Zoo Basel - a group of pelicans standing next to each other
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Zoo Basel

4.5
·17k reviews·Basel, Switzerland

A compact yet diverse zoo, home to numerous animals from gorillas to snow leopards, offering a fulfilling experience for all ages.

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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Zoo Basel - a group of pelicans standing next to each other

Zoo Basel

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A compact yet diverse zoo, home to numerous animals from gorillas to snow leopards, offering a fulfilling experience for all ages.

4.5
(17k reviews)

"A compact zoo by size but full of animals. It's way easier to get through this than the one in Zurich if you're with small kids."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Easy Access from Station

Zoo Basel is conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from the train station. :train2:

💳 BaselCard Discount

If you have a BaselCard, enjoy a 50% discount on your zoo ticket! :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Aquarium Wonders

Aquarium Wonders

Aquarium Section

Dive into a stunning underwater world with a gorgeous aquarium, a must-see for all visitors.

Playful Meerkats

Playful Meerkats

African Savannah

Watch the energetic meerkats in their habitat; a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Majestic Snow Leopards

Majestic Snow Leopards

Himalayan Habitat

Marvel at the elusive snow leopards in their well-designed enclosure, a highlight for many.

Gorilla Kingdom

Gorilla Kingdom

Primate House

Observe the powerful gorillas in their spacious habitat, showcasing impressive social dynamics.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Zoo Basel can get busy, especially during peak hours. Consider visiting on weekdays or during off-season for a more relaxed experience. If visiting in summer, plan for the heat; many animals rest in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Family Fun & Food

This zoo is praised for being manageable with young children, featuring great playgrounds. While there's a nice restaurant, exploring local eateries or packing snacks can be budget-friendly. Look out for ice cream spots!

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Animals often more active
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Can be very hot, animals rest
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting tomorrow for an afternoon; what to see, what to avoid?

🚶 Easy Access from Station

Zoo Basel is conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from the train station. :train2:

💳 BaselCard Discount

If you have a BaselCard, enjoy a 50% discount on your zoo ticket! :moneybag:

reddit.com

Must see and do in Basel, first time visit

reddit.com

Petting zoo with free-roaming goats?

☀️ Beat the Summer Heat

On hot days, some animals might be harder to spot as they seek shade. Plan accordingly. :sunwithface:

🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun

Great playgrounds make this zoo a hit with children, not just for the animals. :child:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Easy Access from Station

Zoo Basel is conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from the train station. :train2:

💳 BaselCard Discount

If you have a BaselCard, enjoy a 50% discount on your zoo ticket! :moneybag:

☀️ Beat the Summer Heat

On hot days, some animals might be harder to spot as they seek shade. Plan accordingly. :sunwithface:

🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun

Great playgrounds make this zoo a hit with children, not just for the animals. :child:

🧼 Vivarium Viewing

Some glass in the vivarium section might not be perfectly clean, slightly impacting views. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Zoo Basel is praised for its well-designed enclosures and diverse animal collection, making it a compact yet fulfilling experience. Visitors highlight its family-friendly atmosphere with great playgrounds and convenient access from the train station. While generally well-regarded, some note minor issues like cleanliness in specific viewing areas and the potential for animals to be less visible during hot weather.

"A compact zoo by size but full of animals. It's way easier to get through this than the one in Zurich if you're with small kids. The aquarium is gorgeous!"

B D

"A lovely little zoo just a few minutes' walk from the train station. My daughter really enjoyed it – not just because of the animals, but also because of the great playgrounds. There's a nice restaurant with a beautiful view where you can relax. We especially loved the meerkats!"

Roman Buser

"Lovely area with a great variety of animals. A very large zoo definitely takes a lot of the day to explore but it's worth it. The restaurant food is nice aswell if you need to stop and eat."

Krisztina Pócsik

What People Like

Well-designed enclosures
Great playgrounds
Convenient location

What People Dislike

Vivarium glass cleanliness
Animals in heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Zoo Basel is incredibly easy to reach from the train station. It's just a short walk, making it a convenient destination for travelers arriving by train. :train2: Reddit

Information regarding specific parking availability and costs for Zoo Basel can be found on their official website or by contacting them directly. :car: TikTok

Various public transport options, including trams and buses, serve the area around Zoo Basel, making it accessible from different parts of the city. :bus: :tram: Instagram

Yes, Zoo Basel is generally well-designed and accessible for strollers, with wide paths and ramps in most areas. :stroller: Reddit

Taxis are readily available in Basel and can drop you off directly at the entrance of Zoo Basel. :taxi: TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The ticket price for Zoo Basel is considered fair for the experience offered. Holders of the BaselCard can enjoy a 50% discount on admission. :ticket: Reddit

Yes, purchasing Zoo Basel tickets online is a convenient option to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially during busy periods. :computer: TikTok

The most significant discount is the 50% off for BaselCard holders. Keep an eye out for any special promotions or group rates. :moneywithwings: Reddit

Zoo Basel's opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times. :clock1: Instagram

While not always mandatory, booking Zoo Basel tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid queues. :calendar: TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about the aquarium, meerkats, snow leopards, and gorillas. The diverse range of animals ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy. :lion: :penguin: :monkey: Reddit

Absolutely! Zoo Basel features great playgrounds that are a big hit with kids, adding to the family-friendly appeal of the zoo. :child: :slide_ உள்ளே: Reddit

While compact in size compared to some, Zoo Basel offers a substantial variety of animals and enclosures, making it a very fulfilling visit that can take a good portion of the day to explore. :world_map: Reddit

A good strategy is to check a map upon arrival and prioritize your must-see animals. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe: TikTok

In hot weather, some animals may be less active or in shaded areas. Indoor exhibits like the aquarium and primate house offer viewing opportunities regardless of the weather. :cloud: :sunwithface: Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Zoo Basel has a nice restaurant with a beautiful view, offering a place to relax and eat. You can also find other food options within the zoo. :forkandknife: Reddit

While there's a restaurant, some visitors suggest packing snacks or exploring nearby eateries to manage costs, especially for families. :moneywithwings: Reddit

Specific dietary options at the Zoo Basel restaurant can vary. It's advisable to check their menu in advance or inquire upon arrival for vegetarian or vegan choices. :leafy_green: TikTok

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted at Zoo Basel, offering a budget-friendly way to dine during your visit. :sandwich: :apple: Instagram

While not specifically mentioned, exploring the areas around the zoo entrance might reveal local ice cream parlors, perfect for a treat on a warm day. :ice_cream: Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The aquarium offers stunning underwater shots. Enclosures with good viewing access, like the meerkats and snow leopards, also provide great photo opportunities. :camera: Instagram

Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor enclosures. However, flash photography might be restricted in some indoor exhibits, especially those with sensitive animals or glass viewing areas. :no_flash: TikTok

To minimize reflections, try to get as close to the glass as possible and shoot at an angle. Cleaning the lens before you start can also help. :camerawithflash: Instagram

Elusive animals like snow leopards or those that prefer shade during hot weather can be challenging. Patience and good timing are key. :watch: Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and potentially more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities. :sunrise: :sunset: TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Zoo Basel is a top choice for families, earning praise for its manageable size and excellent playgrounds that kids absolutely love. Reddit It's easy to navigate with strollers, making the experience stress-free for parents. The diverse animal collection, from playful meerkats to impressive gorillas, keeps young minds captivated. Reddit

Consider packing snacks and drinks to keep costs down, though the on-site restaurant offers a pleasant dining option with a view. Instagram Plan your visit to include stops at the playgrounds for maximum fun. The zoo's accessibility from the train station also makes it a convenient outing for families traveling from afar. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, Zoo Basel offers good value. The BaselCard discount is a significant money-saver, providing 50% off admission. Reddit Bringing your own food and drinks is a widely accepted practice and a great way to cut down on expenses during your visit. Instagram

While there's a restaurant, exploring local eateries outside the zoo or packing a picnic can be more economical. The zoo's convenient location near the train station also means you can save on local transportation costs if you're arriving by rail. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Zoo Basel presents numerous opportunities for photographers, especially within its stunning aquarium and well-designed animal enclosures. Instagram The meerkats, snow leopards, and gorillas are popular subjects, offering dynamic shots. Reddit

To capture the best images, aim for early mornings or late afternoons for softer light and potentially more active animals. TikTok Be mindful of reflections when shooting through glass and consider cleaning your lens for clearer shots. While flash is generally discouraged in sensitive areas, the zoo's design often allows for good natural light. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Zoo Basel with Children

Zoo Basel is frequently highlighted as a fantastic destination for families with young children. Its manageable size compared to larger zoos makes it less overwhelming for little ones. The presence of great playgrounds throughout the zoo provides ample opportunities for kids to burn off energy and have fun beyond just observing the animals. Reddit

Parents appreciate that the zoo is easy to get around with strollers, featuring wide paths and accessible areas. This makes navigating with toddlers and babies much smoother. The variety of animals, from the playful meerkats to the majestic gorillas, keeps children engaged and curious throughout the visit. Reddit

When planning a family visit, consider bringing snacks and drinks to supplement the dining options, which can help manage costs. The zoo's layout is intuitive, but having a map handy can help you locate key exhibits and the playgrounds efficiently. Instagram

Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Visitors

Many visitors emphasize the convenient location of Zoo Basel, noting its short walking distance from the train station, making it an accessible day trip. Reddit For those looking to save money, the BaselCard discount is a significant perk, offering 50% off admission, which is highly recommended if you have one. Reddit

When it comes to timing, visiting on weekday mornings is often suggested to avoid the largest crowds and potentially see animals when they are more active. TikTok Be mindful of the weather; during scorching hot summer days, some animals might be resting in shaded areas, making them harder to spot. Reddit The zoo is well-designed, but it still requires a good amount of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential. TikTok

While the zoo is generally well-maintained, some visitors have noted that the glass in certain viewing areas, like the vivarium, could be cleaner, slightly impacting the viewing experience. Reddit Overall, the consensus is that Zoo Basel offers a high-quality experience for its price, with a strong focus on animal welfare and visitor enjoyment. Reddit

Culinary Delights at Zoo Basel

Zoo Basel offers a pleasant dining experience with its on-site restaurant, which boasts a beautiful view, providing a relaxing spot to refuel. Reddit Visitors have described the food as nice, making it a convenient option for a meal during your visit. However, for those on a tighter budget or looking for more variety, bringing your own food and drinks is a common and accepted practice. Instagram

While specific details on vegetarian or vegan options at the restaurant aren't always readily available, it's worth inquiring upon arrival or checking their menu beforehand. TikTok The idea of finding a good ice cream spot is also a popular thought for visitors, especially on warmer days, suggesting that exploring the immediate vicinity of the zoo might yield delightful local treats. Reddit

Balancing the convenience of the zoo's restaurant with the cost-effectiveness of packed lunches or local finds allows visitors to tailor their dining experience to their preferences and budget. Reddit

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