Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden Stuttgart
Europe's unique zoological-botanical garden, set in historic Moorish royal gardens with over 11,000 animals and plants.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden Stuttgart
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's unique zoological-botanical garden, set in historic Moorish royal gardens with over 11,000 animals and plants.
"A truly unique and memorable concept, blending a botanical garden and a zoo."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across expansive grounds.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially in the Moorish gardens and greenhouses.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Moorish Garden
Upper Garden
Stunning 19th-century Moorish architecture amidst lush greenery, offering city views.

Amazon Experience
Greenhouses
Immersive tropical environment showcasing diverse flora and fauna, a true highlight.

Elephant Enclosures
Animal Exhibits
Observe elephants in spacious, well-maintained habitats, though some behaviors raise concerns.

Sea Lion Show
Aquatic Area
An entertaining and engaging show that kids particularly enjoy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across expansive grounds.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially in the Moorish gardens and greenhouses.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles, especially during warmer months. Refill stations are available.
🍽️ Food Options
Several restaurants and cafes are available, offering a range of choices.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across expansive grounds.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially in the Moorish gardens and greenhouses.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles, especially during warmer months. Refill stations are available.
🍽️ Food Options
Several restaurants and cafes are available, offering a range of choices.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Wilhelma is a hit with children, featuring play areas and engaging animal encounters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Wilhelma for its beautiful, well-maintained gardens and the impressive variety of animals. The unique blend of a zoo and botanical garden, set within historical Moorish architecture, creates a memorable experience. While generally highly rated, some concerns have been raised regarding animal welfare in specific enclosures.
"Beautiful garden + zoo which is so nicely maintained. The garden is spectacular. There is the cactus area which would mesmerize all garden lovers. The surroundings are well kept. The Amazon experience is amazing. The animals can be viewed closely, that's how the landscaping is done for their enclosures. Multiple restaurants are within the Wilhelma zoo.
Not to forget some lucky ones even got peacock feathers. We visited on a Saturday with kids and it was a day well spent."
Amanda Mary John
"An absolutely impressive experience! Zoo Whelma stands out through its clever design and remarkable attention to detail. The artificially recreated habitats are vast and carefully crafted to reflect the natural environments of the animals. I was especially amazed by the presence of rare endemic species and the seamless blend of native flora with matching fauna.
The dioramas are stunning, and the entire park feels like a perfect mix between a botanical garden and a zoo — a truly unique and memorable concept. It beautifully combines restored older sections with newly developed areas, showing both tradition and innovation.
You can clearly see the passion and professionalism behind this project. I’m really looking forward to the opening of the two new wings, which will surely make the experience even richer.
Highly recommended for all nature, education, and wildlife lovers!"
Ioana Negoita
"The best zoo in the world. I've been to all the London zoos and lots more throughout the UK and internationally — this must be the best zoo ever!
It’s spacious, beautiful, clean. It wasn’t busy or crowded at all, even on a Sunday.
Also it’s huge with so many animals! Which on the whole seem happy and looked after. And the gardens and greenhouses are stunning.
Even the food and canteens/restaurants are lovely.
We had the best day ever. And there’s so many play areas for kids as well. 10/10 you have to come if you’re in the area. You won’t regret it."
EM L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wilhelma is easily accessible by public transport. Take the U-Bahn (subway) lines U4, U9, U11, or U14 to the 'Wilhelma' station. Buses 45 and 42 also stop nearby. If driving, there is parking available, but it can fill up quickly.
Yes, it's very convenient. A direct U-Bahn ride from the city center (like Schlossplatz) takes only a few minutes.
It's a bit of a walk, approximately 30-40 minutes. Taking public transport is generally recommended for speed and ease.
While not directly at Wilhelma, you can utilize park and ride facilities at U-Bahn stations further out and then take the U-Bahn directly to the 'Wilhelma' stop.
The main paths are generally accessible, but some areas might have inclines or stairs. It's advisable to check the park map for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden Stuttgart vary. Adults typically pay around €20-€25, with concessions for children and families. It's best to check the official Wilhelma website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book tickets online to potentially save time.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid long queues.
Opening hours vary seasonally. Generally, Wilhelma opens around 9 AM and closes between 5 PM and 7 PM, depending on the time of year. Always check the official website for the exact hours on your planned visit date.
Discounts are often available for children, students, seniors, and families. Look for special offers or family tickets on the official website.
Yes, tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance, but online booking is often faster and sometimes cheaper.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Moorish Garden for its stunning architecture, the immersive Amazon Experience greenhouse, and the diverse animal enclosures. The sea lion show is also a popular attraction.
To fully experience both the zoo and botanical gardens, plan for at least 4-6 hours. Many visitors spend a full day here.
Yes, Wilhelma often offers guided tours that provide in-depth information about the animals, plants, and history. Check their schedule upon arrival or on their website.
Absolutely! Wilhelma is very family-friendly, with numerous animal exhibits, play areas, and engaging displays that children love.
Grab a map upon entry or use the Wilhelma app if available. The park is well-signposted, but it's large, so planning your route can be helpful.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Wilhelma has several restaurants and cafes offering a variety of food options, from quick snacks to full meals.
Picnics are generally allowed in designated areas, but check the park's specific rules regarding outside food and beverages.
You can find typical German fare, international dishes, and lighter options like salads and sandwiches.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian options, and some may have vegan choices. It's best to inquire at the specific eatery.
Prices are comparable to other tourist attractions. Bringing your own snacks can help manage costs.
📸 📸 Photography
The Moorish Garden, the diverse greenhouses (especially the Amazon Experience), and the animal enclosures offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in some animal areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a good smartphone, will work well. Consider a lens with good zoom for animals and a wide-angle for landscapes and architecture.
Try to visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for softer light. Be patient with animals, and look for unique perspectives in the botanical displays.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoological and botanical gardens to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Botanical Garden Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Royal Retreat Turned Public Gem
The transformation from a private royal retreat to one of Europe's most visited zoological and botanical gardens is a testament to its enduring appeal. The park seamlessly integrates its historical elements with contemporary animal welfare standards and conservation efforts. This dual nature offers a rich experience, allowing visitors to appreciate both the architectural beauty and the diverse natural world within its walls.
Exploring the Diverse Ecosystems
Beyond the tropical zones, Wilhelma houses a wide array of animals, from majestic big cats and playful primates to aquatic life and birds. The enclosures are designed to mimic natural environments, allowing animals ample space and opportunities to exhibit natural behaviors. This thoughtful landscaping ensures that visitors can observe animals closely while respecting their habitats. The Moorish Garden also offers a unique botanical experience, showcasing a variety of plant species in a beautifully designed setting.
Animal Welfare and Conservation Concerns
These observations highlight the ongoing debate surrounding zoos and their role in conservation versus animal well-being. While Wilhelma aims to provide naturalistic habitats and is involved in conservation efforts, the welfare of individual animals remains a critical aspect for many visitors. The park's commitment to creating realistic environments and its involvement in breeding programs are often cited as positive aspects, but the ethical considerations of keeping certain species in captivity continue to be a topic of discussion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit