Cologne Zoo: a day out for the whole family
Cologne Zoo ranks among the most traditional and species-rich wildlife parks in Germany. Since it opened in 1860 it has become one of the most popular destinations in the Rhineland. With over 10,000 animals from more than 750 species across about 20 hectares, the zoo offers fascinating insights into wildlife from every continent.
Particularly impressive are modern exhibits such as the Elephant Park, the Hippodom with its African river landscape, and the aquarium. The mix of historic architecture and up-to-date enclosures makes every visit special.
💡 Insider tip: the best time to visit
- Best for photos: On weekdays between 9:30 and 11:00 there are usually fewer visitors around.
- Active animals: Most species are livelier in the morning and late afternoon.
- Feedings: Plan your route around public feeding times (e.g. penguins 10:45, sea lions 11:30).
Highlights at Cologne Zoo
The zoo offers many attractions that make a visit unforgettable. Do not miss the following areas:
- Elephant Park: One of the largest and most modern elephant facilities in Europe. Watch the Asian elephants during training at 15:15.
- Hippodom: African river landscape with hippos, Nile crocodiles and tropical birds under one roof.
- Aquarium: More than 70 aquaria and terraria with an amazing underwater world and exotic reptiles.
- Clemenshof: The ever-popular petting zoo for younger visitors with domestic farm animals.
- Rainforest house (Urwaldhaus): Home to great apes including bonobos and gorillas.
As a long-time zoo enthusiast I tell every visitor: allow at least four hours. If you try to “do” the zoo in two hours you will miss what matters most. My favourite moments come when I simply stand at an enclosure for fifteen minutes and watch the animals in peace.
Current admission prices 2026
The following prices apply for standard admission to the zoo and aquarium. All figures are based on official information from Cologne Zoo and may change. For binding prices we recommend checking the official website.
Day tickets
Group rates and concessions
Cologne Zoo offers various discounts for groups, families and specific visitor categories. Overview of the main concessions:
| Category | Adult | Child | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group ticket (from 15 people) | 19,50 € | 9,00 € | Minimum 15 people |
| KölnPass holder | 9,50 € | 4,50 € | Valid KölnPass plus ID |
| After-work ticket (Feierabendticket) | 18,50 € | 8,50 € | Mon–Fri from 16:00 (summer) |
| Cologne school classes | 4,50 € | 4,50 € | Weekdays only, excluding school holidays |
Figures according to official Cologne Zoo information. For current, binding prices please visit koelnerzoo.de.
Opening hours in detail
Cologne Zoo is open year-round—including on public holidays. Hours vary by season:
- Summer season (1 March – 31 October): 9:00 – 18:00
- Winter season (1 November – 28 February): 9:00 – 17:00
- Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve: 9:00 – 14:00
Important: Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Indoor animal houses also close 30 minutes before the end of opening hours.
Getting there and parking
Cologne Zoo sits in the Riehl district and is easy to reach by public transport or car.
By public transport
- U-Bahn: Line 18 from the main station (Hauptbahnhof) to stop “Zoo/Flora”
- Bus: Line 140 from Ebertplatz to “Zoo/Flora”
🚌 Money-saving tip: free travel
Zoo tickets bought online also count as a VRS travel pass! On the day of your visit you can use buses and trains throughout the VRS area for your outward and return journey at no extra charge. That saves money and spares you the hunt for a parking space.
By car
Sat-nav address: Riehler Straße 173, 50735 Köln
Parking is available under the zoo bridge and in the zoo car park. A full-day ticket in the car park normally costs about 15 €; with a stamp from the zoo exit you pay only 4 €. At weekends and on public holidays spaces fill up quickly—arriving early pays off.
The best feeding times
Public feedings are a highlight for many visitors—you see the animals at their most active:
- 10:45: Penguins
- 11:30: Sea lions
- 13:45: Meerkats & co.
- 14:30: Bird flight display (summer only, weather permitting)
- 15:00: Baboons
- 15:15: Elephant training
- 15:30: Penguins & aardvarks (Hippodom)
- 16:00: Sea lions
Note: feedings may be cancelled due to weather or animal health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Online tickets are available and come with advantages: they include a free VRS travel pass for public transport to and from the zoo, and you avoid queues at the ticket windows.
No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed for safety and health reasons. The only exception is trained assistance dogs with the required documentation.
Visitors with disabilities pay the standard admission price. If the disability ID shows “B”, one accompanying person enters free. The companion must be at least 13 years old.
The day ticket allows a single admission to the zoo and aquarium. Leaving and re-entering several times is not possible. Plan your visit accordingly.
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends and public holidays. Tuesday to Thursday outside school holidays tend to be calmest. Right after opening in the morning you often have much of the zoo to yourself.
Annual passes: are they worth it?
Regular visitors can buy attractive annual passes. They typically pay off from the fourth or fifth visit per year:
- Adult: 95,00 €
- Child (4–12 years): 55,00 €
- Pupil (13–18 years): 63,00 €
- Senior (63 and over): 63,00 €
Family annual passes offer extra savings: two adults and one child cost 225,00 €; each additional sibling only 45,00 €.
Extra benefit: With a Cologne Zoo annual pass you get reduced admission to partner zoos in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Zoo Duisburg, Zoom Gelsenkirchen and many others.
Food and drink
There are several options for refreshments. The zoo restaurant was fully refurbished in 2014 and serves hot meals and snacks. Smaller kiosks and stalls are dotted around the grounds.
If you want to save money: you may bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic beverages must not be brought into the zoo.
DINOWORLD—the current highlight
Cologne Zoo is currently showcasing DINOWORLD, a special exhibition. Life-size dinosaur models take visitors back to prehistoric times. Separate tickets are required; they are also available online.
