6K likes • 47.4K views
🐯Antwerp Zoo 🇧🇪 . Our recent visit to Antwerp Zoo was a last-minute decision, but it turned out to be completely worth it! Even though we didn’t stay long, we had such a great time that we’re already planning to go back in the summer. . If you have a Blijdorp Zoo abonnement, here’s a fun fact: you can visit Antwerp Zoo twice a year for free! Otherwise, tickets are €27.50 per person, but kids unde...
lifewithbento_
0 likes • 628 views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the animals, so comfortable footwear is a must. TikTok

📸 Bring Extra Battery

You'll want to capture plenty of photos, so ensure your phone or camera is fully charged or bring a power bank. Instagram

LIONS AT ANTWERP ZOO We were lucky enough to see the lion cubs at @zooantwerpen earlier this year. Im not sure the boys took in how rare a sighting this was but the adults did! #antwerpzoo #visitantwerp #citybreak #belgium #lioncubs #zooanimals #familytravels #ipcreels #makingmemories #takingintheview #lions #europetravel #weekendtrip #binoculars #citybreak #familytrip #toddlertravel
littlebreaks.bigmemories
288 likes • 411 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Antwerp Zoo tickets in advance online. Instagram

⏰ Check Feeding Times

Don't miss the daily penguin feedings and sea lion shows for an engaging experience. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the animals, so comfortable footwear is a must. TikTok

📸 Bring Extra Battery

You'll want to capture plenty of photos, so ensure your phone or camera is fully charged or bring a power bank. Instagram

💰 Pack Your Own Snacks

Food inside the zoo can be a bit pricey; consider bringing your own snacks and drinks. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(25k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Antwerp Zoo for its beautiful, well-maintained grounds and the visible health and happiness of its animals. The unique historic architecture adds a special charm, making it a delightful experience for families, couples, and photographers alike. While some find the on-site food a bit pricey, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting it as a must-visit attraction in Antwerp.

"We had such a great time at this zoo! At first, I thought it would be just another boring zoo, but it turned out to be a really fun experience. We loved seeing all the different animals and fish, and the park itself is very clean and well maintained.
It also made for a lovely date with my husband. I’d definitely recommend this place as a date spot."

Diana Sap

"Beautiful zoo within the city centre of Antwerpen. Few of the zoo buildings have beautiful historic architecture which makes the zoo unique. Lots of healthy and well taken care of animals. They have the typical big four of a safari. They have different theme on each location and a well thought out sequence of path to follow. The butterfly sanctuary is one the most beautiful I've seen and within a historic building. Touring the zoo will take at 2 to 4 hours. Check for the zoo schedule beforehand such as the lion feeding and scuba diving show in the aquarium. Perfect place to bring your family."

Romeo

"Beautifully maintained zoo with happy animals who are the closest ive ever seen of any zoo in the world. Kids and adults will equally enjoy this place and it should not take more than 2-3 hrs to fully complete. It's right next to the must see train station and across the chocolate nation museum. Together it's a full day of fun!"

S (Supalert Dog)

What People Like

Beautiful historic architecture
Healthy, happy animals
Peaceful city oasis

What People Dislike

Overpriced food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Antwerp Zoo is centrally located next to the Antwerp Central Station, making it easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive by train and walk directly to the zoo entrance. TikTok

Yes, there are several parking garages near Antwerp Zoo, including the one at the Central Station. However, parking can be expensive and busy, so public transport is often recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! Antwerp Central Station is a major hub, and numerous trams and buses stop nearby, making it very convenient to reach the zoo via public transport. TikTok

For ease and convenience, traveling by train to Antwerp Central Station is highly recommended, as the zoo is located right next door. TikTok

Families can easily reach the zoo via public transport. Consider a family day ticket for trams and buses if you plan on using them extensively around the city. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but it's advisable to check the official Antwerp Zoo website for the most current pricing. Purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended. Instagram

While the zoo itself typically requires a paid ticket, there's a ZOOmerbar (a summer bar) that opens daily from 4:30 PM offering free entry to the bar area. Reddit

Antwerp Zoo generally opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check the official website for the exact opening hours on your planned visit date. TikTok

Booking your Antwerp Zoo tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to avoid queues and ensure entry. Instagram

Visitors with a Blijdorp Zoo subscription can sometimes visit Antwerp Zoo for free twice a year. Check the zoo's official website for any other potential discounts or family packages. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about seeing the lions, monkeys, and the diverse marine life in the aquarium. Don't miss the daily penguin feedings and sea lion shows! Instagram+2

Most visitors spend between 2 to 4 hours exploring Antwerp Zoo, depending on their pace and interest in the exhibits. Reddit

Yes, Antwerp Zoo features daily penguin feedings and sea lion shows, as well as scuba diving demonstrations in the aquarium. Check the schedule upon arrival. Reddit

Absolutely! Antwerp Zoo is a fantastic family destination with a wide variety of animals and engaging shows that children and adults alike will enjoy. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed. Many visitors capture stunning shots of the animals and the zoo's beautiful architecture. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are dining facilities within Antwerp Zoo, but some visitors find them a bit overpriced. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a popular alternative. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted at Antwerp Zoo, which can be a cost-effective option for families. Reddit

While specific menus can change, most zoos offer a range of options. It's best to inquire at the food outlets upon arrival for the most current vegetarian choices. Reddit

Given its central location, there are numerous restaurants and cafes surrounding Antwerp Zoo and near Central Station, offering a wide variety of dining experiences. TikTok

The ZOOmerbar is a special bar area within Antwerp Zoo that opens daily from 4:30 PM, offering a place to relax and enjoy a drink with free entry to the bar itself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The historic buildings, the butterfly sanctuary, and the diverse animal enclosures all offer fantastic photo opportunities. Capturing the lions and aquarium life is highly recommended. Instagram+1

While some animals may be elusive, many are quite visible. The zoo's layout and well-maintained enclosures make it relatively easy to get good shots, especially during feeding times. Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're keen on capturing details of distant animals, a telephoto lens can be beneficial. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions regarding photography in certain areas or of particular animals. Instagram

Mornings often offer softer light and more active animals. Late afternoons can also be good, with warmer light, but check closing times to ensure you have enough time. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Antwerp Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. The variety of animals, from the big cats to the playful primates, will captivate children. Instagram The daily feeding times and shows, like the sea lion performances, are particularly engaging for younger visitors. Reddit Consider bringing snacks and drinks to keep little ones fueled throughout the day, and make sure everyone wears comfortable shoes for exploring the zoo's grounds. Instagram

💑 Couples and Dates

Looking for a unique date idea? Antwerp Zoo offers a charming and memorable experience. Stroll hand-in-hand through the historic grounds, admire the diverse animal life, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Reddit The aquarium's colorful displays and the zoo's beautiful architecture provide a romantic backdrop. Consider visiting the ZOOmerbar in the late afternoon for a relaxed drink after your exploration. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Antwerp Zoo is a photographer's dream, offering a blend of wildlife and stunning architecture. Capture the majestic lions, the vibrant fish in the aquarium, and the intricate details of the 19th-century buildings. Instagram+1 Bring an extra battery or power bank, as you'll likely take hundreds of photos! Instagram The morning light often provides the best conditions for capturing clear, well-lit shots of the animals. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Architecture

Antwerp Zoo, established in 1843, is one of Europe's oldest zoos and boasts a remarkable collection of historic buildings. These structures, many of which are listed monuments, are not just aesthetically pleasing but also integral to the zoo's charm. Visitors often remark on the unique blend of natural habitats and architectural heritage, creating a truly distinctive atmosphere. The zoo's commitment to preserving these buildings alongside its animal welfare efforts makes it a special place to explore. Instagram

Animal Encounters and Conservation

The zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, from majestic lions and playful monkeys to colorful fish in its aquarium. Real visitors highlight the well-maintained enclosures and the visible health and happiness of the animals. InstagramReddit Special mention is often given to the chance of seeing lion cubs, a rare and exciting sight. Beyond showcasing animals, Antwerp Zoo is actively involved in conservation programs, contributing to the protection of endangered species. Instagram

Navigating the Zoo and Key Attractions

Antwerp Zoo is designed for an enjoyable visitor experience, with a well-thought-out sequence of paths guiding you through different themed areas. Reddit While it's not overly large, allowing for a 2-4 hour visit, comfortable shoes are essential. Reddit Don't miss the daily feeding sessions for penguins and sea lions, which are crowd-pleasers for all ages. Reddit The aquarium, with its vibrant fish, and the butterfly sanctuary, housed in a historic building, are also frequently praised highlights. Instagram+1

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