Quick Picks for Your Plzeň Zoo Visit

If you are short on time, these quick picks will help you prioritize. The zoo is quite large and hilly, so planning is essential. Families usually spend at least four hours exploring the various zones. Here are the top recommendations for different interests.

• Best Overall: The Indian Rhinoceros Pavilion
• Best for Families: DinoPark 3D Cinema and Playground
• Best for Nature Lovers: The Japanese Garden
• Best Rainy-Day Option: Tropical Pavilion (Chimpanzees)
• Best Free-Roaming Experience: Lemur Island

12 Essential Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark Highlights

The zoo is divided into geographical zones, making it easy to navigate. Each area represents a different continent or ecosystem. You will find that the Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark highlights are spread across the entire northern hillside of the city. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes for the slopes.

1. Name: Indian Rhinoceros Pavilion Type: Sight Why go: This is one of the few places in Europe to see these rare creatures. The enclosure is modern and offers great views. Best for: Wildlife fans Where: Asian Zone Time: 20 minutes Cost: Included in Zoo ticket Tip: Visit during the morning feeding for the best activity levels.
2. Name: DinoPark Static and Robotic Models Type: Experience Why go: This is a major part of the Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark highlights experience. You can see life-sized dinosaurs that move and roar. Best for: Kids Where: Top of the hill Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Combined ticket required Tip: The best time to visit DinoPark is late spring when the trees are lush.
3. Name: The Japanese Garden Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: It is the only authentic Japanese garden in the Czech Republic. It offers a peaceful break from the busy zoo paths. Best for: Relaxation Where: Near the main entrance Time: 30 minutes Cost: Included in Zoo ticket Tip: Check out the must-see plants in this section during autumn for vibrant colors.
4. Name: African Savanna Overlook Type: Viewpoint Why go: See giraffes, zebras, and ostriches roaming together in a large field. The wooden walkway provides a perfect vantage point for photos. Best for: Photographers Where: African Zone Time: 15 minutes Cost: Included in Zoo ticket Tip: Look for the hidden meerkats located just below the giraffe platform.
5. Name: DinoPark 3D Cinema Type: Experience Why go: Watch a short, immersive film about the life of dinosaurs. It is a great way to sit down and rest your legs. Best for: Families Where: Inside DinoPark Time: 15 minutes Cost: Included in DinoPark ticket Tip: The film is usually in Czech, but the visuals are easy to follow for everyone.
6. Name: Lemur Island Type: Experience Why go: You can walk through an enclosure where lemurs jump freely around you. It is a very interactive way to see these primates. Best for: Animal lovers Where: Near the water exhibits Time: 15 minutes Cost: Included in Zoo ticket Tip: Keep your bags closed as lemurs are very curious and may try to peek inside.
7. Name: Lüftnerka Farm Type: Local Experience Why go: This area features traditional Czech farm animals and historical tools. It shows what life was like in the Plzeň region long ago. Best for: Young children Where: Upper part of the zoo Time: 30 minutes Cost: Included in Zoo ticket Tip: There is a great snack bar here serving local Czech treats.
8. Name: Tropical Pavilion (Z-Pavilion) Type: Indoor Why go: See chimpanzees and various tropical birds in a lush indoor setting. It is perfect for escaping a sudden rain shower. Best for: Rainy days Where: Central Zoo Time: 30 minutes Cost: Included in Zoo ticket Tip: Look for the small reptiles hidden in the wall tanks.
9. Name: The Underground World Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Explore the world of nocturnal animals and cave dwellers. It is built into the hillside and feels like a real cave. Best for: Adventure seekers Where: Near the bear enclosure Time: 20 minutes Cost: Included in Zoo ticket Tip: It is very dark inside, so hold onto small children's hands.
10. Name: Giant Paleontological Playground Type: Activity Why go: Kids can dig for dinosaur bones in a giant sandpit. It is one of the most interactive DinoPark highlights. Best for: Kids Where: DinoPark Time: 45 minutes Cost: Included in DinoPark ticket Tip: There are plenty of benches nearby for parents to rest.
11. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: Day trip Why go: Located just a short drive away, this center offers hands-on science fun. It is one of the top sights in Plzeň for curious minds. Best for: Families Where: Near the city center Time: 3-4 hours Cost: Separate admission Tip: Read our Techmania family guide before you go.
12. Name: Puppet Museum Plzeň Type: Museum Why go: Plzeň has a long history of puppetry. This museum is interactive and very charming for visitors of all ages. Best for: Culture lovers Where: Republic Square Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Separate admission Tip: Check the Puppet Museum guide for performance times.

Practical Tips for Visiting Plzeň Zoo

Getting to the zoo is easy from the city center. You can take tram number 4 or use the seasonal "Zoo Train" that runs from the main square. Learning how to get to Plzeň Zoo in advance will save you time. Most people prefer the tram for its frequent schedule. You can find more travel info on the Visit Plzeň website.

Tickets can be purchased separately for the Zoo or as a combined pass with DinoPark. We highly recommend the combined pass to see all the Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark highlights. Prices are generally affordable compared to Western European zoos. Credit cards are accepted at the main gates and most snack bars. For more regional travel ideas, check the Plzeň Region official site.