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Plan your visit to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo sprawls across 82 acres on Corstorphine Hill, home to over 2,500 animals from around the world. Famous for pioneering penguin breeding, the zoo also features chimpanzees, Sumatran tigers, sloths, koalas, and a bachelor herd of giraffes. Daily keeper talks, interactive exhibits, and the iconic Penguin Parade make each visit educational and fun. With scenic views, picnic areas, and play zones, having a clear plan ensures you can see the best animals, attend talks, and enjoy the zoo fully.

Navigating your way

Start at the main entrance on Corstorphine Road. Edinburgh Zoo’s wide paths link themed habitats, ensuring a self-paced flow while highlighting key animal areas.

Enter via Corstorphine Road 👉

This is the main public entrance for all visitors. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow for ticket checks and security.

Follow the zoo paths 👉

Clear signage and maps guide you through themed zones. While you can spend as long as you like at each habitat, paths are mostly one-way to manage crowds efficiently.

Catch the talks and Penguin Parade 👉

Daily keeper talks and the Penguin Parade are timed. Check the digital screens or app to plan your route for maximum engagement.

Exit via gift shop and café area 👉

Most visitors end near the main café or gift shop. Pick up souvenirs or relax with a snack before leaving.

Don’t miss the Penguin Parade

Edinburgh Zoo’s famous penguin parade happens daily, weather permitting. Early arrival guarantees the best viewing spots and photo opportunities.

Check out walking tour options!

How to make most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat you get

Quick visit

2-3 hours

Entrance → Key habitats → Penguin Parade → Exit

Highlights-focused visit covering rare animals and top exhibits without lingering too long.

Full experience

4-5 hours

Entrance → All habitats → Keeper talks → Play areas → Exit

Time to explore every zone, attend multiple talks, enjoy interactive exhibits, and take photos at a relaxed pace.

Handy tips

  • Download the zoo app: Use the free app to check interactive maps, feeding times, keeper talk schedules, and real-time locations of all animals.
  • Visit early: Head to pandas, penguins, or tigers first in the morning to enjoy closer views and avoid the busiest crowds.
  • Dress for the weather: Wear layered clothing and sturdy shoes, as the zoo’s hilly terrain and outdoor paths can be muddy or uneven.
  • Pack essentials: Bring a refillable water bottle, binoculars, and a camera to stay hydrated, spot animals clearly, and capture memorable moments.
  • Weekday advantage: Visit mid-mornings from Tuesday to Thursday, when crowds are smaller and sensory-friendly conditions make exploring the zoo easier.
  • Combine smartly: Consider combo tickets with Edinburgh Dungeon or the hop-on hop-off bus tour to maximize value and streamline your day.

Before you get there

Here are the things you need to check before you visit Anne Frank House.

Timings

See when the zoo is open for a visit.

Location

Find the fastest way to reach the Edinburgh Zoo.

More about Edinburgh Zoo

Learn all about the zoo before you visit

Know before booking your Anne Frank House tickets

  • Entry tickets: Ideal for visitors who want a flexible, self-paced day, these tickets provide access to the zoo’s extensive habitats, rare species, and daily keeper talks without time restrictions.
  • Combo tickets with Edinburgh Dungeon: Pair Edinburgh Zoo with the Edinburgh Dungeon for a thrilling, value-packed day. Enjoy wildlife encounters in the morning and immersive historical shows in the afternoon.
  • Combo tickets with hop-on hop-off bus tour: Combine zoo entry with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass, giving easy access to Edinburgh landmarks, city views, and sightseeing at your own pace.
  • Best for families and explorers: These tickets suit families and solo explorers alike, offering a full day of animal encounters, educational talks, seasonal activities, and interactive exhibits across the zoo.
  • Maximizing your visit: Booking online in advance guarantees entry on busy days, allows planning around Penguin Parade and keeper talks, and ensures the smoothest possible experience throughout the zoo.

Edinburgh Zoo ticket types explained

Ticket TypeWhat’s includedBest forPrice range

Standard Entry

Zoo access, Penguin Parade, keeper talks

Flexible visit, families, solo explorers

From €25

Combo Tickets

Zoo + Edinburgh Dungeon/Palae of Holyroodhouse/hop-on hop-off bus

Visitors wanting extra value or multi-attraction day

From €38

Edinburgh Zoo timings

  • Opening hours throughout the year: From January to February, the zoo opens from 10am to 4pm. March extends until 5pm, April to September from 10am to 6pm, October 10am to 5pm, and November to December 10am to 4pm.
  • Closed days: Edinburgh Zoo remains closed only on Christmas Day, allowing visitors to plan around the holiday season while ensuring staff and animals have a restful day.
  • Best time to visit with children: Weekdays in early summer are ideal, offering mild weather, fewer crowds, blooming gardens, and more relaxed opportunities to enjoy penguin parades, play areas, and interactive exhibits.
  • Keeper talks and feeding schedules: Daily talks happen mid-morning through early afternoon. Guests should check the Edinburgh Zoo app or on-site screens to catch multiple talks across popular animal enclosures.
  • Seasonal events and activities: April through September features seasonal programs like Wild Discovery Days, with themed activities, hands-on learning, and immersive experiences for children, families, and curious wildlife enthusiasts.

Best time to visit

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, are quieter and easier to walk around. You can see animals without bumping into crowds. Weekends feel busier and livelier, with families and groups visiting. Expect longer waits at popular spots like the pandas and penguins, and photo areas can feel crowded.

Peak vs low season

April to September and school holidays bring longer opening hours and a buzz of activity. You might wait a little longer at the must-see animals. January to March and autumn months are calmer. Paths are easier to walk, photo spots are quieter, and you can enjoy more space around the enclosures.

Address: 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS

Perched on scenic Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh Zoo offers sweeping city views, easy access from central Edinburgh, and a tranquil, leafy setting. Its elevated position makes wildlife encounters even more memorable.

Nearest landmarks: Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh city centre (10-min drive)

Getting to Edinburgh Zoo

By public transportation

  • By bus: Edinburgh Zoo is easily accessible via multiple bus lines including 12, 26, 31, 100 (Airlink), AIRX, X18, N18, X19, and X38. Most stop directly outside the main entrance on Corstorphine Road for convenient access.
  • By train: Take ScotRail or other services to Haymarket Station, just a short bus or taxi ride away. Waverley Station is also nearby, with onward bus connections providing smooth access to the zoo.
  • By tram: The Edinburgh Trams line from the airport to Newhaven stops at Balgreen, a 15-minute walk from the zoo. Saughton tram stop is also within walking distance for flexible access.

By car

  • Access the zoo via A8, the city bypass, or M8. Enter 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS into your sat-nav. The drive from central Edinburgh takes around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Parking facilities: On-site parking is available for a limited number of paid spaces, filling quickly during busy periods. Early arrival is recommended to secure a spot.
  • Nearby parking alternatives: If the main car park is full, local street parking and nearby public car parks along Corstorphine Road provide additional options for visitors with vehicles.

Facilities

  • Picnic areas: Enjoy meals outdoors at picnic benches near the main lawn and hilltop, surrounded by scenic views, open spaces, and peaceful greenery.
  • Play areas: Children can explore multiple safe play zones spread across the zoo, designed for active fun, adventure, and age-appropriate entertainment throughout the day.
  • Lockers: Small day bags and personal belongings can be securely stored in lockers near the main entrance, available for a small fee on a first-come basis.
  • Food and drink: Choose from Grasslands Restaurant, The Gannet, Penguins Café, or kiosks offering quick bites, snacks, and ice cream, catering to all tastes and preferences.
  • Gift shop: Browse animal-themed gifts, souvenirs, toys, and books at the zoo’s main gift shop, open daily and accessible even without an entry ticket.
  • Maps and guides: Navigate the 82-acre zoo easily using printed maps, clear signposts, or the free Edinburgh Zoo app for up-to-date information and daily schedules.
  • Washrooms: Multiple restrooms, including gender-neutral and accessible facilities, are located conveniently across the zoo to ensure comfort for all visitors throughout their visit.

Accessibility

Physical disabilities

  • Edinburgh Zoo offers wheelchair-friendly paths across most areas, including raised platforms and indoor exhibits. Some outdoor trails are steep, so planning your route with the accessibility map is recommended.
  • Accessible toilets are located throughout the zoo, including gender-neutral and Changing Places facilities for complex needs.
  • A mobility vehicle service operates year-round, carrying one wheelchair or pushchair and up to four passengers, providing support on steeper paths.

Carer access

  • One carer can accompany a paying visitor requiring assistance free of charge. Proof of entitlement must be shown at admissions.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome in most areas of the zoo, though some enclosures and buildings are restricted following BIAZA guidelines.

Sensory support

  • Staff can assist visitors with hearing impairments and provide guidance or information for a smooth, accessible visit throughout the zoo.
  • Sensory bags are available for visitors, including ear defenders, sunglasses, fidget toys, and binoculars, with a refundable deposit collected at admissions.

Mobility aid hire

  • Manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for hire at the main entrance, subject to availability and deposit.
  • Arriving early or contacting the zoo in advance is recommended to secure a mobility aid, especially during peak periods.

Visiting with family

  • Stroller-friendly access: Most zoo paths are suitable for pushchairs and strollers. Lifts provide access between levels, though short waits may occur during busy periods.
  • Nearby dining options: Enjoy family-friendly meals at cafés inside the zoo or explore casual restaurants along Corstorphine Road, offering diverse food choices suitable for all ages.
  • Top zones for kids: Children love visiting Penguins Rock, Magic Forest, Budongo Trail, and the sloth enclosure, offering interactive, engaging, and memorable wildlife experiences throughout the day.
  • Baby-changing facilities: Convenient baby-changing facilities are located near restrooms across the zoo, providing comfortable and hygienic spaces for families with infants during their visit.

Rules & restrictions

Crowned lemur sitting on a tree branch at Edinburgh Zoo.
  • Respect the animals: Do not feed, touch, or climb fences around enclosures. These rules protect both visitors and animals while preserving natural behaviors and habitats.
  • Pets and assistance dogs: Pets and dogs in training are not permitted inside the zoo. Only trained assistance dogs following BIAZA guidelines are allowed in most areas.
  • Prohibited items: Barbecues, balloons, balls, scooters, skates, and glass bottles are not allowed inside the zoo for visitor safety and animal welfare.
  • Smoking and vaping: Smoking and vaping are only permitted in clearly marked designated zones, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all visitors and wildlife.
  • No entry under influence: Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be refused entry or asked to leave, with emergency services contacted if necessary.
  • Photography rules: Personal photography is generally allowed. Exceptions include indoor encounters and staff-instructed areas, where cameras, tripods, or flashes are prohibited to protect animals.

Where to shop?

The Edinburgh Zoo gift shop is located at the main entrance on Corstorphine Road. It offers animal plush toys, books, apparel, souvenirs, and memorabilia. Visitors can browse even without zoo admission. Payments are accepted by card, contactless, or cash, providing convenient options for everyone, open 30 minutes after zoo closing.

Where to eat

Grasslands Restaurant (320m)

Enjoy freshly made street pizzas, deli-style sandwiches, and crisp salads in a relaxed setting. Allergen-friendly options ensure a tasty meal for visitors of all ages.

The Gannet (320m)

Savour traditional Scottish dishes, including vegan haggis, served alongside locally grown chips in a sustainably focused, welcoming restaurant perfect for family lunches or relaxed dining.

Penguins Café (320m)

Bright and cheerful café offering breakfast rolls, hearty soups, and ciabattas. Enjoy views of the Pentland Hills while dining in a comfortable indoor or outdoor space.

Park Kiosks

Scattered across the zoo, kiosks serve quick snacks, refreshing drinks, and Rockhopper Ice Cream, ideal for short breaks or a casual treat between animal encounters.

Where to stay?

Edinburgh Zoo is set on Corstorphine Hill, a leafy neighborhood offering scenic city views, quiet streets, and easy access to local attractions. It’s ideal for visitors wanting convenient, family-friendly, or luxurious accommodations nearby.

  • The White Lady (15-min walk)

Budget-friendly hotel offering comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and casual dining options. Perfect for visitors seeking a practical, convenient stay close to Edinburgh Zoo.

  • Castle Roch Hostel (12-min drive)

Affordable hostel featuring shared and private rooms, communal lounges, and easy access to public transport. Ideal for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers exploring Edinburgh.

  • Twin Lions Hotel (14-min walk)

Mid-range hotel combining classic Scottish décor with modern comforts, offering well-appointed rooms, family-friendly amenities, and a convenient location near Corstorphine Road.

  • Ardmillan Hotel (10-min drive)

Contemporary mid-budget hotel featuring bright, comfortable rooms, friendly service, and local dining options. Suitable for families or groups visiting the zoo and city attractions.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Edinburgh Zoo

Yes, online tickets are often slightly cheaper and guarantee entry on busy days.