ZOO Antwerpen opened in 1843, which makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world, and it sits right in the city centre, next to Antwerp Central Station on the Koningin Astridplein. That location is its great advantage: you step off the train and are among animals from around the world within minutes. The zoo is also a heritage site in its own right, with nineteenth-century animal houses in Egyptian and classical styles, a grand festival hall and leafy paths that feel like a historic park. Animals from around the world live in themed areas, and there is an aquarium, a reptile house, a butterfly garden and plenty of feeding moments through the day, including the penguins. It is run by the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, which also runs conservation and breeding programmes. For families, it is the easiest full day out in Antwerp, and it works in any weather thanks to its indoor houses.
How it works: the zoo is open every day, with hours that change by season, so check the official timetable for November and December, when it closes earlier. Last admission is one hour before closing. Online tickets are cheaper and quicker than buying at the gate, and the entrance is a few steps from the station exit on the Koningin Astridplein.
What to expect: plan a half day or more. The paths are flat and suit pushchairs and wheelchairs, and there are cafés and picnic spots inside. In winter, the indoor houses, the aquarium and the reptiles take centre stage, and the crowds are thinner than in summer. School holidays and sunny weekends are the busiest times.
Making the most of it: pick up the day’s feeding times at the entrance and plan your route around them. Chocolate Nation is directly across the square, so you can pair the zoo with a chocolate tasting, and Antwerp Central Station is worth a look on your way out. If you arrive by train from Brussels or the Netherlands, this is the easiest day out in Belgium.
What to expect
The experience
A city-centre zoo with historic animal houses, an aquarium, a reptile house and daily feedings, entered from the square beside the station.
Best time
Weekday mornings outside the school holidays are calmest, and winter visits mean fewer crowds.
How long
Allow at least half a day, and a full day with young children who want to see everything.
Tips
Buy tickets online in advance, check the seasonal closing time and collect the feeding schedule at the entrance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone arriving by train who wants an easy, central day out.
- Families
- The flat paths, indoor houses, feedings and playgrounds make it the top family pick in Antwerp.
- Couples
- The historic architecture and park setting make a pleasant slow morning before lunch near the station.
- Pair with
- Chocolate Nation across the square and a look inside Antwerp Central Station.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
Where is Antwerp Zoo?+
It is at Koningin Astridplein 20-26, right next to Antwerp Central Station. You can walk from the platforms to the entrance in a few minutes.
How old is Antwerp Zoo?+
It opened in 1843, which makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world. Many of its historic animal houses are protected heritage buildings.
Is Antwerp Zoo open in winter?+
Yes, the zoo is open year-round, with shorter hours in the colder months. Last admission is one hour before closing.
Should I buy tickets online?+
Yes, buying online saves time at the entrance and is usually cheaper than the gate price. Show the voucher on your phone at the entrance.
Is the zoo good on a rainy day?+
It works better than most zoos in the rain, thanks to the aquarium, the reptile house and other indoor animal houses. Bring a jacket for the walks between them.
