Antwerp Zoo (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Antwerp Zoo?
What makes it 81% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can easily fill half a day with 950 species, English keeper talks, and quiet heritage buildings; paths are well signed and safe, but peak-time crowds may hinder relaxed pacing.
Positives:
- Interactive programmes: Free keeper talks let you ask questions and get close to the animals.
- Compact grounds: At 10.5 ha, you can cover the main exhibits on foot within a few hours.
Challenges:
- Crowded midday: Paths near the Savanne restaurant fill up around lunch hour.
- Ticket queues: Lines form at the entry desk during peak times; it can delay your start.
What is Antwerp Zoo?
- A zoological garden opened in 1843 in Antwerp’s city center and ranking among the world’s oldest urban zoos
- A living collection of more than 6,000 animals representing over 950 species, from mammals and birds to reptiles and fish
- A protected heritage site featuring 19th-century pavilions such as the Egyptian Temple and Moorish Temple set within 26 acres of landscaped gardens
What is so special about Antwerp Zoo for solo trip?
- Explore 950+ species across historic pavilions
- Join free daily keeper talks and feedings
- Plan a looped self-guided route with the map
- Opt into a small-group guided tour for deeper insights
- Catch the seasonal Magic Ocean light festival
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: This gives you time to see key habitats, attend keeper talks, and stroll the historic pavilions at a relaxed pace.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Antwerp Zoo
Keeper talks and feedings:
Attend daily penguin, elephant, and sea lion feedings at set times.
Tip: Pick up the daily schedule at the entrance and arrive 10 minutes early to secure a good spot.
Explore historic pavilions:
Wander through the Moor Temple, Egyptian Temple, Reptile House, and Winter Garden.
Tip: Follow the shaded paths and read the architecture plaques to learn about each building’s history.
Self-guided species tour:
Discover over 950 species across 10.5 hectares using the zoo map.
Tip: Download the map PDF before your visit and plan a loop to avoid retracing your steps.
Join a small-group guided tour:
Take the “ZOO Antwerp from A to Z” one-hour tour (€100 per guide, max 20 people).
Tip: Ask at the ticket desk on arrival if there’s room in the next tour group.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Antwerp Zoo
- Buy tickets online: Book in advance to skip the entry queue and lock in your preferred date.
- Download the zoo map: Use the PDF or app to plan your route and spot feedings nearby.
- Use the Discovery Ticket: Pair your zoo e-ticket with Belgian Rail to save up to 50% on round-trip fares.
Reviews of Antwerp Zoo
Jovana Vlahovic
This zoo looks very nice, animals have a lot of space for a zoo in the city center. It is a great place to spend a day in nature in the city as the zoo looks like a big garden. You can see koalas!
Diana Sap
We had such a great time at this zoo! At first, I thought it would be just another boring zoo, but it turned out to be a really fun experience. We loved seeing all the different animals and fish, and the park itself is very clean and well maintained. It also made for a lovely date with my husband. I’d definitely recommend this place as a date spot.
Romeo
Beautiful zoo within the city centre of Antwerpen. Few of the zoo buildings have beautiful historic architecture which makes the zoo unique. Lots of healthy and well taken care of animals. They have the typical big four of a safari. They have different theme on each location and a well thought out sequence of path to follow. The butterfly sanctuary is one the most beautiful I've seen and within a ...
Sjaan
Absolutely wonderful zoo! I had a ton of fun, the animals are beautiful. I took over 500 photos, luckily I brought an extra battery for my phone! I’d suggest that you bring your own food, it’s a bit overpriced imo, but I’m not super familiar with Belgian prices, so maybe it’s okay.
S (Supalert Dog)
Beautifully maintained zoo with happy animals who are the closest ive ever seen of any zoo in the world. Kids and adults will equally enjoy this place and it should not take more than 2-3 hrs to fully complete. It's right next to the must see train station and across the chocolate nation museum. Together it's a full day of fun!
When is the best time to visit Antwerp Zoo (Antwerp, Belgium)?
From late October to early January, visit after dusk for the Magic Ocean light festival (€12–€15). In summer, animals are most active at opening, so arrive at 10:00 or as a member at 9:00.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Zoo entry ticket | EUR 28 |
| Savanne restaurant snack | EUR 8 |
| Discovery Ticket train discount | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 46 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Antwerp Zoo
Address: Koningin Astridplein 20-26, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
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