Thessaloniki Zoo
A free, scenic eco-park in Thessaloniki offering woodland trails, picnic spots, and a variety of animals in naturalistic enclosures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Thessaloniki Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, scenic eco-park in Thessaloniki offering woodland trails, picnic spots, and a variety of animals in naturalistic enclosures.
"It's more like a park with some animals rather than a zoo, so don't expect a typical zoo."
Pack a Picnic Basket 🧺
Enjoy the beautiful park setting with a picnic. Many visitors rave about the scenic spots for a relaxed meal.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Woodland Trails and Picnic Spots
Throughout the park
Wander through serene woodland paths, discover charming bridges, and find peaceful spots for a picnic amidst nature.
Diverse Animal Encounters
Various enclosures
See a variety of animals like deer, goats, sheep, ducks, and more in their naturalistic habitats.
Interactive Educational Exhibits
Designated areas
Engage with technology-driven displays that offer insights into animal biology and conservation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's an Eco-Park, Not a Traditional Zoo
Best Visited on Weekdays for a Peaceful Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Picnic Basket 🧺
Enjoy the beautiful park setting with a picnic. Many visitors rave about the scenic spots for a relaxed meal. +1
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the park.
Check Opening Days 🗓️
The zoo is closed on Thursdays and Fridays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Be Prepared for Scents 👃
Some areas might have a strong ammonia smell, which is common in animal parks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic Basket 🧺
Enjoy the beautiful park setting with a picnic. Many visitors rave about the scenic spots for a relaxed meal. +1
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the park.
Check Opening Days 🗓️
The zoo is closed on Thursdays and Fridays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Be Prepared for Scents 👃
Some areas might have a strong ammonia smell, which is common in animal parks.
Free Entry Advantage :money_with_wings:
Enjoy a day out without an admission fee, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Thessaloniki Zoo is appreciated as a free, scenic park with a peaceful woodland setting ideal for picnics and nature walks. Visitors enjoy the variety of animals and the eco-friendly concept, though some note that facilities, particularly restrooms, are in poor condition and animal enclosures could be improved. +1
"Unfortunately this zoo is very bad and neglected. The place is beautiful in nature and surrounded by forest, it is nice to come for a picnic, but there are no animals or any facilities. The toilets are in a very bad condition"
Jovana Grozdanovic
"I happened to go past it whilst on a hike trail and popped in since it's free entry. This is more like a park with some animals rather than a zoo, so don't expect a typical zoo. It's scenic and has lovely areas where you can sit and enjoy the views, though some areas have a strong smell of ammonia. Don't make a special trip out to visit the zoo as you're likely to be disappointed, but pop in if you're nearby and have some time."
millie o
"Cute animals and nice, calm environment. Toilets on the left side of the park are not in good condition. Womens toilets were out of order and mens had broken lights, no running water and they were generally filthy.
The zoo has free entry and some nice places for picnic and resting."
LividMoodflow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Thessaloniki Zoo is located in a woodland area, accessible by car or public transport. While specific bus routes aren't detailed in social media, it's often mentioned as being near hiking trails, suggesting it's reachable from the city center.
It's situated in a natural setting, so look for signs directing you to the 'Zoo' or 'Thessaloniki Zoo Park' once you're in the general vicinity.
Yes, driving is a convenient option, and there is likely parking available, though specific details on capacity or cost are not widely shared.
While the park has trails, some areas might be uneven. It's best to check on-site for the most accessible routes, especially if you have specific mobility needs.
The zoo is situated within a beautiful natural area, making it ideal for combining with hiking or enjoying the surrounding greenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The zoo is not open on Thursdays and Fridays. It's advisable to check the exact opening hours for other days before your visit, as these can sometimes vary.
No, the Thessaloniki Zoo offers free entry, making it an accessible attraction for everyone.
Since entry is free, advance booking is not required for the Thessaloniki Zoo.
Information on public holiday openings is not readily available, so it's best to confirm directly with the zoo or local tourism resources if planning a visit on a holiday.
Simply arrive during opening hours on a day the zoo is open. The free entry makes the process straightforward.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of animals including donkeys, deer, goats, sheep, bunnies, ducks, swans, turkeys, an owl, and turtles.
Reviews suggest that while some enclosures are naturalistic, others might be too small for the animals, and some animals may appear injured or sickly.
The zoo offers picnic areas and natural spaces. However, restroom facilities have been noted as being in poor condition, with issues like broken lights and lack of running water. +1
Yes, children often enjoy seeing the animals and the natural environment. The interactive exhibits also add an educational element.
The zoo is described as a calm, peaceful, and scenic place, especially when visited on weekdays. It's more of a park experience with animals than a traditional zoo.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the natural beauty of the woodland setting, the serene water features with ducks and swans, and the various animals in their enclosures.
Yes, photography of the animals is permitted. However, be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid disturbing them.
The bridges, waterfall areas, and elevated spots offer lovely perspectives of the park and its inhabitants.
A camera with good zoom capabilities can be helpful for capturing animal details, but a smartphone is perfectly adequate for general park and animal shots.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of other visitors and the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The interactive technological exhibits offer a fun way for children to learn about biology and conservation. Remember to pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic park areas. While the restrooms might need some attention, the overall experience of exploring the woodland trails and observing the animals makes for a memorable family day.
🚶 Budget Travelers
It's a great way to experience a local green space and get a glimpse of wildlife without the cost of more elaborate attractions. Just be prepared for the possibility of limited facilities and manage your expectations regarding the 'zoo' aspect.
🌳 Nature Lovers & Hikers
The park offers a peaceful retreat with charming bridges and water features. Combine your visit with exploring nearby trails to make the most of the natural surroundings. It's a great place to relax and appreciate the local flora and fauna.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eco-Zoo Concept
+1This concept aims to educate visitors, especially children, about the importance of conservation and why animals are better off in their natural environments rather than in captivity. The interactive technological elements further enhance this educational aspect, fostering a dialogue between visitors and the exhibits.
While the eco-concept is commendable, some visitors note that the implementation might lead to fewer visible animals or enclosures that, while naturalistic, may still be perceived as too small by some. It's a balance between animal welfare, visitor experience, and the practicalities of maintaining such a park.
A Perfect Picnic and Nature Escape
Many visitors highlight the peaceful atmosphere, especially on weekdays, making it a great escape from the urban bustle. The well-maintained green spaces offer ample opportunities to unwind and connect with nature.
It's important to note that while the park is generally well-kept, some areas might require more maintenance. However, the overall sentiment is that it's a lovely, free-to-enter space for a leisurely stroll and a breath of fresh air.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit