Plan a trip to Edinburgh Zoo! See what the tickets cost, which animals you’ll see, and get in on the secrets for a wild day out in Scotland’s capital.
What to see at Edinburgh Zoo? Beyond the everyday.
Edinburgh Zoo is not what you think of as a typical zoo it is a conservation champion, a great family adventure, and the home to the UK’s only giant pandas! Situated in 82 acres of hilly greenery, this world known site has you experience wildlife viewing at its best and some of the most incredible city views. From the first time you step in to the very last when you leave you will see animals which are new to you and which you can get very close to from the penguins, to the koalas, to that very rare sight of the Sumatran tiger, this guide covers tickets, exhibits, and also our top tips for an amazing visit.
🐾 Animal Exhibits & Must-See Highlights
- Giant Bears of the East.
📍 Location: Panda home.
🌟 Star Residents: Tian Tian and Yang Guang (the UK’s only set of pandas).
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Morning feedings (see daily schedules).
- Penguins at their best rock out there.
📍 Location: Penguin March.
🌟 Highlight: Famous daily penguin display (weather permitting).
💡 Fun Fact: Edinburgh Zoo home to the first penguin enclosure in 1914!
- Koala habitat.
📍 Location: Outback Australia exhibit.
🌟 Meet: Adorable koalas and kangaroos in an open area.
- Great Cats’ Domain.
📍 Location: Tiger Trails and Lion Peak.
🌟 Spot: Sumatran tigers, lions, and jaguars in natural settings.
- Budongo Track.
📍 Location: Chimpanzee Mansion.
🌟 Experience: See chimps play and puzzle out problems.
- Great Birds.
📍 Location: Rainbow Lander guide aviary.
🌟 See: Exotic parrots, flamingos, and rare hornbills. (rephrased to) Rare parrots, flamingos, and exotic hornbills.
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🎟️ Tickets, Prices & Booking Tips
Standard Admission
• Adult (16–64): GBP 29.50.
• Child (3–15): 17.50 (under 3s free).
• Senior (65+)/Student: ₤26.50.
₤84.
Special Experiences (Pre-Book!)
• Keeper for a Day: £150 (ages 12+ Feed animals and shadow keepers.
• Twilight Tours: £25 — Evenings which include guided tours.
• Animal Encounters: 100 See penguins, lemurs, or meerkats.
Savings Tips
• Book Online: Save 10% off gate prices.
• Membership: Annual passes from just £75 (unlimited visits).
• Combo Tickets: Pair up with Edinburgh Castle or Royal Yacht Britannia for discounts.
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📍 Getting There & Parking
• Address: 134 on Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS.
• Public Transport: Lothian Bus 12, 26, or 31 from Princes’ Street (20 mins).
• Parking: On site parking is £6 for 4 hours, also we have all day for £10 (spaces limited).
• Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM to get a parking spot and beat the crowds.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
• Morning (9: From 30AM to 12PM animals are most active.
• Weekdays: Less populated on weekdays.
• Seasonal Events: Annual Events:.
o Zoo Lights (Nov–Jan): Christmas lights at night out.
o Summer Evenings: Longer summer hours.
🍴 Food & Facilities
• Restaurants: Grasslands Bistro (family oriented) Penguin Pizza Café.
• Picnic Areas: Bring your own food and eat near the meerkats.
• Facilities: Baby change, wheelchairs access, free Wi-Fi, and gift shops.
🐧 Insider Tips for Visitors
- Download the App: Edinburgh Zoo’s app is a resource which includes maps, schedules, and info on the animals.
- Wear Comfy Shoes: The zoo is on a hill bring your walking shoes!
- Check Feeding Times: Penguins, tigers, and pandas are sitting down for talks.
- Don’t Miss the Hilltop Safari: Take the free shuttle to the top for great views.
🌍 Conservation First
Edinburgh Zoo is a part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) which is devoted to the conservation of endangered species. Your ticket also goes towards we protection of Scottish wildcats and rewilding beavers.
Ready for a Wild Adventure?
At the penguin parade we cheer and at giant pandas which we watch in amazement; Edinburgh Zoo is a day out which will delight the whole family. Go book your tickets, bring along the camera, and prepare to connect with nature in each of its forms a roar here a chirp there, a waddle everywhere.
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Need advice on what to see? I can tell you about hidden gems and kid friendly routes! .
