One of Europe's leading zoos on the Zürichberg slopes, famous for its Masoala Rainforest hall recreating Madagascar, plus a Himalayan highland and Lewa savannah.
Zoo Zürich, set on the wooded Zürichberg slopes above the city, is known for large naturalistic enclosures. The centrepiece is the Masoala Rainforest, a vast glasshouse hall that recreates Madagascar's tropical rainforest with free-roaming lemurs, chameleons, birds and fruit bats. The Lewa Savannah is home to giraffes, zebras and rhinos, the Himalaya area to snow leopards and red pandas, and a separate hall to elephants in the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park. Winding paths and play areas keep children engaged. A full visit takes half a day. The zoo is busiest on weekends, school holidays and in good weather. Food kiosks and restaurants are scattered through the grounds and picnics are allowed. It sits on a hillside, so allow for some steep stretches.
| Admission | Adult Approx. CHF 30-34 (approx $37.50-42.50) · Child Approx. CHF 15-17 ages 6-15 (approx $19-21); free under 6 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx. 9AM-6PM (Mar-Oct) and 9AM-5PM (Nov-Feb); last entry about 1 hour before closing |
| Typical visit | 3-5 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; the rainforest hall is warm and humid year-round |
| Getting there | Tram 6 from Zürich Hauptbahnhof or Bellevue to Zoo (terminus), about 20 minutes |
| Address | Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland |
Good to know
- Best for
- families, animal lovers, rainy-day activity
Location
Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3856, 8.5755 View on map
Highlights
- Masoala Rainforest hall with free-roaming lemurs and birds
- Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park
- Lewa savannah with giraffes and rhinos
- Snow leopards and red pandas in the Himalaya area
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets online to skip the queue
- Visit the Masoala Rainforest first for the warm, humid hall when it is cold outside
- Use the discounted combination with tram 6 or Zürich Card where available
When to visit
Weekday mornings; the rainforest hall is warm and humid year-round.
Accessibility
Most paths are paved and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, though the hillside has some steeper sections; the Masoala hall is step-free.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long should I allow?
A half day is typical, around 3 to 5 hours, and families often stay longer.
Is the Masoala hall indoors?
Yes, it is a heated, humid glasshouse, so it is pleasant in all seasons and is a good rainy-day option.