Cologne Zoo is the city’s best day out for families and a good choice for anyone who loves animals. Founded in 1860, it is among the oldest zoos in Germany, and it mixes historic buildings from its early decades with modern landscapes that give the animals room to roam. The highlights are the large elephant park, where a family herd lives with an outdoor pool and sand, and the Hippodom, a river-bank landscape modelled on an African wetland where you can watch hippos underwater through glass and crocodiles basking nearby. A rainforest house recreates a South-East Asian forest with free-flying birds and primates, and the big aquarium building combines tanks of fish from coral reefs and rivers with a terrarium of reptiles and amphibians and an insect section. The zoo is close to the Flora botanical garden and the Rhine. This page links to the Tiqets Cologne Zoo and Aquarium page, where the entry ticket includes the aquarium.
How to visit: the zoo is in Riehl, about ten minutes north of the cathedral by U-Bahn or tram to the Zoo/Flora stop, and the entrance is right by the stop. Opening hours are shorter in winter than in summer, so check the closing time for your date. A timed online ticket saves queuing at the gates on busy weekends and in school holidays.
What to expect: the grounds are large and laid out as a loop, with cafés and play areas along the way, and most paths are step-free, so they work with buggies. In cold weather the indoor houses, the aquarium and the Hippodom viewing areas keep the visit comfortable. Feeding times and keeper talks are posted at the entrance.
Making the most of it: start early with the elephants, when the herd is most active, and save the aquarium for the warmest part of the day or a shower. In spring and summer you can combine the zoo with the Flora botanical garden next door. Tiqets also sells combinations with the KölnCard, the Chocolate Museum and the KD panorama cruise.
What to expect
The experience
A large walk-through zoo with outdoor enclosures, indoor animal houses, the Hippodom and an aquarium and terrarium building.
Best time
Opening time for active animals, especially the elephants, and weekdays outside the school holidays.
How long
Three to five hours to see the main areas without rushing.
Tips
Take the U-Bahn to Zoo/Flora, check winter closing times and save the aquarium for a cold or rainy spell.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and animal lovers who want a full day out a few minutes from the centre.
- Families
- Elephants, hippos underwater, play areas and step-free paths make this the classic family day in Cologne.
- Couples
- Pair a morning at the zoo with a stroll in the Flora botanical garden and along the Rhine.
- Pair with
- The Chocolate Museum for a second family-friendly stop, or a Rhine panorama cruise.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How do I get to Cologne Zoo?+
Take the U-Bahn or tram to the Zoo/Flora stop, about ten minutes from the cathedral. The entrance is right by the stop.
Is the aquarium included in the Cologne Zoo ticket?+
Yes, the zoo and aquarium are sold as one entry ticket. The aquarium building also holds the terrarium and insect section.
How long should I spend at Cologne Zoo?+
Allow three to five hours to see the main areas. Families often stay most of the day.
Is Cologne Zoo open in winter?+
Yes, the zoo opens all year with shorter hours in winter. The indoor houses and aquarium make it a good choice in cold weather.
What are the highlights of Cologne Zoo?+
The elephant park, the Hippodom with its underwater hippo views, the rainforest house and the aquarium are the stand-outs. The historic buildings add old-world charm.
