Krakow Zoo

Most big cities across Europe have a zoo of some kind. That is true for Krakow as well, and it is one of the nicest places to go if you want to take a break and enjoy some fresh air in a very quiet spot. Krakow Zoo is located a distance outside the city center of Krakow, and it is easy to reach using public transportation. What else is there to know about the zoo?

As you visit Krakow Zoo, you can take a closer look at more than 1500 animals from more than 260 species. There are several highlights in the zoo, such as the snow leopards, pygmy hippos, and Andean condors. And it is always wise to put on good shoes, because you will most likely walk a couple of kilometers during a visit to the zoo, at least if you plan on seeing all there is to see in the park.

Krakow Zoo basic information.

• Address: Aleja Kasy Oszczędności Miasta Krakowa 14, 30-232 Kraków, Poland
• Opening times: 9:00 – 18:00 (only until 16:00 during winter). You should arrive latest 2 hours before the park closes if you want to enter.
• Entrance fee: 22 PLN (adults), 18 PLN (children, students)

How to travel to Krakow Zoo?

Would you like to visit the zoo, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money paying for a taxi? It is really easy and convenient to travel to the zoo using public transportation. Here are the most popular methods if you want to travel by bus to the zoo.

• Bus 134 travels from Cracovia Stadion and it takes you all the way to the zoo. The price for the bus is 4 PLN. The ride is almost 7km.

But, maybe you ask how it is possible to get to Cracovia Stadium? That isn’t hard either. It is approximately a 20 minute walk from Rynek Glowny (the Main Market Square in Krakow), and below you can see a map showing exactly how you can walk there and in which direction you need to walk.

Now you are hopefully well prepared, and you are ready to visit the zoo in Krakow. But, how can you buy the bus ticket? There are several options. It is possibly to buy the ticket directly from the driver of the bus, but it is often more convenient to buy the tickets before from a vending machine or from a kiosk selling such tickets.

A short history of Krakow Zoo.

Krakow Zoo is located in the beautiful Wolski Forest and it has always been a popular place to visit in Krakow. It opened its doors to the public in 1929, but the history goes further back than that. Already in the 16th century Krakow had a royal menagerie at the Wawel Castle. At this location they held exotic animals such as lions and camels, to entertain the king and his court.

Krakow had an official botanical garden for a long time, and in the 19th century, several animals were held and exhibited in the botanical garden. But, it became obvious that there would be a need for a dedicated zoo. As a result, they decided to open Krakow zoo in the peaceful Wolski Forest in 1929. This was a perfect territory as it is big and gave the animals plenty of space to use.

As many others, the zoo suffered during the Second World War. Many animals died (as supplies were limited), but luckily, the zoo worked hard and was ready to keep business as usual as the war came to an end.

Today, Krakow Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals from 260 species, including rare and endangered animals like snow leopards, pygmy hippos, and Andean condors. It plays an important role in animal conservation, education, and research. The zoo also participates in international breeding programs to help protect endangered species.

Krakow Zoo continues to be a favorite spot for families and animal lovers, combining its rich history with a commitment to the future of wildlife.

I am lazy and want everything to be easy… what do you recommend?

Would you like to spend as little energy as possible before you arrive at Krakow Zoo? It is possible to book tickets on GetYourGuide in which you are picked up at your hotel, taken to the zoo, and which also includes the entrance fee to the zoo. In other words, there is no mess left for you, and it is as easy as it can be. Would you like to give it a try? You can use the form below to check out prices and book such a service immediately.

Another option is to book a taxi through your hotel that will take you to the zoo, and then either make an appointment with the driver when you want to be picked up by the zoo again, or call and book another taxi later for your trip back to Krakow.

Are there any restaurants inside or outside the zoo?

There is an area where you can grab something to eat and drink before you enter the zoo. In this area you can buy chips, chicken nuggets, chicken fillet, some grilled food, sandwiches, and of course both cold and warm drinks. It might not be the location to have a gourmet meal, but if you just want something to eat before or after you enter the zoo, there are a few things to choose from as you park your car (or leave the bus) before you actually enter Krakow Zoo.

No matter what, you shouldn’t forget to bring a bottle of water or something else to drink, especially on warm summer days. You might be in the shade now and then, but it can get really hot if the sun is shining and on such occasions it is very important to drink enough!

Do you have any more questions about Krakow Zoo?

If you have any further questions, write them in the comment field below!