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Antwerp Zoo
Tickets: book ahead or walk in?
Major zoo drawing over a million visitors; booking online avoids long ticket queues in season.
Not verified yet, check the official site before you go
How far ahead
A day ahead in summer
Timed entry
No
Typical price
EUR 28-32
Busiest
Weekends, school holidays, midday
Quietest time
Weekday mornings
Skip-the-line ticket
Worth it
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings right after opening are quietest, with animals most active before the midday heat. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer school groups than summer.
Budget tips
Tickets cost around €28 for adults, with discounts for children, seniors, and students. Buy online in advance to skip line queues, and check for combination deals with nearby museums or public transport passes.
Recommended for
Families with kids, Animal lovers, Architecture enthusiasts, Photographers
Plan your visit
3-4 hours
About
Quick facts: One of the oldest zoos in the world, it sits right next to Antwerp's central train station and welcomes around 1.4 million visitors each year. The park covers 10.5 hectares and houses over 5,000 animals representing roughly 500 species.
Highlights: The zoo's Egyptian Temple, built for the 1885 World's Fair, still stands and houses a stunning collection of art deco decorations and original frescoes. Behind the temple lies a hidden garden space where peacocks roam freely, giving you a moment of calm that feels worlds away from the adjacent train station plaza.
Insider tips
- Arrive at opening time and head straight to the okapi enclosure, these shy animals are most visible early and are found almost nowhere else in Europe.
- Wear comfortable shoes, the park is compact but packed with winding paths, hills, and glasshouses that add up quickly.
- The reptile house feels older and darker than the rest, so skip it if you're short on time and focus on the new river habitat and big cats instead.
- Visit the Egyptian Temple's interior on weekdays when it's less crowded, the art deco details are easier to appreciate without crowds.
Where to Stay in Antwerpen
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