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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.
Chilean flamingos in habitat at Edinburgh Zoo.
Children watching meerkats at Edinburgh Zoo enclosure.
Clownfish swimming near coral in reef tank at Edinburgh Zoo.
Crowned lemur sitting on a tree branch at Edinburgh Zoo.
Zoo entrance sign at Edinburgh Zoo with visitors walking up stairs.
Waldrapp ibis perched on a branch at Edinburgh Zoo.
Visitors observing primate skeletons at an exhibit in Edinburgh Zoo.
Pallas's cat on a rock at Edinburgh Zoo.
East African crowned crane at Edinburgh Zoo.
Family browsing plush toys at Edinburgh Zoo gift shop.
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, 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.
Visitors react in fear during the Edinburgh Dungeon Cannibal Clan experience.
Victorian characters in a dimly lit alley at Edinburgh Dungeon.
Chilean flamingos in habitat at Edinburgh Zoo.
Clownfish swimming near coral in reef tank at Edinburgh Zoo.
Group reacting to a performer in the Anatomy Theatre at the Edinburgh Dungeon.
Edinburgh Dungeon room with wooden benches and a portrait of a woman on the wall.
Visitors exploring the mirror maze at Edinburgh Dungeon.
Sumatran tiger walking through foliage at Edinburgh Zoo.
Visitors observing primate skeletons at an exhibit in Edinburgh Zoo.
Pallas's cat on a rock 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.
Sumatran tiger walking through foliage at Edinburgh Zoo.
Visitors observing primate skeletons at an exhibit in Edinburgh Zoo.
Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus in front of historic buildings on a city street.
Visitors with map preparing to board red HOHO bus.
Zoo entrance sign at Edinburgh Zoo with visitors walking up stairs.
East African crowned crane at Edinburgh Zoo.
Chilean flamingos in habitat at Edinburgh Zoo.
Edinburgh sightseeing bus in front of historic building on a sunny day.
Tourists on HOHO bus near Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
Guide speaking into a microphone on an Edinburgh HOHO bus tour.
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

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.
Palace of Holyroodhouse exterior with stone towers and courtyard in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Royal Dining Room at the Palace of Holyroodhouse with ornate table settings and portraits.
Chilean flamingos in habitat at Edinburgh Zoo.
Visitors observing primate skeletons at an exhibit in Edinburgh Zoo.
Kings Bedchamber with ornate canopy bed and tapestries at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Visitors entering Mary Queen of Scots Bedchamber at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Visitors exploring the courtyard of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.
Clownfish swimming near coral in reef tank at Edinburgh Zoo.
Family browsing plush toys at Edinburgh Zoo gift shop.
Children watching meerkats at Edinburgh Zoo enclosure.
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

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

Nidal A

Palestinian Territory
Solo
2 weeks ago
We had such a wonderful day at Edinburgh Zoo! 🐧🦁 My son absolutely loves animals, so this was one of the highlights of our trip to Scotland. There is so much to see, the grounds are beautiful, and we really enjoyed taking our time exploring together. The staff were friendly and the whole experience was very well organised. Definitely worth visiting, especially with children. A lovely day and some very special memories for us. ❤️

Edinburgh Zoo Entrance Tickets

Karen S

United Kingdom
Family
3 weeks ago

+2 more

Very easy entry, no long queues, staff are fantastic with the children. Buying tickets through Headout ( first time Iv used them) saved us sone money too so that's always a plus

Edinburgh Zoo Entrance Tickets

Joanne C

Canada
Couple
2 weeks ago

+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

Fertons M

Belgium
Couple
3 weeks ago
Friendly staff. An extremely well-done, detailed audio guide with very interesting videos. Very informative commentary on the royal family. A magnificent palace steeped in history.

Combo: Palace of Holyroodhouse + Edinburgh Zoo Tickets

Marco G

Family
3 weeks ago
Good evening; I am absolutely certain that this was the most exciting experience of our family vacation (myself, my wife, and our 7-year-old daughter). Unfortunately, we spent only five days in Edinburgh, but the Royals' summer residence is truly unforgettable. The rooms—intimate in size yet exquisitely furnished down to the last detail—create a genuinely welcoming, home-like atmosphere. It is easy to imagine oneself as a lucky guest at the parties held there, or to relive the tragic moments in the Princess's chambers with a genuine sense of distress—especially upon seeing the bloodstain left by Rizzio, still visible on the beautiful wooden floor of the meeting room. Creaking floors and oak-paneled walls that carry the scent of history—unforgettable! The grandeur of the gardens shown in the photos and the splendid Rolls-Royce—royal in the true sense of the word.

Combo: Palace of Holyroodhouse + Edinburgh Zoo 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

Joel R

United Kingdom
Family
Apr 2026
Edinburgh Dungeon. I wasn't expecting much; some cheezy, tourist trip. WRONG. WRONG. WRONG. Edinburgh Dungeon is great fun. The front of house staff are excellent and the performers working the various scenes are an absolute riot! We went with our two boys, aged 10 & 12, and sure, each found this or that scene a bit intense, but nothing traumatizing. Just a lot of fun while learning the horrible facts of life in "Auld Reekie" during the Middle Ages. For those unfamiliar, this isn't just a haunted house experience with jump scares. It is 10 (I think, 10) well-written and performed scenarios from the darker history of the city. A solid 80-plus minutes of genuine scares as you're guided from room to room, spending time at a suspect surgery, a plague-infested street, a witch trial and a haunted mansion (my favorite), among others. And don't say you weren't warned about the leeches.... A blast and a real memory for the family.

Combo: Edinburgh Zoo + Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets

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