Prague Zoo

If you are travelling with children, Prague Zoo should be near the top of your list, and many adults love it too. It opened in 1931 in the northern district of Troja and has grown into one of the most respected zoos in Europe, regularly ranked among the best in the world. The setting is part of the appeal: the zoo climbs a steep, rocky, wooded slope above the Vltava, so the walk between enclosures feels like a ramble through a park, with viewpoints over the river and the vineyards of Troja. Its pavilions are large and immersive. The Dja Reserve, opened in 2022, is the zoo's largest pavilion and recreates a corner of Cameroon, from the edge of a village to dense rainforest, as the home of its lowland gorilla troop; gorillas have been one of the zoo's great stories for decades. The Indonesian Jungle is a humid indoor rainforest with orangutans and other Southeast Asian species, and there is an Elephant Valley with a breeding herd, a giraffe area, a big-cat zone, an Australian section and the Darwin's Crater for Australian and Madagascan animals. Tiqets notes that Prague Zoo is the world's leading breeder of Komodo dragons in captivity, and it has also been central to conservation of Przewalski's horses. For families there are playgrounds, a children's zoo, a mini-train and a chairlift that carries you up the slope, a welcome help with small legs. The zoo is open all year, though some outdoor areas are quieter in winter and the indoor pavilions become the focus. Plan for a half day at the very least, and preferably a whole one: it is big and hilly.

Getting there: the zoo is in Troja, north of the centre, across the river from Holešovice. The usual route is metro line C to Nádraží Holešovice, then a bus straight to the zoo gates. In the warmer months riverboats run from the centre up the Vltava to Troja, which makes a lovely way to arrive or return, and the walk from Stromovka park across the footbridge to Troja is pleasant in good weather. Troja Chateau, a Baroque summer palace with gardens, stands right next to the zoo and can be combined with the visit.

Doing it well: arrive soon after opening, when animals are most active, and head uphill first using the chairlift, then work your way down; the slope is steep in places and the paths can be tiring with a pushchair. Check the daily feeding and keeper talk times at the entrance and plan around the gorillas, elephants and sea lions. There are several restaurants and kiosks, and picnic spots; prices inside are reasonable for a big attraction. On a hot summer day the indoor pavilions and shaded upper paths are your friends, and in winter the Indonesian Jungle and the gorilla house are warm havens. Tickets cost a moderate amount by Western European standards, with reduced and family options; the Tiqets venue page sells entry with an online audio guide, a ticket with transport, and city passes that include the zoo.

Fitting it in: make it a whole family day, with the zoo in the morning, lunch inside, and Troja Chateau or a walk through Stromovka park in the afternoon. Couples without children can combine the zoo with the vineyards and riverside walk at Troja. The zoo has suffered serious floods in the past, most recently in 2013, which led to the gorillas being moved to the new pavilion higher up; the lower areas near the river are now better protected.