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Experience the best of Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo in Corstorphine is Scotland's most visited paid attraction, housing the UK's only giant pandas alongside Sumatran tigers, Humboldt penguins, and over 1,000 animals. Find standard entry tickets, keeper experience upgrades, and annual pass options here.
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Slide 1 of 11, Sumatran tiger walking through foliage at Edinburgh Zoo.
Sumatran tiger walking through foliage at Edinburgh Zoo.
Explore at your pace
  • Visit one of Scotland’s top wildlife attractions, home to 2,500 animals including big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and rare mammals.

  • Observe elusive species like Asiatic lions, sloth bears and pygmy hippos in custom-built habitats created to match their native ecosystems and behaviours.

  • Take part in special events including keeper talks, family trails, and hands-on exhibits tied to international days like Conservation Day.

  • Join ongoing efforts to protect wildlife as the zoo works to recover 50 endangered or critically threatened species worldwide.

  • With easy 10-min access from the city centre, you can visit the zoo at your ease, stay as long as you like and explore at your own speed!

More details
  • Visit one of Scotland’s top wildlife attractions, home to 2,500 animals including big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and rare mammals.

  • Observe elusive species like Asiatic lions, sloth bears and pygmy hippos in custom-built habitats created to match their native ecosystems and behaviours.

  • Take part in special events including keeper talks, family trails, and hands-on exhibits tied to international days like Conservation Day.

  • Join ongoing efforts to protect wildlife as the zoo works to recover 50 endangered or critically threatened species worldwide.

  • With easy 10-min access from the city centre, you can visit the zoo at your ease, stay as long as you like and explore at your own speed!

from
£27.25
Slide 1 of 11, Holyrood Abbey ruins with arched windows at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.
Holyrood Abbey ruins with arched windows at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Book this combo ticket to seamlessly access the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse (The King's official Scottish residence) and the Edinburgh Zoo.

  • Maximise your Edinburgh visit by combining 500 years of Scottish royal history with an educational day out at the UK's only Royal Zoological Society of Scotland zoo.

  • Save money compared to buying separate entry tickets, and save time by securing access to two major sites (history and wildlife) with one simple booking.

  • Explore the Palace's tumultuous past, including the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, a site of murder and intrigue, enhanced by your multilingual audioguide.

  • At the Zoo, meet over 2,500 animals, including unique residents like Asiatic lions, sloth bears and pygmy hippos, supporting the Zoo's vital conservation work.

More details
  • Book this combo ticket to seamlessly access the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse (The King's official Scottish residence) and the Edinburgh Zoo.

  • Maximise your Edinburgh visit by combining 500 years of Scottish royal history with an educational day out at the UK's only Royal Zoological Society of Scotland zoo.

  • Save money compared to buying separate entry tickets, and save time by securing access to two major sites (history and wildlife) with one simple booking.

  • Explore the Palace's tumultuous past, including the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, a site of murder and intrigue, enhanced by your multilingual audioguide.

  • At the Zoo, meet over 2,500 animals, including unique residents like Asiatic lions, sloth bears and pygmy hippos, supporting the Zoo's vital conservation work.

from Original price£49.25
£46.79

5% off

Slide 1 of 11, Burke and Hare exhibit at Edinburgh Dungeon and East African crowned crane at Edinburgh Zoo.
Burke and Hare exhibit at Edinburgh Dungeon and East African crowned crane at Edinburgh Zoo.
Explore at your pace
  • Visit both Edinburgh Zoo and Dungeon, sitting 6 km apart from each other. Explore each at your own pace, same day or separate days!

  • Explore 86 hectares featuring giant pandas, penguins, and red pandas, plus enjoy keeper talks revealing wildlife stories and vital conservation efforts.

  • Meet Edinburgh’s notorious characters like Burke & Hare & the Witch Pricker during 11 live shows and finish with the adrenaline-pumping Drop Ride to Doom.

More details
  • Visit both Edinburgh Zoo and Dungeon, sitting 6 km apart from each other. Explore each at your own pace, same day or separate days!

  • Explore 86 hectares featuring giant pandas, penguins, and red pandas, plus enjoy keeper talks revealing wildlife stories and vital conservation efforts.

  • Meet Edinburgh’s notorious characters like Burke & Hare & the Witch Pricker during 11 live shows and finish with the adrenaline-pumping Drop Ride to Doom.

from Original price£46.25
£43.94

5% off

Slide 1 of 11, Clownfish swimming near coral and a red double-decker bus touring Edinburgh cityscape.
Clownfish swimming near coral and a red double-decker bus touring Edinburgh cityscape.
Explore at your pace
  • Hop between city landmarks and then spend hours with giant pandas and penguins. One ticket, two standout Edinburgh experiences you can enjoy your way.

  • Visit one of Scotland’s top wildlife attractions with diverse species like Amur tigers, sun bears, and penguins in spacious, custom-designed enclosures.

  • Ride open-top buses across three themed routes with commentary in 9+ languages, live guides, headphones, and discounts at top Edinburgh landmarks.

More details
  • Hop between city landmarks and then spend hours with giant pandas and penguins. One ticket, two standout Edinburgh experiences you can enjoy your way.

  • Visit one of Scotland’s top wildlife attractions with diverse species like Amur tigers, sun bears, and penguins in spacious, custom-designed enclosures.

  • Ride open-top buses across three themed routes with commentary in 9+ languages, live guides, headphones, and discounts at top Edinburgh landmarks.

from Original price£53.25
£50.59

5% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Book tickets online in advance for Edinburgh Zoo, as gate prices are usually higher and popular dates can sell out.

Look out for combination tickets or seasonal promotions that bundle zoo entry with other Edinburgh attractions.

Double check entry requirements for prams, wheelchairs, or large bags, as some areas have restrictions due to steep paths.

Check the daily schedule for keeper talks and animal feeding demonstrations to enhance your visit with expert insights.

Select earlier time slots in peak seasons, since animals are generally more active before midday and crowds are lighter.

About Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is a highlight of any wildlife adventure in the UK, offering visitors the chance to see exotic species, enjoy hands-on educational experiences, and participate in beloved traditions like the Penguin Parade. Its blend of conservation, history, and fun makes it a standout in Headout’s collection of top zoos and aquariums.


AddressEdinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, UK
Also known asScottish National Zoological Park
Year opened1913
Founded byThomas Gillespie
Visitors per year550000
Expected wait time - Standard1-2 hours (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Edinburgh Zoo was the first zoo in the world to house and breed penguins, starting its famous Penguin Parade tradition in the 1950s.

One king penguin was adopted by the Norwegian King’s Guard in 1972 and later knighted as honorary colonel Sir Nils Olav III, with parades at the zoo still honouring the lineage.

From 2011 to 2023, Edinburgh Zoo hosted the UK’s only giant pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, drawing global attention.

The zoo’s hillside location features a 150-year-old apple tree and Victorian greenhouses, blending history with wildlife.

A brown bear called Wojtek, famed for carrying artillery shells with Polish soldiers during WWII, later retired to the zoo, where his playful military salutes delighted visitors.

Why visit Edinburgh Zoo?

Famous Penguin Parade

Watch the delightful daily Penguin Parade, where gentoo, rockhopper, and king penguins waddle along a special path, charming visitors with their antics and personality.

Home to Scotland’s only Koalas

See the UK’s only Queensland koalas in a dedicated eucalyptus grove, offering a rare chance to observe these iconic marsupials up close in a tranquil setting.

Stunning hilltop views

Enjoy panoramic vistas of Edinburgh’s skyline and the Pentland Hills from the zoo’s elevated grounds, making every stroll a scenic adventure.

Innovative animal habitats

Explore state-of-the-art enclosures like the Budongo Trail for chimpanzees and the Baobab Savannah for giraffes, designed for animal welfare and visitor immersion.

Seasonal giant lanterns trail

Experience the magical Giant Lanterns event in winter, where the zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland of illuminated animal sculptures and festive displays.

Plan your visit

Main entrance

Located at 134 Corstorphine Road, the Main Entrance is the primary gateway for all visitors. It sits directly opposite the main Lothian Bus stop and is easily visible from the street. The entrance is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access, wide automatic doors, and accessible ticket counters. Staff are on hand to assist with mobility needs, and accessible toilets are available just inside the gate.

Members' gate

Situated adjacent to the main car park, the Members' Gate offers fast-track entry for RZSS members and their guests. This entrance is also step-free and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. On busy days, members can bypass general queues for a quicker start to their visit.

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What our guests say

Roshini N

United Kingdom
Family
Last week

+1 more

Booking our Edinburgh Zoo tickets through Headout was quick and hassle-free. The e-tickets arrived instantly by email, and when i arrived at the zoo, the entry was smooth and I just needed to scan the tickets. The zoo itself was the highlight of the day. Seeing the flamingos, penguins and the rhino up close was a real treat, and the hillside walk gave us lovely views across Edinburgh. The paths were easy to follow using the map on the app and the staff were friendly and helpful giving us fun facts and infomation regarding the animals. It's really cute how some of the animals were named after the staff memeber's children names. I also now know that the rhino was 4 years ago and enjoys his warm water bath pool. Overall, I had a relaxing and memorable weekend with my partner and I'd happily book with Headout again.

Edinburgh Zoo Entrance Tickets

Samia M

Couple
Sep 2026
Amazing experience!! Absolutely loved every second of day out. From finally being able to see koala bears in person (my all time favourite animal) to seeing atty the baby sloth, this was hands down the best day ever. I spent 4 hours here and even then I felt I could have spent so much more time

Edinburgh Zoo Entrance Tickets

Rachel F

United Kingdom
Couple
3 weeks ago

+4 more

Particularly like the audio headsets that not only told explained where you were in the house, but also you had an opportunity to see certain rooms differently, by 'scratching' the scene. Plus the old palace and grounds were great to see.

Combo: Palace of Holyroodhouse + Edinburgh Zoo Tickets

Joann V

United States
Couple
Sep 2026
The palace is a beautiful counterpoint to the ruggedness of Edinburgh Castle. The history is well presented and the comments from the Royal Fsmily add perspective.

Combo: Palace of Holyroodhouse + Edinburgh Zoo Tickets

Claire G

United Kingdom
Couple
Sep 2026
I loved this .. the highlight of my trip to Edinburgh. The staff were amazing and played their characters superbly. Informative, interactive and lots of fun. I giggled from start to finish. I went with my very introverted daughter, who usually wouldnt entertain that sort of thing, but she played along and enjoyed the experience too.

Combo: Edinburgh Zoo + Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets

Cheryl M

United Kingdom
Group
May 2026
What a laugh we had. The actors keep it all going to well. Thats my 4th visit over the last 7 years and I love how its been different each time We pre booked on line as it saves quite a bit of money

Combo: Edinburgh Zoo + Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets

Joanne C

Canada
Couple
Aug 2026

+2 more

The Hop.on Hop.off tour is a great way to sightsee, but also to gain kmowledge about various parts of Edinburgh. We went on all 3 routes, and it was lovely. All 3 offered different parts of Edinburgh and the guide who joined us was funny and engaging. He asked about all the passengers, and geared his interactions to us when possible, while remembering where we were visiting from etc. A very enjoyable afternoon, could easily fill a whole day if you chose to Hop on and off, which we didn't, we stayed on all 3 busses, only departing once we were back to starting point.

Combo: Edinburgh Zoo Tickets + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Jennifer G

United States
Family
Jun 2026
It was easy to purchase and use tickets. Loved how easy it was to get around town and to here the history of Edinburgh. Would definitely recommend, especially to anyone new to the area or traveling for fun.

Combo: Edinburgh Zoo Tickets + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

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