Planning Your Visit to Prague Zoo and Troja Palace

Visiting the Troja district requires a bit of planning. Most people spend a full day here to see everything properly. You should start your morning early to beat the largest crowds. This is especially true during the summer months and school holidays.

Getting there is part of the fun. You can take a bus from the Nadrazi Holesovice station. For a more scenic route, consider taking a boat. You can learn how to get to Prague Zoo by boat for a unique perspective. The cruise offers great views of the city skyline.

Tickets can be bought separately or as part of a package. Look for the "Troja Card" if you plan to visit the zoo, palace, and botanical gardens. You can also find details on Prague Zoo family ticket prices and discounts online. Buying tickets in advance saves time at the entrance gates.

10 Best Things to See at Prague Zoo and Troja Palace

The Troja area is packed with unique experiences. Here are the top picks for your itinerary. These include world-class animal habitats and stunning artistic treasures. Use this list to prioritize your time during your visit.

• Best overall: The Indonesian Jungle
• Best for families: Elephant Valley
• Best for art lovers: Imperial Hall
• Best free view: Troja Palace Gardens

1. Name: The Indonesian Jungle Type: experience Why go: This is one of the most complex zoo exhibits in Europe. It mimics a tropical rainforest with humidity and lush plants. You can see orangutans and monitor lizards in a natural setting. Best for: wildlife enthusiasts Where: Upper part of Prague Zoo Time: 45 minutes Cost: Included in zoo ticket Getting there: Walk up from the main entrance Tip: Visit early in the morning when the animals are most active.
2. Name: Imperial Hall Type: sight Why go: The frescoes in this hall are breathtaking. They cover every inch of the walls and ceiling with 3D-like effects. It is a masterpiece of Baroque art that tells the story of the Habsburg dynasty. Best for: history buffs Where: Troja Palace main building Time: 30 minutes Cost: Included in palace ticket Getting there: Located across from the zoo entrance Tip: Look closely at the ceiling to see the incredible perspective painting.
3. Name: Elephant Valley Type: sight Why go: This massive enclosure is home to a large herd of Indian elephants. It features a large pool and plenty of space for the calves to play. It is one of the most popular spots for children. Best for: families Where: Northern section of the zoo Time: 30-45 minutes Cost: Included in zoo ticket Getting there: Follow the path past the hippos Tip: Check the daily schedule for elephant feeding times.
4. Name: Troja Chateau Gardens Type: nature Why go: These gardens are a perfect example of French formal design. They feature fountains, statues, and neatly trimmed hedges. You can read more about exploring the Troja Chateau gardens and interiors for more details. Best for: photographers Where: Surrounding Troja Palace Time: 1 hour Cost: Usually free or low cost for gardens only Getting there: Accessible from the palace main gate Tip: The gardens offer a quiet escape from the zoo crowds.
5. Name: Giant Salamander House Type: experience Why go: This exhibit is dedicated to the world's largest amphibians. The building is designed to look like a futuristic laboratory. It is dark and atmospheric, highlighting these rare creatures. Best for: curious minds Where: Lower part of the zoo Time: 20 minutes Cost: Included in zoo ticket Getting there: Near the main entrance Tip: This is a great indoor spot if it starts to rain.
6. Name: Darwin Crater Type: experience Why go: This newer exhibit features animals from Australia and Tasmania. You can walk among kangaroos and see Tasmanian devils. The landscape is designed to look like an actual crater. Best for: interactive experiences Where: Near the zoo's lower entrance Time: 30 minutes Cost: Included in zoo ticket Getting there: Short walk from the bus stop Tip: Stay on the paths as kangaroos may cross right in front of you.
7. Name: African Savannah Type: sight Why go: This wide-open area features giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. It provides a sense of the vast African landscape. The observation deck offers a great view of the animals roaming together. Best for: scenic views Where: Upper part of the zoo Time: 40 minutes Cost: Included in zoo ticket Getting there: Use the chairlift for easy access Tip: This area is one of the best scenic viewpoints in Prague for nature lovers.
8. Name: Fata Morgana Greenhouse Type: nature Why go: Located in the nearby Botanical Garden, this greenhouse is spectacular. It features plants from tropical, subtropical, and desert regions. The butterfly house inside is a major highlight. Best for: plant lovers Where: Prague Botanical Garden (near the zoo) Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Separate ticket or Troja Card Getting there: 10-minute walk from the zoo Tip: Wear layers as it is very warm and humid inside.
9. Name: Troja Chairlift Type: experience Why go: This is the shortest chairlift in the Czech Republic. It connects the lower and upper parts of the zoo. It saves you a steep walk and provides a fun ride. Best for: saving energy Where: Inside Prague Zoo Time: 5 minutes Cost: Small extra fee (usually paid by card) Getting there: Located near the gorilla pavilion Tip: It only operates in good weather conditions.
10. Name: Vltava River Steamboat Type: experience Why go: Arriving by boat is the most traditional way to visit Troja. The journey takes about 75 minutes from the city center. It is a relaxing way to see the city's outskirts. Best for: slow travel Where: Rašínovo nábřeží or Čechův Bridge Time: 1.5 hours each way Cost: Typical boat fare (around 200-400 CZK) Getting there: Depart from the city center docks Tip: Check the seasonal timetable as boats run less often in winter.

Tips for a Perfect Day in Troja

To make the most of your day, consider the weather. The zoo is mostly outdoors, so bring sun protection or an umbrella. Troja Palace is a great place to cool off in the summer. Its thick walls keep the interiors naturally chilled.

Dining options are plentiful in the area. The zoo has several restaurants and snack bars. For a more formal meal, look for cafes near the palace entrance. You can find more about local culture in the best museums in Prague guides. The palace itself often hosts temporary art exhibitions.

The Troja district is part of Prague's rich heritage. The palace is recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre as part of the historic city. Respect the local rules and stay on the marked paths. This ensures the animals and historic structures remain protected for the future.

If you have extra time, explore the surrounding vineyards. Troja is one of the few places in Prague where wine is still produced. You can learn more about the country's traditions at Visit Czechia. A glass of local wine is the perfect way to end your day.