Budapest Zoo

What is it?

Not only a brilliant, 150-year-old zoo for kids and adults, but a seriously nice botanical garden too, set on the fringes of City Park. 

Is it worth visiting?

Its striking art nouveau entrance with elephants flanking the gate and polar bears climbing over the arch is a visit-worthy attraction in itself. Once you’re inside, get ready to immerse yourself in a wonderland that’s home to 500 animal and 4,000 plant species. But the real highlight – both inside and out – is the beautiful, temple-like elephant house.

How long will I spend there?

You could spend a good two or three hours exploring enclosures like the 19th-century greenhouses designed by Gustave Eiffel, currently filled with tropical plants and birds, the butterfly house that flutters with a colourful cast of characters, or the ’Australia area’ where boinging wallabies cause havoc.  

This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 

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