Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium

Zoo in Wrocław

Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium
Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Neo[EZN]

Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium sit in the leafy Szczytnicki Park area, close to Centennial Hall, and they're exactly the kind of place that can take over your day in the best possible way. The zoo side offers a broad, walkable mix of habitats and species, while Afrykarium delivers the big “wow” factor: underwater tunnels, vast tanks, and a smoothly designed route that makes you feel immersed rather than simply observing.

It's one of the top attractions in Wrocław because it works on multiple levels: fun and easy for a first-time visitor, but also rich enough for anyone who likes slowing down and watching animal behaviour. If you're building a walking tour of Wrocław, this is usually the point where you deliberately step away from Old Town streets for a greener, more expansive experience, then come back to the centre later with a completely different set of memories.

History and Significance of the Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium

Wrocław Zoo has long been part of the city's “public culture” rather than a niche attraction, evolving with modern expectations about conservation, education, and visitor experience. That matters when you visit, because the best zoos don't feel like random enclosures; they feel like a place with a mission and a sense of direction.

Afrykarium is the defining modern element, and its significance is that it changes what a zoo visit feels like. Instead of being a side building with a few tanks, it’s a large-scale, purpose-built oceanarium concept focused on African aquatic ecosystems, which is rare in Europe and memorable even if you’ve been to other zoos.

Together, the zoo and Afrykarium are also a practical part of Wrocław's wider park-and-culture district. Pairing animals, modern architecture, and green space with nearby landmarks like Centennial Hall makes this area feel like a second “centre” of the city-less about streets and façades, more about open-air wandering and big experiences.

Things to See and Do in the Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium

Afrykarium is the clear headline, so it’s worth doing early, when your energy is highest and the interior routes feel calmer. The underwater sections are the highlight: watching large fish glide overhead, seeing marine life from eye-level, and moving through spaces designed to reveal scale gradually rather than all at once.

In the zoo grounds, the best approach is not to attempt “everything.” Choose a few zones you care about, then give yourself permission to linger when something holds your attention-feeding time, playful behaviour, or simply a good viewpoint that lets you watch without crowds pressing behind you.

Build your day around pacing. A strong rhythm is Afrykarium first, then outdoor exhibits, then a break, then a second outdoor loop for anything you missed. It keeps the visit enjoyable and avoids the common mistake of doing a marathon walk and realising you’ve rushed past the very moments that make zoos worth visiting.

How to Get to the Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium

The zoo is at ul. Zygmunta Wróblewskiego 1-5 in the Szczytnicki Park area, and the easiest way to think about it is “near Centennial Hall,” because that's the landmark cluster most public transport routes serve.

The nearest airport is Wrocław Copernicus Airport (WRO). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Wrocław on Booking.com.

If you're arriving by train, Wrocław Główny is the main station, and from there it's straightforward to reach the Centennial Hall area by tram, then walk the last stretch through the park district. You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the PKP Intercity website. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

For buses and trams, aim for stops around Hala Stulecia (Centennial Hall) and follow the pedestrian flow; it's a well-trodden route and tends to feel easy even for first-time visitors.

If you're driving, plan on using designated parking around the Centennial Hall and zoo area rather than trying to improvise in smaller residential streets nearby. If you are looking to rent a car in Poland I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium

  • Entrance fee: Regular 80 PLN; Concession 70 PLN; Student 75 PLN; Family 265 PLN (Afrykarium included).
  • Opening hours: April – September: Monday – Thursday: 09:00–17:00. Friday – Sunday & public holidays: 09:00–18:00. March & October: Monday – Thursday: 09:00–16:00. Friday – Sunday & public holidays: 09:00–17:00. November – February: Daily: 09:00–15:00. 24 December & 31 December: 09:00–13:00. 1 January: 11:00–15:00.
  • Official website: https://zoo.wroclaw.pl/en/
  • Best time to visit: Arrive close to opening for the calmest atmosphere and the easiest viewing in Afrykarium; weekends get busy fast, especially in warm months.
  • How long to spend: Plan 4-6 hours for a satisfying visit, or a full day if you want a slow pace with breaks and plenty of time at the major habitats.
  • Accessibility: The site is generally manageable with wide paths and indoor routes, but it’s still a lot of walking, so pace yourself and use rest stops strategically.
  • Facilities: Expect multiple food options, restrooms, and places to pause; the best visits are the ones where you treat breaks as part of the plan rather than an afterthought.

Where to Stay Close to the Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself centrally near Rynek so you can walk the Old Town and take one easy tram ride out to the zoo; if your main focus is parks, Centennial Hall sights, and a quieter, greener Wrocław, staying around Szczytnicki Park or Plac Grunwaldzki makes the logistics feel effortless.

For the closest, simplest base to the zoo itself, Hotel Zoo by Afrykarium Wroclaw is the obvious convenience play for early entry and a low-stress start. If you want a comfortable stay with a scenic riverside feel and easy onward connections to both the zoo district and the Old Town, HP Park Plaza is a strong all-round option. For a polished central base that still makes the zoo day simple by tram, Radisson Blu Hotel, Wroclaw works well if you want to keep evenings focused on the Old Town.

Is the Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want one “big day” that breaks up Old Town sightseeing with something more immersive and relaxed. Afrykarium alone is often the deciding factor: it's the kind of indoor experience that feels genuinely substantial rather than an add-on.

It’s also a good choice if you’re travelling with mixed interests in your group. Even people who are lukewarm on zoos often enjoy the oceanarium design, the scale of the tanks, and the way the day naturally becomes a park-style outing rather than a checklist of exhibits.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (138,140)

ZOO at Zygmunta Wróblewskiego 1-5 in Wrocław is a long-established zoo focused on conservation that visitors praise for its extensive, well-kept grounds and healthy, well-cared-for animals; highlights include the Afrykarium with its underwater tunnel and diverse marine life, a two-floor Terrarium with many reptile and invertebrate exhibits, a bird house, and enclosures for species like hippos, penguins, baboons and Pallas's cats. Guests note ample indoor and outdoor exhibits (useful in bad weather), wheelchair-accessible areas with occasional elevator issues, family-friendly amenities such as shops, cafés, a playground and child carriages, plus a treasure-hunt stamp activity; some signage lacks English translations and shops may close before the zoo does, but overall visitors recommend allowing several hours to explore.

Emil Tryka
2 months ago
"Truly amazing experience! The Wrocław Zoo is much bigger than I expected and incredibly well kept. You can really see that the animals are healthy,well fed, and properly cared for — everything feels very natural and clean. There are so many different species to see, and the Afrykarium is just breathtaking! The only small downside is that not every section has English translations, but honestly, it didn’t stop us from enjoying it at all. It’s a wonderful place for both kids and adults — definitely one of the best zoos I’ve ever visited. Highly recommended!..."
Iryna Kozyrieva
2 months ago
"I absolutely loved my visit to the Wrocław Zoo! It’s one of the most beautiful and well-organized zoos I’ve ever been to. The animals look healthyand well cared for, and the enclosures are clean and spacious. The Afrykarium is a must-see — it feels like stepping into another world! 🐠🐧nThere are plenty of places to relax, grab a snack, and enjoy the atmosphere. Perfect for families, couples, or just a peaceful walk surrounded by nature and animals. Highly recommend visiting! 🌿🐘🦓..."
Mo Hassan
3 months ago
"I visited Wrocław Zoo on two separate occasions in September 2025 in order to make the most of my time in the city and the weather. I visit zoosacross the world in order to photograph their animals, and would consider the one in Wrocław among the best. The zoo is well laid out, with many indoor houses and outdoor enclosures for species across the animal kingdom. The houses that most impressed me were the Terrarium (for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates) and the Afrykarium for African fauna. The Terrarium is laid out over two floors (unfortunately not accessible to wheelchairs) and contains around 100 exhibits for animals ranging from tiny insects to crocodiles and giant tortoises. All of these are appropriate in size and conditions for their inhabitants. Many of the animals here can only be seen here in Europe, including some tiny colourful geckos from the Indian Ocean. I spent several hours in here on my two visits, photographing all the animals I could see. The Afrykarium takes you on a journey through the continent and its waters. The only deviation from this theme was to replace the rare African manatees with their slightly more common Caribbean relative, of which I could see five individuals swimming in their tank. Other inhabitants include penguins, fur seals, sharks, hippopotamus, aardvarks, and elephant shrews. The building is accessible to wheelchairs with a few elevators, but one was out of service on my visit. Other notable exhibits include the bird house, with its many rare species, Pallas’s cats, and olive baboons. Overall I recommend a visit to anyone interested in birds, endangered species, unusual reptiles, or just animals in general...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is one of the easiest family wins in Wrocław because it turns into a full day without complicated planning. Start with Afrykarium while attention spans are fresh, then treat the outdoor zoo as a flexible loop where you can follow whatever animals are most active.

The key is pacing: plan snack stops and short rests so it doesn’t become “too much walking.” A simple strategy is to pick a handful of must-sees, then let everything else be a bonus.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the zoo works best as a slow, shared day where you lean into wandering rather than trying to see everything. Afrykarium’s underwater sections are surprisingly atmospheric, and the park setting makes it easy to turn the visit into a gentle day out rather than a high-energy attraction.

The most romantic version of this day is unhurried: arrive early, take breaks, and finish with a stroll around the Centennial Hall and park area before heading back to the Old Town for dinner.

Budget Travelers

It’s not the cheapest attraction in the city, but it can be excellent value if you treat it as your main paid “anchor day” and keep the rest of your itinerary heavy on free walking routes, viewpoints, and squares. A full-day visit can replace multiple smaller ticketed stops.

To keep spending controlled, bring water, plan one main meal instead of multiple snack stops, and decide in advance whether souvenirs are part of the plan, because it’s easy to impulse-buy after a fun day.

FAQs for Visiting Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium

Getting There

It’s in the Szczytnicki Park district, close to Centennial Hall, which is the easiest landmark to use for navigation. From the Old Town, it’s a simple public transport trip followed by a short walk.
Take a tram toward the Centennial Hall area and walk from there, because the route is direct and well signposted. It also sets you up to combine the visit with nearby park sights.
From the station, a tram connection toward the Centennial Hall district is usually the smoothest option. Once you’re in that area, the final approach is an easy walk.
Driving can work well if you’re doing a park-district day, but it’s rarely the easiest choice from central Wrocław. If you do drive, use official or clearly designated parking to avoid wasting time circling.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, Afrykarium is included with standard zoo admission, so you don’t need a separate entry plan. That’s why it’s smart to structure the day so you have time for both rather than treating Afrykarium as optional.
Advance purchase is helpful in peak season because it reduces friction at the entrance and keeps your start time predictable. Outside busy periods, walk-up entry is usually straightforward.
The biggest mistake is arriving too late and realising you’ve limited your Afrykarium time when it’s busiest. If Afrykarium is a priority, go early and treat the outdoor zoo as the flexible part of the day.

Visiting Experience

If you’re tight on time, focus on Afrykarium plus a short outdoor loop and plan 2-3 hours. You’ll get the most distinctive part of the experience without rushing the entire site.
Yes, because Afrykarium gives you a substantial indoor core experience, and you can build the day around that if rain hits. You can then dip into outdoor exhibits in shorter bursts between showers.
Centennial Hall and the surrounding park spaces are the easiest add-on because they’re right there and don’t require extra transport planning. It’s a natural way to finish the day with a scenic walk.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many city centre walking tours focus on the Old Town, so the zoo is usually a separate day or a dedicated half-day plan. That separation is actually useful, because it keeps your trip balanced.
Independent visiting works best because everyone’s pace and interests differ in a zoo setting. Guided options only become worthwhile if you want structured educational context or you’re travelling with a group that prefers a fixed route.
Start with Afrykarium, then do one outdoor loop, take a break, and finish with a second, shorter loop for anything you missed. It keeps your energy steady and makes the day feel relaxed rather than relentless.

Photography

Yes, but it rewards patience: wait for clear moments at the glass and shoot slightly off-angle to reduce reflections. The most satisfying photos usually include a sense of scale rather than only close-ups.
The first part of the day is best, especially for the most popular Afrykarium viewpoints. Later in the day, focus on outdoor areas where space is more forgiving.
Rules can vary by zone, so follow posted signs and be considerate in crowded indoor areas where stopping can block the flow. If flash is discouraged, it’s worth respecting for both animal welfare and viewing quality.

Accessibility & Facilities

Generally yes, but it’s still a large site, so plan a slower route and use rest points intentionally. The best approach is to prioritise key zones rather than attempting a full sweep.
Yes, and using them is the difference between a great day and an exhausting one. Build breaks into the plan before you feel you need them.
Yes, because it’s set up for long visits with food options and practical amenities. Just plan the day around one or two main breaks so it stays enjoyable.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Inside is easiest for convenience and timing, especially if you want to maximise animal viewing. Outside can be nicer for atmosphere, but it usually means leaving the flow of the visit.
Eat slightly earlier than your instincts suggest, before peak lunch waves hit. It keeps queues shorter and helps you regain energy for the afternoon.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s a popular, well-visited park district that generally feels relaxed. Normal city awareness is enough, especially around transport stops when it’s busy.
Early is better if Afrykarium is your priority and you want a smoother, calmer experience. Later can still work, but it’s more likely you’ll feel time pressure and heavier crowds.

Nearby Attractions to the Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium

  • Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia): A UNESCO-listed landmark next door that anchors the whole park district and is worth seeing up close.
  • Japanese Garden (Ogród Japoński): A tranquil, beautifully designed garden that's perfect as a calm counterpoint to a busy zoo day.
  • Pergola: A grand colonnaded walkway that’s ideal for a scenic stroll and a change of pace after indoor exhibits.
  • Wrocław Fountain (Fontanna Multimedialna): A popular open-air fountain area that adds a fun, modern element to the Centennial Hall zone.
  • Szczytnicki Park: A large green space around the zoo district, great for decompressing and extending the day with an easy walk.

The Wrocław Zoo and Afrykarium appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Wrocław!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

April - September: Monday - Thursday: 09:00-17:00. Friday - Sunday & public holidays: 09:00-18:00.

March & October: Monday - Thursday: 09:00-16:00. Friday - Sunday & public holidays: 09:00-17:00.

November - February: Daily: 09:00-15:00.

24 December & 31 December: 09:00-13:00. 1 January: 11:00-15:00.

Price:

Regular 80 PLN; Concession 70 PLN; Student 75 PLN; Family 265 PLN (Afrykarium included).

Address: ZOO, Zygmunta Wróblewskiego, Wrocław, Poland
Wrocław: 3 km
Official Website

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