Attractions of Interest to Children

Zoologischer Garten Berlin (Berlin Zoo-Aquarium)

\Hardenbergplatz 8 

030/25-40-10

U-Bahn/S-Bahn: Zoologischer Garten

Admission charged.

The zoo is open April to October daily 9am to 6:30pm; November to March, daily 9am to 5pm. The aquarium is open year-round daily 9am to 6pm.

Founded in 1844, this is Germany’s oldest zoo. It occupies almost the entire southwest corner of the Tiergarten. Until World War II, the zoo boasted thousands of animals, many of which were familiar to Berliners by nickname. By the end of 1945 only 91 had survived. Today more than 13,000 animals live here, many of them in large, open natural habitats. The most valuable residents are giant pandas. The zoo also has Europe’s most modern birdhouse, with more than 550 species.

The aquarium is as impressive as the adjacent zoo, with more than 9,000 fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other creatures. The terrarium within is inhabited by crocodiles, Komodo dragons, and tuataras. You can walk on a bridge over the reptile pit. There’s also a large collection of snakes, lizards, and turtles. The “hippoquarium” is a popular attraction.