Planckendael Zoo
Explore diverse wildlife across continents, with engaging playgrounds and a focus on animal rescue and conservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Planckendael Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse wildlife across continents, with engaging playgrounds and a focus on animal rescue and conservation.
"One of the best zoos visited, with incredible exhibits and amazing parks for kids."
🎯 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food inside can be pricey. Bring your own lunch & drinks to save money! :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the continents. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Continent-Themed Zones
Throughout the zoo
Explore diverse animal habitats meticulously designed to represent their native continents. A truly immersive experience!
Flamingo Walk-Through Exhibit
Asia zone
Get up close with vibrant flamingos in a unique walk-through enclosure. A favorite for bird enthusiasts!
Playgrounds Galore
Multiple locations
Kids will love the numerous, well-maintained playgrounds scattered throughout the park. Fun for all ages!
Lion Rescue Residents
Africa zone
See lions Vanda, Amani, and Lira, who have found a safe haven here. A heartwarming story of rescue and care.
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Budgeting for Your Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food inside can be pricey. Bring your own lunch & drinks to save money! :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the continents. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and see animals at their most active. :clock1:
👶 Baby Care Facilities
Convenient baby cabins with microwaves available for parents. :baby:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food inside can be pricey. Bring your own lunch & drinks to save money! :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the continents. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and see animals at their most active. :clock1:
👶 Baby Care Facilities
Convenient baby cabins with microwaves available for parents. :baby:
🚗 Parking Options
On-site parking available (fee applies), or find free parking nearby. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Planckendael Zoo for its excellent organization by continent, engaging animal exhibits, and fantastic playgrounds for children. The zoo's commitment to animal welfare, including the rescue of lions, is also a highlight. However, some guests note that food can be expensive and that certain enclosures, particularly for birds, could be larger. Cleanliness of restrooms and dining areas has also been a point of concern for some.
"We visited Planckendael on Saturday with family and a small child. There is plenty of parking on site. It costs €11 for one day and €32 for a yearly pass, which is a good deal!
The animals are organized by continent, and we managed to visit three continents in one day. There are many play areas for kids, which is really nice.
On the downside, the washrooms were not clean at all. We checked four different ones, and it seemed like no one was in charge of maintaining them, which is disappointing. The bird enclosures were quite small, with not enough space for them to fly. Other animals seemed to have better conditions, although of course a real jungle would always be more suitable.
There are also several restaurants and places to grab a drink or ice cream. We chose the warm food self-service restaurant, which wasn’t very crowded, but the prices were high for self-service. The tables were not clean, and the service was quite slow. Honestly, if they lowered their prices, I believe they would have more clients.
On the positive side, there is also a flying show at certain hours, which could be very interesting for some visitors. I also noticed a baby cabin with a microwave for parents who want to rest or warm up their baby’s food, which is a very nice detail.
All in all, considering everything, I give Planckendael 4 stars out of 5. Thank you to the team, and I really hope to see some progress on my next visits."
Hanna
"You can easily spend the whole day here. There is a lot to see, animals are separated by continents of origin, and most of them have decently sized living spaces. There are enough food and drink stops, toilets and playgrounds for children."
Marija Milovanović
"Visited the zoo on a Monday with my daughter. Well worth the trip. Although I was a bit shocked about the price of parking (you can park for free close by…) , the park itself felt reasonably priced and was well organized! Seems they are rebuilding and revamping in some places, but that wasn’t a problem as we got to see all the animals."
Duncan Epping
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Planckendael Zoo is easily accessible by car, with on-site parking available for a fee. You can also find free parking options nearby. Public transport is also an option, with bus routes serving the area.
Yes, there is parking available at Planckendael Zoo, though it comes with a fee. Many visitors opt for free parking spots located a short distance away.
Yes, public transport options are available to reach Planckendael Zoo, with bus lines serving the vicinity. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes.
For convenience, driving is a popular choice, especially for families. However, public transport is also a viable and eco-friendly option.
Yes, there is a parking fee for the on-site parking at Planckendael Zoo. Some visitors prefer to find free parking nearby to save costs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A one-day ticket for Planckendael Zoo costs around €11, while a yearly pass is priced at €32, offering excellent value for frequent visitors.
While specific discounts aren't detailed, the yearly pass offers significant savings for those planning multiple visits. It's always worth checking their official website for any ongoing promotions.
It's generally recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially during peak seasons.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Planckendael Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, Planckendael Zoo offers a yearly pass for €32, which is a great deal if you plan on visiting more than a few times a year.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Planckendael Zoo is brilliantly organized by continent, making it easy to navigate and ensuring you don't miss any animals. The layout is designed for a seamless journey through different habitats.
Absolutely! Planckendael Zoo features numerous well-maintained playgrounds, providing ample fun and activity for children of all ages.
You can see a wide variety of animals from five continents, including lions, elephants, giraffes, koalas, red pandas, and many more.
Yes, Planckendael Zoo is highly recommended for families. It offers dedicated play areas, a petting zoo, and engaging exhibits suitable for young children. 
Planckendael Zoo sometimes hosts special events, like flying shows or seasonal light festivals. Check their schedule for current offerings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Planckendael Zoo has several restaurants and snack spots, including a self-service restaurant. However, food prices can be high.
Many visitors find the food prices at Planckendael Zoo to be on the higher side for self-service options. Packing your own food is a common recommendation.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and lunch is a great way to manage costs. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your packed meal.
While specific menus aren't detailed, most zoo restaurants offer a range of options. It's advisable to check with the staff upon arrival for current offerings.
Reviews suggest that while food is available, the quality might not always match the high prices. Some visitors have noted cleanliness issues with tables.
📸 📸 Photography
The continent-themed zones offer diverse backdrops. Look for elevated vantage points and unique viewing tunnels for creative shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash if it might disturb them.
While not explicitly stated, general zoo etiquette applies. Avoid intrusive photography that might stress the animals.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing animals from a distance. However, a smartphone can also capture great memories, especially with the zoo's scenic environments.
You can photograph the rescued lions, Vanda, Amani, and Lira, in their habitat. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to keep costs down, as food inside can be a bit pricey. Arriving early on weekdays is your best bet to avoid peak crowds and ensure the animals are active and visible. The zoo's layout is also very stroller-friendly, making it easy to get around with young children.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Continents
Within each continent, you'll find a variety of species, from majestic lions and playful elephants to colorful birds and fascinating reptiles. The zoo strives to provide ample space and enriching environments for its animals, with some exhibits featuring multiple vantage points, including elevated walkways and even tunnels for ground-level views. This attention to detail ensures that visitors can observe the animals from different perspectives, making for a more engaging and memorable visit.
Keep an eye out for specific highlights like the walk-through flamingo exhibit in the Asian zone, which offers an up-close encounter with these elegant birds. The zoo also actively participates in conservation efforts, including the recent arrival of lionesses Vanda, Amani, and Lira from Ukraine, showcasing their commitment to animal welfare and rescue.
Family Fun and Play
Parents will appreciate the thoughtful amenities available, such as baby cabins equipped with microwaves for warming baby food, making it easier to manage the needs of infants. The zoo also hosts special family days and events, like the CP Familiedag, which are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
Whether it's a quick visit or a full day out, the combination of engaging animal exhibits and dedicated play spaces makes Planckendael Zoo a top choice for a family outing. The zoo's commitment to creating a fun and accessible environment for all visitors is evident in its thoughtful planning and facilities.
Conservation and Animal Welfare
A poignant example of their dedication is the recent arrival of lionesses Vanda, Amani, and Lira from Ukraine. These majestic cats were rescued and have found a safe haven at Planckendael Zoo, highlighting the zoo's role in providing sanctuary for animals in need. This initiative not only offers a chance for visitors to see these incredible creatures but also raises awareness about animal rescue and conservation efforts.
While most animals appear to have decent living conditions, some reviews mention that bird enclosures could be larger. However, the overall impression is that the zoo strives to provide the best possible environment for its residents, with many animals looking happy and well-cared for.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit