ZOO Wrocław – Afrykarium, tickets, opening hours and attractions

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Wrocław. ZOO Wrocław is home to the largest collection of animal species in Poland (over 1,100) and more than 10,000 animals spread across approx. 33 hectares. The site also hosts the unique Afrykarium – the largest oceanarium in the country and the only one in the world devoted exclusively to Africa’s wildlife. Every year the zoo welcomes around 1.5–1.7 million visitors, and in its record-breaking year 2015 it reached 1.88 million entries. This is a place where modern exhibition design, species conservation and accessible, engaging education come together.

ZOO Wrocław – key information

• Location: ul. Zygmunta Wróblewskiego (Wielka Wyspa, near Centennial Hall).
• Area: approx. 33 hectares of green exhibition space.
• Collection size: over 1,100 species and more than 10,000 animals.
• Afrykarium: the largest oceanarium in Poland and the only one in the world dedicated solely to Africa.
• Attendance: in recent years approx. 1.5–1.7 million visitors annually; record: 1.88 million (2015).

History and interesting facts

The zoo officially opened on 10 July 1865 (originally covering 9.5 ha on the banks of the Oder river). After World War I, the zoo went through difficult times and was closed between 1921 and 1927. After World War II it reopened to the public on 18 July 1948. In its modern history, highlights include the opening of the new Lion House and the birth of four Sumatran tiger cubs in 2024.

Animals and numbers (species, area, visitors)

Afrykarium – a unique attraction in Wrocław

Afrykarium is the flagship investment of ZOO Wrocław, opened in 2014. Construction cost approx. PLN 220 million, and the complex covers 1.9 ha. It is the largest oceanarium in Poland and the only one entirely devoted to African ecosystems. The impressive tanks hold more than 15 million litres of water, and an 18-metre glass tunnel lets visitors experience the underwater world from the inside.

Oceanarium and themed zones

The Afrykarium showcases five major ecosystems of the African continent:

• Red Sea Coast – colourful coral reefs and hundreds of tropical fish species.
• Congo River Basin – humid equatorial forests with manatees, crocodiles and Nile hippos.
• Namibian Coast – a huge tank with an artificial wave, home to Cape penguins.
• Great African Lakes – aquariums with cichlids and other endemic species.
• Mozambique Channel – the largest tank (approx. 3 million litres) with sharks and rays, featuring a walk-through underwater tunnel.

Most popular animals

In the Afrykarium you can observe both spectacular aquatic species and iconic African land animals. Visitors most often highlight:

• African manatees – a unique species in Poland with conservation programmes conducted on site.
• Nile hippos – impressive mammals viewed in a specially designed pool.
• Sharks and rays – swimming above visitors in the Mozambique Channel tunnel.
• Cape penguins – in the Namibian zone with an artificial wave.
• Crocodiles and turtles – residents of the Congo jungle zone.

The Afrykarium is currently the most visited part of ZOO Wrocław and the main magnet attracting guests from all over Poland and Europe.

Other pavilions and attractions at ZOO Wrocław

While the Afrykarium is the zoo’s showpiece, ZOO Wrocław offers far more. Across its 33 hectares you’ll find a range of themed pavilions and outdoor enclosures representing different continents and habitats — from African savannas and Asian jungles to a farmyard zone with domestic animals. Below are the most important ones.

Monkeys and elephants

ZOO Wrocław features an Elephant House that is home to Indian elephants. The facility has been modernised to ensure optimal conditions for the animals and convenient viewing for visitors, both indoors and on a large outdoor enclosure. The zoo also has several pavilions with great apes, including chimpanzees and orangutans. In a separate complex you can see smaller species such as lemurs, colobus monkeys and guenons.

Ranch and attractions for children

For younger visitors there is the “Ranch” pavilion, where children can meet farm animals — goats, sheep, Shetland ponies and rabbits. Short pony rides are available, and direct, supervised contact with animals is encouraged. The zoo also offers playgrounds and educational points ideal for family visits.

Educational activities and feeding sessions

ZOO Wrocław runs extensive educational programmes. Nature classes, workshops for schools and themed meetings are organised regularly. At specific times you can watch feeding sessions, which attract many guests — including penguin, seal and fur seal feedings. These events help visitors learn more about animal behaviour and conservation.

Tickets for ZOO Wrocław – prices and types 2025

Regular, reduced and family tickets

Valid for 2025. All zoo tickets also include entry to the Afrykarium. Children under 3 and seniors 75+ receive a control coupon at the ticket office (free entry).

^* Student tickets apply to university students up to 26 years old (with valid student ID). ^** Dependants include: preschoolers, primary and secondary school pupils up to 21 years old, and students up to 26 years old (if at least one guardian is the student’s parent). Eligible are also persons with disabilities according to the zoo’s rules.

Special offers (not valid on public holidays): Family Monday: 225–230 zł; Student Wednesday: 58–59 zł; Thursday for pensioners, disability benefit holders and accompanying persons (according to rules): 47–48 zł; holders of the Wrocław Senior Card also receive reduced prices. Details as per the price list.

“Nasz Wrocław” (Taxpayer Status) members are also entitled to one free entry every 365 days — available only at the ticket office upon presenting proof of eligibility.

Where to buy tickets (online, ticket offices, machines)

• Online: purchase available up to 14 days in advance; e-ticket (PDF) sent by e-mail; available tickets: regular, reduced, student (no promotional or family tickets).
• Ticket offices (on the day of visit): cash/card payments (except American Express); all ticket types available, including family, group and promotional; “Nasz Wrocław” discounts processed here.
• Ticket machines (on the day of visit): card payments (except American Express); available tickets: regular, reduced, student (no promotional).
• Validity: tickets are valid only on the selected date and allow single entry; the zoo does not take reservations and does not limit ticket sales.

Annual passes and discounts

“Dzika Karta” – entry every day (maximum 3 times per day). Available online or at the Customer Service Point.

Eligible for reduced passes: children aged 3–7, pupils up to 21 (with school ID), students up to 26 (with student ID), persons with disabilities (with certificate/ID), retirees and pensioners, and persons of retirement age (with ID). Additional discounts apply for “Nasz Wrocław” cardholders.

Opening hours of the ZOO and Afrykarium

ZOO Wrocław is open every day throughout the year, including national and religious holidays. A ticket grants access to the entire zoo and the Afrykarium, and visitors may stay up to one hour after the ticket offices close. Opening hours vary by season.

Seasons and holidays

Holidays: the zoo is open on days such as Easter, Christmas and New Year’s Day — with seasonal hours. Ticket sales stop when the ticket offices close, but visitors may remain on the grounds for an additional 60 minutes.

Special pavilions

Some pavilions have shorter opening hours than the rest of the zoo, especially outside the summer season. This applies mainly to facilities requiring additional staff or climate control. The following often close earlier:

• Afrykarium – open according to general zoo hours, but last entry is approx. 30 minutes before closing.
• Terrarium and butterfly house – may close up to an hour earlier in winter.
• Great Ape Pavilion – sometimes closes earlier for behavioural or care-related reasons.

Current operating hours for each pavilion are posted on the ZOO Wrocław website and at the entrance to each facility — worth checking before your visit.

How to get to ZOO Wrocław

ZOO Wrocław is located on Wielka Wyspa, at ul. Zygmunta Wróblewskiego 1–5, right next to Centennial Hall and the Pergola. Its central location makes it easy to reach by public transport, car or taxi.

Getting there by tram and MPK bus

Nearest stops: “ZOO” and “Hala Stulecia” (ul. Wróblewskiego / ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie).

• Trams: lines 1, 2, 4, 10 – all stop directly at the zoo. (Line 16 no longer goes to Centennial Hall/ZOO, its terminus is now Sępolno.)
• Buses: lines 115, 145, 146 – stop “Hala Stulecia”, a few minutes’ walk to the zoo entrance.

MPK tickets can be purchased from machines at stops (cash and card) or onboard (contactless card payment — the ticket is encoded electronically on your card).

From Wrocław Główny railway station

• Bus 145 or 146 – from the stop on ul. Peronowa (next to the station), direction Centennial Hall.
• Tram 2 – from the stop on ul. Piłsudskiego (near the main station entrance), direction Centennial Hall/ZOO.

Average travel time: 20–25 minutes.

From Wrocław Airport

Wrocław Airport (ul. Graniczna 190) is served by bus line 106 to stop “Dworcowa” (near the main station). From there you can continue:

• bus 145 or 146 from ul. Peronowa (to Centennial Hall),
• tram 2 from ul. Piłsudskiego (to Centennial Hall/ZOO).

Travel time by public transport: approx. 50–60 minutes. Alternative: taxi or car (approx. 13 km, usually 25–35 minutes).

By car – parking near the ZOO

The zoo is easily accessible by car from the city centre and the AOW (Wrocław Motorway Bypass). Nearby Centennial Hall and the ZOO you will find underground and surface parking lots, coach parking and some free parking options further away.

We describe detailed information, addresses and prices here: Parking near ZOO Wrocław and the Afrykarium – prices and free options.

ZOO Wrocław with kids – practical tips

ZOO Wrocław is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in the city. The site is well prepared for young visitors — from stroller-friendly pathways to dedicated educational pavilions and play areas. Below are the key practical details for families.

Strollers, restrooms, feeding sessions

• Strollers: the zoo is fully accessible for strollers; paths are wide, and strollers can be rented at the entrance.
• Restrooms: the zoo has numerous sanitary facilities, most equipped with baby-changing stations. They are located near major pavilions and exits.
• Feeding sessions: regular feeding events (e.g., penguins, seals and fur seals) attract many children and have an educational character. The current schedule is available at the entrance and on the zoo’s website.

Restaurants and food options

There are several dining spots within the zoo — from self-service restaurants to small bars and cafes. They serve full meals, snacks, drinks and desserts. Some venues have indoor seating, while outdoor terraces operate in summer. This makes it easy to plan a break without leaving the zoo grounds.

Educational attractions and play areas

• Ranch: a dedicated zone where kids can meet farm animals (goats, sheep, ponies) and enjoy short Shetland pony rides.
• “Climate, People, Animals” Pavilion: an interactive, animal-free space with multimedia, games and educational activities.
• Playgrounds: located throughout the zoo, suitable for different age groups.

Educational programmes are also available for school and preschool groups, making the zoo an important natural science education centre in Wrocław.

Attractions near ZOO Wrocław

The area around the zoo is one of the most attractive parts of the city. Within minutes on foot you’ll find UNESCO-listed landmarks, unique gardens and popular recreational spots. A visit to the zoo can easily be combined with discovering other important sites in Wrocław.

Centennial Hall and the Pergola

Right next to the zoo stands Centennial Hall, built in 1913 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It hosts concerts, fairs and cultural events. Surrounding it is the Pergola — a walkway supported by more than 700 columns, popular with walkers and photographers.

Japanese Garden

Beside the Pergola lies the Japanese Garden, created in 1913 and restored in the 1990s in cooperation with Japanese landscape designers. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in Wrocław, blending traditional Far Eastern architecture with characteristic flora. The garden is open seasonally — usually from April to October.

Multimedia Fountain

Near the Pergola you’ll also find the Wrocław Multimedia Fountain — one of the largest in Europe. It features 300 computer-controlled water jets paired with music, lights and laser projections. Shows take place from May to October, with extended weekend evening displays featuring animations on a water screen.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about ZOO Wrocław