Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, Budapest

Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, Budapest

The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden holds the title of being the oldest zoo in Hungary and one of the oldest worldwide. It is located in Budapest's City Park, making it easily accessible and distinct from other zoos.

Opening its doors on August 9, 1866, the zoo attracts approximately 1 million visitors annually. Its expansive grounds include a nature reserve and showcase beautiful art nouveau buildings designed by Kornél Neuschloss and Károly Kós. Notable residents of the zoo include the Komodo dragon and, since December 2011, the wombat.

Initially, the zoo highlighted Hungarian species and some unique animals like monkeys, parrots, camels, and kangaroos. Emperor Franz Joseph and Queen Elizabeth donated a giraffe and other creatures. In 1876, a lion house was constructed for lions and tigers. Eventually, an elephant, hippopotamus, and rhinoceros joined the collection.

Over time, the zoo's enthusiasm waned, popularity declined, and financial challenges arose. To attract visitors, the management transformed the institution into an entertainment-oriented company, incorporating entertainers and comedians alongside animals and plants.

The zoo's latest attraction, the Magical Hill, presents diverse flora and fauna, the evolution of biodiversity, and the relationship between humans and nature. It features more than 100 species, interactive games, and illustrative models. Additionally, the America Tropicana showcases the plant and animal life of the tropical climate in the Americas.

Other notable areas in the zoo include the Savannah Zone, exhibiting giraffes, gazelles, white rhinoceros, birds, small mammals, and insects. The Australia Zone, located near the Great Lake, highlights the unique birds, reptiles, and amphibians of Australia. The India Zone, housed in the historic India House, showcases Asiatic lions, striped hyenas, and more.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Budapest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden on Map

Sight Name: Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Budapest, Hungary

Create Your Own Walk in Budapest

Create Your Own Walk in Budapest

Creating your own self-guided walk in Budapest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Souvenir Shopping

Souvenir Shopping

It will definitely be a pity to leave Budapest without exploring local specialty shops and bringing home something authentically Hungarian. A large number of the city’s specialty shops are found on Váci Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that parallels the Danube, extending for more than 15 blocks, with something for every taste and wallet. At its most southerly end, you will find Central Market...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Andrassy Avenue Walking Tour

Andrassy Avenue Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Buda Introduction Walking Tour

Buda Introduction Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Margaret Island Walking Tour

Margaret Island Walking Tour

Stretching for around 2.5 km, Margaret Island (“Margit-sziget”) on the river Danube is a popular green oasis / recreational area that serves as Budapest's playground since the 1870s. Flush with beautiful landscaped parks, ancient ruins and various sports facilities, the island can be accessed either by the historical Margaret Bridge on the south or the Arpad Bridge in the north, from...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Pest Introduction Walking Tour

Pest Introduction Walking Tour

Separated from its western neighbor Buda by the magnificent river Danube, the eastern part of Budapest, formally known as Pest, takes up almost two thirds of the Hungarian capital. Unlike hilly Buda, Pest is predominantly a flat plain with a pretty buzzing and bourgeois setting. It houses some truly magnificent architectural sights, including the Hungarian Parliament itself. In part, this is...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


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