Vienna: Skip-the-Line Tickets for Schönbrunn Zoo
Hightlight
-
English-Speaking
-
Food
-
Group-Friendly
-
Local guide
History
Established in 1752 by Emperor Franz I Stephan of Lorraine, husband of Maria Theresa, Schönbrunn Zoo began as a private imperial menagerie within the grounds of the Habsburg summer residence, showcasing exotic animals collected from global expeditions. Initially accessible only to royalty and select guests, it opened to the public on Sundays around 1778, featuring a Baroque circular design with a central pavilion that still stands today as a restaurant.
By the 19th century, the zoo had evolved into a public institution, receiving its first giraffe in 1828 from the Viceroy of Egypt and enduring challenges like World War I shortages through community donations. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 alongside Schönbrunn Palace, it now combines historic charm with modern conservation, housing over 8,000 animals across 700 species and earning the title of Europe’s best zoo six consecutive times.
Highlights
- Spend a day in the historical Schönbrunn Zoo
- See elephants, koalas, giraffes, giant pandas, and more
- Be enthralled by the Baroque style of the oldest zoo in the world, founded in 1752
- Enjoy your visit to the zoo that was named Europe’s best six times in a row
- Witness Siberian tigers, orangutans, and polar bears in innovative enclosures
- Explore the Polarium for underwater views of seals and penguins
- Discover critically endangered species in the Rainforest House and Desert House
Full Description
Nestled within the UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn Palace grounds, the world’s oldest zoo invites you to wander 17 hectares of Baroque splendor where imperial history meets cutting-edge conservation. Founded in 1752, this 270-year-old gem houses over 8,000 animals from 700 species, many critically endangered, in habitats mimicking their natural worlds—from the misty Rainforest House teeming with Bornean biodiversity to the arid Desert House showcasing nocturnal wonders.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Star attractions include the giant pandas, a diplomatic gift from China, thriving in a bamboo-rich enclosure where the zoo has pioneered natural breeding programs since 2003. Watch African elephants splash in mud baths, koalas nibble eucalyptus in climate-controlled groves, and giraffes tower over savanna-like paddocks, all while soaking in the palace’s gilded vistas and rococo pavilions that once entertained Habsburg emperors.
Animal houses offer immersive escapes: peer through glass at polar bears diving in the Polardom, glide past penguins in the Polarium’s underwater tunnel, or trace rare farm breeds at the Tirolerhof. With skip-the-line access, your day unfolds seamlessly, blending education on biodiversity with unforgettable encounters that highlight the zoo’s role in global species preservation.
Why Choose This Attraction?
Schönbrunn Zoo stands out as more than a collection of animals—it’s a living tapestry of 18th-century grandeur and 21st-century science, where visitors actively support endangered species through innovative breeding and research programs. Unlike modern urban zoos, its palace-integrated setting delivers a fairy-tale immersion, with wheelchair-friendly paths and family-oriented exhibits that make every visit accessible and enchanting.
Voted Europe’s top zoo six years running, it prioritizes ethical welfare with spacious, cageless habitats and interactive feedings, ensuring authentic wildlife moments without ethical compromise. Perfect for all ages, it pairs effortlessly with palace tours, offering a full day of cultural and natural discovery in Vienna’s green heart.
What’s Included
- Skip-the-line ticket to Schönbrunn Zoo
- Access to all 17 hectares of enclosures and animal houses
- Entry to special exhibits like the Rainforest House and Desert House
- Viewing of daily animal feedings and demonstrations
- Multilingual audio guide app with species facts
- Free zoo map and event schedule at entrance
- Access to panoramic train for easier navigation
- Wheelchair and stroller-friendly pathways throughout
- Discounted entry for children under 6 and seniors
Pricing
From $31 per person
Meeting Point
Main entrance: Ticket hall in Hietzing. Side entrances: Tirolerhof and Neptun ticket booths.
How to Get There
- By Metro: U4 line to Hietzing station (2-min walk to main entrance)
- By Tram: Lines 10 or 60 to Hietzing station (direct access)
- By Bus: Lines 56A, 56B, 58A, or 58B to “Am Platz” stop (5-min walk through palace gardens)
- By Car: 20-min drive from Vienna center; park at Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg lot (paid, €5.50/hr)
Good to Know
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for 17-hectare paths
- Sunscreen, hat, and reusable water bottle (refill stations available)
- Picnic snacks (outdoor tables provided; no glass)
- Camera or binoculars for close-up views
Know Before You Go:
- Open daily 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM; seasonal variations)
- No pets allowed (guide dogs exempt with ID)
- Feeding times vary; check map for schedule (e.g., elephants at 10:00 AM)
- Crowds peak weekends; arrive early for pandas
Reviews
- “Easy access buying tickets online. The pandas & koalas were incredible! Habitats feel so natural.”
- “There were ‘houses’ like open habitats with mostly birds but it was amazing to be around them. Also we were impressed by the cageless habitats where you could walk close (but still safe) to the wild animals.”
- “Pandas and most animals were asleep, aside from that it’s a beautiful zoo. I would recommend doing some research on usual resting times of animals and visit on those hours.”
Before you go, check these helpful travel products:
Maps
Video
FAQ's
Is Schönbrunn Zoo suitable for families with young children?
Yes, Schönbrunn Zoo is an absolute delight for families, designed with young explorers in mind through its stroller-friendly paths, interactive exhibits, and child-centric highlights like the giant panda enclosure where kids can learn about conservation via fun touchscreens and storytelling sessions. The 17-hectare site features shaded playgrounds, a panoramic train for little legs, and cageless habitats that bring animals thrillingly close—safely, of course—fostering wonder without fatigue. Free entry for under-6s, plus reduced rates for ages 6–18, makes it budget-friendly, while animal houses like the Polarium offer underwater penguin views that captivate even toddlers.
What are the best times to visit to see animals active, including feeding schedules?
To catch animals at their most lively, aim for mornings (9–11 AM) when cooler temperatures rouse species like Siberian tigers and polar bears for feedings—elephants at 10:00 AM, Arctic animals around 11:00–11:30 AM, and sea lions at 11:30 AM daily except Tuesdays. Afternoons (2–4 PM) suit big cats and koalas around 3:00 PM, with South American species like anteaters fed at 2:30 PM (April–October). Schedules may shift seasonally or for health reasons, so grab the free map at entry for updates; early visits dodge crowds and align with natural rhythms, ensuring more alert pandas munching bamboo.
How accessible is the zoo for visitors with mobility impairments?
Schönbrunn Zoo excels in accessibility, with fully wheelchair-compatible entrances (Hietzing recommended for its flat approach), ramps throughout the 17 hectares, and elevators in multi-level houses like the ORANG.erie for orangutans. Loaner wheelchairs are available at info desks, and the panoramic train accommodates mobility aids, easing navigation across gentle slopes. Barrier-free restrooms dot the site, including near the panda house, while audio guides describe exhibits for visually impaired guests—advance reservations for guided tours ensure tailored support, making this historic gem inclusive for all.
What dining and picnic options are available inside the zoo?
Dining at Schönbrunn spans casual to gourmet, starting with the historic Kaiserpavillon for Viennese classics like schnitzel under Baroque ceilings, or the Tyrolean Garden Tavern for hearty alpine fare amid fox enclosures. Quick bites abound at stands offering pretzels, ice cream, and vegan salads, with family picnic areas featuring tables near giraffe paddocks—pack your lunch (no glass or alcohol) and enjoy shaded benches with palace views. All spots are wheelchair-accessible, and the zoo's farm-fresh ethos shines in seasonal menus, blending convenience with the site's imperial charm.
Can I take photos or videos of the animals, and are there any restrictions?
Photography is warmly encouraged to capture the magic of Schönbrunn's habitats, from koala close-ups to elephant splashes—professional gear is welcome in open areas, but tripods need staff okay in crowded enclosures to avoid blocking paths. Flash is banned in animal houses to prevent startling sensitive species like pandas, and drones are prohibited site-wide for privacy and safety. Respectful sharing on social media amplifies conservation messages, with designated spots like the penguin tunnel ideal for selfies; always prioritize animal welfare by maintaining distance in cageless zones.
