Prague Zoo Zoo

Address: U Trojského zámku 3/120, 171 00 Praha 7 - Troja, Czech Republic (Prague Zoo)

Website: https://www.zoopraha.cz/en

Prague Zoo is a major zoological park in the Troja district of Prague, located on sloping ground above the Vltava river. The zoo opened in 1931 and has grown into one of Europe’s notable zoos for its varied enclosures and conservation work.

Exhibits are spread across a valley and upper plateau creating long walking routes with panoramic viewpoints; notable features include themed tropical pavilions, enclosures for large mammals and family-oriented areas for children. The zoo houses several hundred species and runs captive-breeding and international conservation programmes.

The zoo was founded in the early 20th century and expanded steadily through the 20th and 21st centuries with new themed exhibits and modernised enclosures. Conservation and education programmes have become an increasing focus of the institution.

The zoo is in northern Prague’s Troja neighbourhood, a short drive or public-transport ride from the city centre, set beside the Vltava river valley and adjacent to residential districts and parks.

• Size and layout: Covers approximately 58 hectares and is set on sloping terrain above the Vltava river, which shapes the zoo’s layout and walking routes.
• Opening and visitor tip: Opened in 1931 and ranked among Europe’s highly regarded zoos for species diversity and conservation programmes; mornings are less crowded for popular exhibits.

What to See#

• Lower Valley Exhibits: Lower valley and riverfront enclosures along the Vltava that host a range of primates, bears and large mammals across terraced terrain.
• Upper Plateau and Large Mammal Enclosures: Upper plateau area with larger enclosures for hoofed mammals and big predators, plus vantage points and elevated walking routes.
• Indonesian Jungle Pavilion: A themed tropical pavilion featuring humid enclosures and species from Southeast Asia and Indonesia, including reptiles and tropical birds.
• Children’s Zoo and Education Centre: An area focused on children and education with petting sections, interactive exhibits and seasonal activities for families.

Prague Zoo (Zoologická zahrada Praha) sits in the Troja district about 5-6 km north of Prague city centre. By car it’s roughly a 15-25 minute drive from Wenceslas Square via the Trojská / Evropská roads and across the Trojský most (Trojská Bridge); parking is available near the zoo.

By public transport, go to the Holešovice area (Metro C - Nádraží Holešovice) and continue by tram or bus toward Troja / Zoologická zahrada; the zoo’s main stops are a short walk (around 5-15 minutes) from the entrance.

• Aim for the zoo at opening on weekday mornings or in the last hour before close to avoid the busiest midday crowds and to see more active animals in cooler light.
• Buy tickets online in advance (the official site sells timed or skip-the-line options) to shorten entry queues, then consult the map and head to distant enclosures first before the mid-park attractions get crowded.
• Take time to walk to the upper viewpoints-Prague Zoo's terraces and higher paths offer panoramic views of the Vltava and Prague that many visitors miss; plan your route to include a top‑to‑bottom loop rather than backtracking.