Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in Europe. It was founded in 1843 and is home to more than 7,000 animals of over 950 species. The zoo is located in the heart of Antwerp, next to the Central Station, and covers an area of 26 hectares.
The ticket price for Antwerp Zoo varies depending on the season and the age of the visitor. The standard price for adults is 29.50 euros in high season and 27.50 euros in low season. Children between 3 and 17 years old pay 19.50 euros in high season and 17.50 euros in low season. Children under 3 years old enter for free. There are also discounts for seniors, students, groups and people with disabilities.
The Antwerp Zoo is open every day of the year, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer. On some special occasions, such as Halloween or Christmas, the zoo may extend its opening hours until 9 p.m.
There are several ways to get to Antwerp Zoo by public transport. The easiest option is to take the train to Antwerp Central Station, which is right next to the zoo entrance. You can also take the tram or the bus to the nearby stops of Astridplein or Diamant. If you prefer to drive, you can park your car at the Q-Park Zoo parking lot, which costs 4 euros per hour or 24 euros per day.
The Antwerp Zoo offers guided tours for groups of minimum 15 people, which last about an hour and a half and cost 60 euros per group (excluding entrance fees). You can choose from different themes, such as animal adaptations, conservation, evolution or biodiversity. You need to book your tour at least three weeks in advance.
There are many things to see and do at Antwerp Zoo. You can admire the impressive architecture of the historical buildings, such as the Egyptian temple or the Moorish palace. You can also explore the different biotopes, such as the savanna, the rainforest, the coral reef or the Arctic. You can watch the animals being fed or trained by their keepers, or participate in interactive activities and workshops. You can also visit the Planetarium, the Aquarium or the Butterfly Garden for an extra fee.
Some tips to make your visit more enjoyable are: plan your route ahead using the map or the app; wear comfortable shoes and clothes; bring your own food and drinks or buy them at one of the restaurants or kiosks; check the daily schedule of events and shows; respect the animals and their habitats; and have fun!
Some prohibitions to keep in mind are: do not feed or touch the animals; do not use flash photography or loud noises; do not smoke or litter; do not bring pets, bicycles, skateboards or rollerblades; do not climb on fences or barriers; and follow the instructions of the staff and signs.
