Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland's largest zoo, offers a captivating wildlife experience with diverse animals and keeper talks, set against a scenic, hilly lan...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, animals more active
Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, animals more active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland's largest zoo, offers a captivating wildlife experience with diverse animals and keeper talks, set against a scenic, hilly landscape.
"A wonderful experience exploring every corner and admiring incredibly cute animals!"
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The zoo is very hilly; comfortable, grippy shoes are essential.
☔ Pack for All Weather
Scottish weather is unpredictable. Layers and rain gear are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin Paradise
Penguin Exhibit
Watch the playful antics of penguins, including their famous rainy-day parade!
Giant Pandas
Panda Enclosure
Marvel at the iconic giant pandas, a highlight for many visitors.
Sloth Sanctuary
Sloth Exhibit
Get a rare glimpse of the slow-moving sloths in their unique habitat.
Hilltop Safari Ride
Zoo Entrance/Exit
Enjoy free tractor-trailer rides to navigate the zoo's hilly terrain.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Prepare for Hills and Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The zoo is very hilly; comfortable, grippy shoes are essential. +1
☔ Pack for All Weather
Scottish weather is unpredictable. Layers and rain gear are recommended.
🚗 Parking Advice
Arrive early for zoo parking; it can be expensive but worth it.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Buses 12, 26, or 31 offer frequent and easy transport from the city center.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The zoo is very hilly; comfortable, grippy shoes are essential. +1
☔ Pack for All Weather
Scottish weather is unpredictable. Layers and rain gear are recommended.
🚗 Parking Advice
Arrive early for zoo parking; it can be expensive but worth it.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Buses 12, 26, or 31 offer frequent and easy transport from the city center.
🧺 Picnic Power
Consider bringing a picnic; food options can be pricey.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The zoo is large and hilly; plan which animals to see first.
🎟️ Book Online for Savings
Booking tickets online can be cheaper and guarantees entry.
🐧 Penguin Parade
Don't miss the penguins, even in bad weather; they're a highlight!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Edinburgh Zoo for its well-cared-for animals and spacious habitats, creating an engaging experience for all ages. The cleanliness, friendly staff, and available amenities like playgrounds and food stands are frequently highlighted. While the hilly terrain can be challenging, many find the free shuttle and the overall experience well worth the effort. +1
"The zoo was a wonderful experience! I didn’t expect to spend so many hours there, exploring every corner and admiring each animal. They were all incredibly cute – if I could, I would have taken them all home.
The place is very clean, well-maintained, with friendly and attentive staff. There are plenty of playgrounds and activities for children, as well as food and sweets stands for visitors. I was especially delighted by the delicious ice cream I tried.
The zoo also offers many relaxing spots, with benches at every step – perfect for taking a break and enjoying the atmosphere. At the exit, there was a great souvenir shop, well stocked with something to suit every taste."
isabela muntean
"Huge areas for the animals and many vantage points for visitors to watch them.
I would say the best time is to visit around 4-6pm as the most activity starts from the animals at that time but all day is fine just there will be a lot of carnivores sleeping and most of the herbivores resting in the shade.
WHEN you travel with car and use google maps make sure you don’t take the hospital parking lot route but go further 2 junctions and after the holiday inn you’ll see a steep corner leading into the parking lot of the Zoo.
The animals are well cared for and beautiful.
Easy to walk around the park and enjoy the time spent there. It took us 4h with a 3 year old on foot, so you might get it done in 3h.
Food and toilet are readily available, clean and nice Zoo for sure."
ZoltanoMoltano
"We had such an amazing day at Edinburgh Zoo! Super easy to get to from the centre on the bus. There was lots to see, but we also managed to get around most things in the day, and lots of the animals were awake, especially in the morning/ early afternoon. Highlights were the lemurs, red pandas, and of course Haggis the adorable baby pygmy hippo! It was a wonderful day all round - a really nice place with friendly staff who really care about the animals. We’ll definitely be back!"
Fiona Banham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest and most affordable way to reach Edinburgh Zoo from the city center is by bus. Routes 12, 26, and 31 run frequently and stop right outside the zoo. +1 Ubers and taxis are also available but may be more expensive.
Yes, Edinburgh Zoo has a car park. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak times, to secure a spot. Parking fees apply, often capped at a reasonable daily rate.
Absolutely! Several bus routes, including the 26 and 31, connect the city center directly to Edinburgh Zoo. +1 Many buses feature zoo-related advertising, making them easy to spot.
While Ubers are available, some visitors find it easier and cheaper to use the regular bus services for the return journey to the city center.
The bus is a convenient option for families. If driving, arriving early for parking is recommended. Consider the zoo's hilly terrain when planning your journey with little ones.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your Edinburgh Zoo tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, as the zoo can sell out. Booking online can also offer savings compared to on-the-day prices.
Ticket prices vary, but booking online often provides discounts. Check the official Edinburgh Zoo website for the most current Edinburgh Zoo admission prices and any available Edinburgh Zoo deals. +1
Look for Edinburgh Zoo ticket deals online, and consider an RZSS Edinburgh Zoo membership if you plan to visit multiple times, as it can be more cost-effective. Special late entry tickets are sometimes available on summer weekends.
Edinburgh Zoo opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date Edinburgh Zoo opening hours for your planned visit date.
Occasionally, Edinburgh Zoo tickets 2 for 1 offers or similar promotions might be available through specific partners or events. Keep an eye on their website and local deal sites.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Visitors often rave about the playful penguins, the majestic giant pandas, and the adorable sloths. +1 Other popular animals include red pandas, lemurs, and hippos.
Yes, Edinburgh Zoo is great for families. There are playgrounds and many animals to see. However, be prepared for the hilly terrain, and consider bringing a buggy for younger children. +1
Edinburgh Zoo is situated on a steep hill, making it quite challenging for some visitors. +1 The zoo offers a free shuttle bus service to help navigate the inclines.
Yes, there are food and sweet stands available within the zoo. However, many visitors recommend bringing a picnic to save money.
Animals are often most active in the morning and late afternoon. Some viewing areas, like the pandas and koalas, may close earlier than the rest of the zoo, so plan accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the playful penguins, the serene giant pandas, and the unique sloth encounters. +1 The zoo's naturalistic habitats offer great chances for animal photography.
Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours can lead to fewer crowds, making it easier to get unobstructed photos.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance. However, a standard zoom lens or even a smartphone camera can capture great shots of the more accessible animals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
The hilltop offers panoramic views of the zoo. Many enclosures are designed with multiple viewing points to enhance visitor experience and photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Budget-Conscious Travelers
Visitors with Mobility Concerns
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Hilly Terrain
To make your visit more comfortable, wearing sturdy, comfortable walking shoes with good grip is highly recommended.
Best Times to Visit for Animal Activity
Some specific viewing areas, such as those for pandas, koalas, and smaller creatures, may have slightly different closing times than the main zoo.
Transportation Options
While ride-sharing services like Uber are available, many travelers find the bus to be the cheapest and easiest alternative.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit