Ljubljana Zoo - a giraffe standing next to a stone wall
1 / 10

Ljubljana Zoo

4.6
·14k reviews·, Slovenia

A tranquil, forest-like zoo with naturalistic enclosures and ample shade, perfect for a relaxed day out with family.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more active animals

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Ljubljana Zoo - a giraffe standing next to a stone wall

Ljubljana Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more active animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil, forest-like zoo with naturalistic enclosures and ample shade, perfect for a relaxed day out with family.

4.6
(14k reviews)

"It really does feel more like a stroll through a forest than a zoo visit, which just makes it even better."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎒 Pack Your Own Snacks

Food and drinks inside are pricey. Bring your own to save money! :moneybag:

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

With 6.5 km of trails, comfy shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Forest Trails

Forest Trails

Throughout the zoo

Wander through 6.5 km of shaded trails, feeling more like a forest walk than a traditional zoo.

Children's Playgrounds

Children's Playgrounds

Various locations

Multiple play areas, including the 'Frog Leap' playground, offer fun for younger visitors.

Seal Show

Seal Show

Seal enclosure

Enjoy an entertaining and fun show that delights visitors of all ages.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Shade on Warm Days

Ljubljana Zoo is nestled in a forested area, offering ample shade. It's perfect for escaping the heat, making it ideal for a comfortable visit on warmer days. Plan for a leisurely stroll through nature.

Budget-Friendly Entry, Pack Snacks

Ticket prices are reasonable, but be aware that food and drink prices inside can be quite high. Consider bringing your own snacks and water to save money during your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Warm afternoons
Why
Enjoy the shaded forest paths
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎒 Pack Your Own Snacks

Food and drinks inside are pricey. Bring your own to save money! :moneybag:

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

With 6.5 km of trails, comfy shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

🌳 Embrace the Shade

The zoo's forest setting offers great shade, perfect for hot days. :sunwithface:

🚌 Easy Bus Access

Direct bus routes from the city center make getting here a breeze. :bus:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎒 Pack Your Own Snacks

Food and drinks inside are pricey. Bring your own to save money! :moneybag:

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

With 6.5 km of trails, comfy shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

🌳 Embrace the Shade

The zoo's forest setting offers great shade, perfect for hot days. :sunwithface:

🚌 Easy Bus Access

Direct bus routes from the city center make getting here a breeze. :bus:

📸 Capture Nature

The natural enclosures offer great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(14k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ljubljana Zoo is praised for its beautiful, shaded forest setting and naturalistic enclosures, offering a pleasant escape. Visitors appreciate the child-friendly playgrounds and the overall relaxed atmosphere. However, some enclosures are noted as being small, and food prices inside are considered high.

"We had the most incredible day at the zoo! ❤️ It was such a beautiful space, filled with shade, perfect for a warm day of adventure. With 6.5 km of stunning trails to explore, every step was a delight! To top it all off, we celebrated the elephant's 50th birthday! 🎉 Everyone was treated to free ice cream and delicious Indian desserts, which made the experience even sweeter. The zoo staff were super friendly, adding to the festive atmosphere. What an unforgettable day!"

Taoane Lemos

"A really nice experience at Ljubljana Zoo. It’s easy to get there via a single bus trip from the city center. The animals are generally well located and preserved. There is a small hill in the zoo, which creates a natural habitat for wild animals such as wild cats and birds. The elephant place is not big enough and it can be better if more space is available."

Sihang Liu

"A lovely natural park type zoo, the perfect place to spend a few hours on a hot day as there is lots of shade. There's lots of free parking outside as well, which is great.

The animals mostly seem well cared for and happy, with large natural enclosures. There are lots of playgrounds for children as well, the frog leap playground is especially cool.

The ticket price is quite good, but inside the prices for food and drinks is crazy - €3.80 for a Pepsi!!"

Mike

What People Like

Beautiful shaded forest setting
Naturalistic animal enclosures
Child-friendly playgrounds

What People Dislike

Small animal enclosures
Expensive food and drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

It's very easy to reach Ljubljana Zoo from the city center via a single bus trip. Several bus lines connect the city to the zoo, making it a convenient option for visitors without a car. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of free parking available outside the zoo, which is a great perk for those driving to the attraction. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official Ljubljana Zoo website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Generally, it opens in the morning and closes in the early evening. TikTok

Absolutely! Public transport is a popular and efficient way to get to the zoo from Ljubljana's city center. Reddit

The zoo is generally considered accessible, with pathways that allow for easy navigation. The natural, hilly terrain in some areas might require a bit more effort, but overall it's manageable. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The ticket price for Ljubljana Zoo is quite good and offers good value for the experience. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing, as it may vary. Reddit

While specific discount information isn't always readily available, family tickets or group rates might be offered. It's always a good idea to check the zoo's official website or inquire at the ticket counter for any potential deals. TikTok

Purchasing tickets online is often a convenient option for many attractions, including zoos. Check the official Ljubljana Zoo website to see if online ticket booking is available to save time upon arrival. Instagram

Your zoo ticket typically grants you access to explore all the animal enclosures and enjoy the zoo's facilities, including the playgrounds and walking trails. Special events or shows might have separate arrangements. Reddit

Weekends can be busier, especially during peak seasons or special events. Visiting on a weekday morning can offer a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors often highlight seeing the tigers, even if napping, and other animals in their naturalistic enclosures. The seal show is also a popular attraction. Reddit

Yes, Ljubljana Zoo is very child-friendly, with play areas located throughout the park. The 'Frog Leap' playground is particularly noted as being very cool and fun for kids. Reddit

Many visitors spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring the zoo, enjoying the trails and observing the animals. It's a place where you can leisurely spend a good part of your day. Reddit

The zoo is situated on a small hill, which contributes to naturalistic habitats for animals like wild cats and birds. This means there are some inclines to navigate. Reddit

Absolutely! The zoo is set within a forested area, providing abundant shade, making it a comfortable place to visit even on a warm day. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is an on-site eatery offering food and drinks. However, prices for items like a Pepsi can be quite high, so consider bringing your own refreshments. Reddit

Yes, reviews suggest that the prices for food and drinks inside the zoo can be surprisingly expensive, with one mention of €3.80 for a Pepsi. Reddit

Bringing your own food and drinks is a common recommendation to manage costs, especially given the higher prices inside the zoo. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned as designated picnic areas, the shaded trails and open spaces offer opportunities for visitors to enjoy their own packed meals. Reddit

During special events, like the elephant's birthday, visitors have been treated to delicious Indian desserts, adding a sweet surprise to the experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The naturalistic enclosures and the forested setting provide beautiful backdrops. Try capturing animals in their habitats, especially during the golden hours for softer light. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or areas where photography might be restricted for animal welfare. Instagram

A versatile zoom lens can be useful for capturing animals at varying distances. A wide-angle lens can be great for the forest scenery. TikTok

Yes, you can photograph the animals. Many visitors enjoy capturing the diverse wildlife in their thoughtfully designed enclosures. Reddit

The enclosures are designed to be naturalistic, which can make for great photos. However, some animals might be hiding or far away, so patience is key. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ljubljana Zoo is a top choice for families. It boasts multiple playgrounds, including the popular 'Frog Leap' area, ensuring kids have plenty of fun. The zoo's natural, shaded trails make for comfortable exploration, even on hot days. Don't miss the entertaining seal show for a guaranteed hit with the little ones. Reddit+1

Getting there is easy with direct bus routes from the city center or ample free parking. Consider packing snacks and drinks to keep costs down, as on-site prices can be high. It's a wonderful place for a relaxed, educational, and fun-filled family day out. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Ljubljana Zoo offers great value for money with its reasonable ticket prices. To maximize savings, it's highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks, as on-site concessions are quite expensive. Reddit

The zoo is easily accessible via public transport from the city center, saving on taxi fares. The extensive free parking is also a bonus if you're driving. The real draw is the immersive natural experience, which costs nothing extra beyond your entry ticket. Reddit+1

🌳 Nature Enthusiasts

For those who appreciate a more naturalistic setting, Ljubljana Zoo is a must-visit. Its forest-like environment with 6.5 km of shaded trails offers a peaceful escape. The zoo's commitment to naturalistic enclosures provides a more authentic viewing experience of the animals in habitats that mimic their own. Reddit+1

Enjoy observing animals in a setting that feels more like a nature reserve than a traditional zoo. The emphasis on green spaces and thoughtful habitat design makes it a rewarding visit for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Animal Welfare and Enclosures

Ljubljana Zoo strives to create naturalistic habitats for its animals, with many enclosures designed to mimic their native environments. This approach is evident in the hilly terrain used for wild cats and birds, providing a more stimulating and natural setting. Visitors often note that the animals appear well cared for and happy, with large, naturalistic enclosures for many species. Reddit+1

However, some reviews mention that certain enclosures, such as those for seals, some birds, and particularly the elephants, might seem a bit small or could benefit from more space. The elephant enclosure, in particular, has been described as not being big enough, with the elephant appearing a bit lonely and bored. Despite these observations, the overall impression is one of a zoo that prioritizes animal welfare through thoughtful habitat design where possible. Reddit+1

It's worth noting that the zoo's location within a forested area contributes significantly to the natural feel of the enclosures. This green setting allows for a more immersive experience, where observing animals feels less like looking into cages and more like glimpsing wildlife in a reservation. Reddit

A Family-Friendly Escape

Ljubljana Zoo is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of wildlife encounters and engaging activities for children. The zoo is exceptionally child-friendly, featuring numerous playgrounds scattered throughout the grounds. The 'Frog Leap' playground is a particular hit, providing ample space for kids to burn off energy and have fun. Reddit

Beyond the playgrounds, the zoo's layout itself is conducive to a family outing. The extensive network of shaded trails makes it comfortable for parents and children to explore, even on warmer days. The seal show is another highlight that consistently entertains younger visitors, adding an element of interactive fun to the day. Reddit

With its easy accessibility via public transport and ample free parking, getting to the zoo with family is hassle-free. The reasonable ticket prices also make it an affordable option for a day of educational entertainment. Reddit+1

The Naturalistic Zoo Experience

What sets Ljubljana Zoo apart is its strong emphasis on creating a natural park-like atmosphere. Instead of a typical zoo layout, it feels more like a stroll through a forest, with 6.5 km of trails winding through shaded areas. This design choice makes the visit incredibly pleasant, especially during warmer months when the shade is a welcome respite. Reddit+1

This naturalistic approach extends to the animal enclosures, which are often spacious and designed to mimic the animals' native habitats. This not only benefits the animals by providing a more stimulating environment but also enhances the visitor experience by allowing for more naturalistic viewing. You might even spot animals napping in the shade, a testament to their comfort. Reddit

Visitors frequently comment on how the zoo feels less like a traditional zoo and more like an immersive nature experience. It's a place where you can spend hours leisurely exploring, observing wildlife, and enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding forest. Reddit

You may also like