how long to visit berlin zoo

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Is The Berlin Zoo Worth Visiting?

The Berlin Zoo is a fairly well-known attraction in Berlin, and is known for its wide array of animal exhibits surrounded by beautiful landscaping.

If you have time to visit, it's worth it as it's one of the more popular attractions in Berlin. The crowds here are not as busy as with other attractions, but it still sees quite a few visitors. The crowds tend to get larger duing the peak travel season, too.

What is The Berlin Zoo?

The Berlin Zoological Gardens are some of the world's most renowned and oldest having been established in 1844. Located in the heart of the city, it's not only a popular destination for animal enthusiasts and children, but also an important hub for conservation and research. The zoo is home to an impressive array of animals from around the world, featuring rare and endangered species like giant pandas, polar bears, and gorillas. With beautifully landscaped enclosures and engaging exhibits, it offers a fantastic opportunity to observe and learn about diverse wildlife in a carefully designed environment. It's a delightful and educational experience for visitors of all ages, emphasizing the importance of protecting our planet's biodiversity.

Families with children absolutely love it, as it offers plenty of fun. You'll make some great family memories from your trip here, as it's one of the top family-friendly attractions in the area. Also, couples will love it, as it's very romantic. Definitely check it out if you're on a couple's trip. Budget travelers and backpackers love the zoo. It's fun, interesting, and exciting.

Visiting The Berlin Zoo

How much does the berlin zoo cost.

Entry to The Berlin Zoo costs €20, or a little cheaper if you book online. Kids are half price. Entry to the aquarium is an additional cost.

Do I need a tour for The Berlin Zoo?

You'll be on your own to explore the area.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking in advance is not required, but highly recommended to reserve your spot. Entry tickets cost €20, or a little cheaper if you book online. Kids are half price. Entry to the aquarium is an additional cost. You can book ahead here: Zoo Berlin Official Website .

How long does it take to visit The Berlin Zoo?

You should probably expect to spend around 4 hours here. Expect to do plenty of walking during your visit, so wear comfortable shoes. Also, this is mostly an outdoor attraction, so you might need to plan for the weather.

When is the best time to visit The Berlin Zoo?

As for the time of year, The Berlin Zoo is equally busy year-round. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early or later in the day. Visit on weekdays, and avoid the high season if possible. It's only possible to visit during the day.

The Berlin Zoo Hardenbergpl. 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany

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Tierpark Berlin

Europe’s biggest zoo

It’ll be a long day – and no wonder, because it’s a round-the-world trip where you’ll meet exotic creatures. It’s all at the Tierpark Berlin.

Berlin doesn't just have two-legged residents, but also a lot of animals. They have two homes in the urban jungle: one is the Berlin Zoo in the former western part of the city, the other is the Tierpark Berlin in former East Berlin.

Important note : at the moment you can only buy your ticket online via the zoo website.

The Tierpark in the Berlin district Lichtenberg is the largest zoo in Europe. It is best to plan a whole day for your visit. Over 8,000 animals live on an area of 160 hectares and there are about 650 different animal species in total - from the Malaysian bear to polar bears.

You mustn't miss these animals of Berlin:

• Observe the majestic giraffes at eye level in the approximately 40,000 square metre African Savannah Landscape.
• New since April 2023: Get up close to the prehistoric giants in Dinoworld Berlin and meet the famous T-Rex.
• In the Vari Forest, you can stroll through the forest of black and white and red varises and watch the curious monkeys up close.
• Discover the animals of the highest mountains on earth in the Himalayan habitat , while learning more about their fascinating lives and behavior. 

Tierpark Berlin: Day Ticket

Polar bear in berlin: polar bear girl hertha.

Since 1 December 2018, the polar bear girl Hertha has been attracting all eyes at Tierpark Berlin when she romps around, swims or brawls through the enclosure. The polar bear is named after Hertha BSC, the Bundesliga soccer team. The football club has also adopted the polar bear baby.

Feeding, animal shows, and the polar bear talk at the Tierpark Berlin

Be there when the animals are fed   in the Tierpark Berlin. Whether penguins, monkeys, pelicans and red pandas - together with the animal keepers, you can experience the Tierpark residents up close. A special feature in the Tierpark: The Polar Bear Talk takes place every day at 11 a.m. - with lots of expert information about these animals. By the way: You can also visit your favourite animal and look a giraffe right in the eyes. The Tierpark offers individual guided tours for groups in the enclosures of selected species. You can find all the necessary information on the Tierpark's website.

Further highlights in the Tierpark:

• Daily feeding and actions, e. g. polar bears, gibbons
• Seasonal flight shows with birds of prey
• Adventurous playgrounds (themed)
• Spacious camel meadows

History of the Tierpark

The Tierpark was built when Berlin became a divided city after the Second World War because East Berlin also wanted to have a zoo. It was opened in 1955 in Schlosspark Friedrichsfelde . The park area, originally designed by garden artist Peter Joseph Lenné, also houses the Friedrichsfelde palace, built in 1695. The Community of Supporters of the Tierpark and Zoo Berlin e. V. took over organising the events that are held here - especially the concerts.

Events in the Berlin Tierpark

Whether it's a family celebration, the rococo castle festival, or a Tierpark run - get to know the extensive park, its castle, and the wildlife at one of the annual events. Evening walks and a varied holiday programme are regularly offered during the school holidays.

Information for school groups

From kindergarten to year 13 - there are organised guided tours for the Tierpark as a learning location, which are designed according to age and individual requirements. In addition to small biologists and zoo animal experts, prospective mathematicians are also in demand for school projects in the Tierpark. Detailed information for school classes can be found on the Tierpark's website . Directions to the Berlin Tierpark The Tierpark has two entrances: The Bärenschaufenster can be reached by subway line U5 to the Tierpark stop. The Schloss entrance   is located at the tram stop Criegernweg, which can be reached by tram lines M17, 27, and 37.

Did you know...

the Tierpark, Zoo Berlin, and Aquarium Berlin are committed to the worldwide protection of species. For example, these institutions are involved in two-thirds of all international conservation breeding programmes.

From the Tierpark to Karlshorst

Karlshorst is a serene, green, and relaxed area characterised by nineteenth-century villas, town houses, and other listed structures. A highlight is visiting the harness racing track on a race day. With a cultural centre, a theatre and an attractive museum dedicated to German-Russian relations, residents and visitors have much to discover about the history and culture of this neighbourhood.

More about Berlin's neighbourhoods can be found in the Going Local app.

Opening hours

For detailed information about the opening times look here .

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Am Tierpark 125 10319   Berlin

E-Mail: [email protected] www.tierpark-berlin.de

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The Berlin Zoo at Zoologischer Garten (West-Berlin)

If you enjoy observing animals, you are going to have a great time in Berlin. Besides the Aquarium Berlin you can visit two separate zoos which are both awesome places to visit. The Berlin Zoo is located in the west of Berlin at Zoologischer Garten and offers more than 20.000 animals for you to enjoy.

The oldest zoo in Germany

The Berlin Zoo is the oldest zoo in Germany. It was opened back in 1844 and with almost 1400 different species it is one of the world’s largest collection of species. Every year between 3 and 4 million people visit the Zoo and this makes it the most visited zoo in Europe.

From Zoologischer Garten you can easily walk to one of the best escape games in Berlin .

A wide range of animals

The most popular animals in the Zoo Berlin are the hippo, the gorilla, the sea lions and the pandas. This zoo does a great job in giving each of these celebrity-animals an impressive accommodation. You can go into the Panda Garden, check the Empire of the Cats and see hippos underwater in the Hippo Bay. All in all the architecture of this zoo in Berlin is impressive for sure.

Fun places for children

Children love animals. They do not wonder about the happiness of the animals yet and just laugh about their behaviour and have a great time. Besides the animals the large playground also makes the Berlin Zoo a great activity for children . A last thing our son loved was the interactive screens which you can find in the indoor animal-houses. They teach the kids something and they also love to play with them.

Should I visit the Berlin Zoo or Tierpark Berlin?

A question we hear quite often is if the Berlin Zoo or Tierpark Berlin is better. It is not often that one city has 2 zoos to offer and therefore people compare them all the time. Both places have their pros and cons and both places are awesome for a daytrip. If we really need to choose between the two zoos we would recommend visiting the Tierpark Berlin . Below we compare Berlin Zoo or Tierpark Berlin:

Frequently asked questions + Practical Information

When you want to visit this zoo in Berlin, you might have some open questions. Below we have answered some of these questions. If you have additional questions you can always ask them in the comments and we will do our best to answer quickly.

The Zoo Berlin can easily be reached from station Zoologischer Garten (both S-Bahn and U-Bahn). Get out on the side of McDonalds, cross the bus-station and you will already see the first signs. One of the entrances called Löwentor (Lion’s Gate) can be found about 150 meter to your right. There is another entrance on the Budapester Straße which is called Elefantentor (Elephant-Gate)

A ticket to the Berlin Zoo can be bought for 17,50€. Children between 4 and 15 years only have to pay 9€ and younger children are for free. By the way: The Aquarium Berlin is located next to the zoo and a combi-ticket for both attractions can be bought for 23,50€ (children 12€). You can buy tickets here .

If you are planning to visit the Zoo Berlin more than 3 times a year, you might want to consider buying an annual pass. An annual pass for Zoo Berlin costs 57,50€. Combined with the Aquarium it costs 79,50€ and you can even combine it with the Tierpark in the east of Berlin for 101,50€. Very cheap if you ask me!

On average people spend 3 hours and 20 minutes in the Zoo Berlin. People who visit for the first time and also grab some food usually spend a bit more but there are also people who specifically want to see some specific animals and are gone after 1-2 hours again.

In total 233 employees are keeping the Zoo Berlin clean, taking care of the animals, making sure visitors have something to eat and do all the administration (and we are probably forgetting some other tasks).

Compared to other activities for kids in Berlin, the Berlin Zoo is great value for your money. You can easily spend 3 hours here and you only have to pay 17,50€. Compared to places like Little Big City that is great bargain. We would put this activity on the same level as the Natural History Museum , Legoland and the Holland Park .

Fun for kids? 8/10 Fun for parents? 8/10 Price: Reasonable (17,50€) Time to be planned: 3 hours Overall Rating: 8/10

By the way: If you are visiting this zoo in November or December, you should most definitely also visit the Christmas Market at the Gedächtniskirche.

My Name is Job and originally from the Netherlands. In 2012, a girl I met in Australia motivated me to move to Berlin. I love to share the best places, activities and events in Berlin with you on my blog.

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• How much time for...

How much time for the Berlin zoo?

We will be in Berlin in mid July for 3.5 days. We are due to arrive at 13:30 on the first day (our half day) and I am wondering if we'd still have enough time to go to the zoo. I like to get to know cities by going on a quick tour, but we wouldn't be able to do that until the following morning. The zoo is very close to our hotel; I'm estimating that we can get to the zoo by 15:00, however the ticket window (not sure about the zoo itself) closes at 18:30. That's probably too little time, right?

If we were to go another day, how much time should we allot? We probably won't go to the aquarium unless someone has a compelling reason (we've been to a few good ones elsewhere).

We visited the Berlin zoo with our teenage daughter a year ago when Knut was a cub. If you can get to the zoo by 15:00, it's a nice zoo to visit and you can see enough of it by 18:30 to make it worth the time.

Another option might be to visit the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, also located near the zoo. It's open until 18:00 M-Sat.

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• Zoologischer Garten • 5 min walk
• Kurfürstendamm • 9 min walk

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Come and meet the animals in this great City

Visit the Berlin Zoo

Berlin Zoo is the oldest zoo in Germany and the richest in species in the world. Around 14,000 animals romp around on a 33-hectare site.

But you can not only marvel at the animals at Berlin Zoo, there are also shows at feeding times, for example at the Californian sea lions, special events like Whitsun, where You can book guided tours on the subject of species protection and many other topics or celebrate the children's birthday or how about your "favourite animal visit". The zoo also has a huge playground for children, restaurants and rest areas. At the end of this article we would like to tell you an exciting story about the foundation of the Berlin Zoo.

Zoo experience

Including children's playground, restaurant, snack bar, handicapped accessible, wifi., the berlin zoo, location & sightseeings.

The traditional Berlin Zoological Garden is located in the middle of the City-West near the station Zoologischer Garten. Not far from the prestigious Kurfürstendamm . Opposite is the Europa-Center (shopping centre) and the Weltkugelbrunnen (also popularly known as the "Wasserklops"). The Europa Center houses around 70 shops and the Berlin Tourist Info. Along the Kurfürstendamm you will find the flagstores of well-known labels, shops of international brands and well-known names.

History of the Berlin Zoo

The foundation.

In 1841, zoologist Martin Hinrich Lichtenstein persuaded the Prussian king not only to grant him a loan, but also to make part of his land available to his pheasantry at Berlin's Tiergarten free of charge. In return, Lichtenstein wrote a memorandum to the King. Unfortunately, the text of this memoir was lost in 1877. Certainly we know, however, that Alexander von Humboldt presented them to the King, who made the foundation of the Zoological Garden possible with "The Most High Cabinet Order of 31 January 1841".

On August 1, 1844, the Berlin Zoological Garden was opened as the ninth zoo in Europe. The first director was Martin Hinrich Lichtenstein. After Lichtenstein's death Heinrich Bodinus took over the post of zoo director. His first exotic sight was an antelope house in 1871. An elephant house, an ostrich house, a wading bird house and the elephant gate were added. Pavilions and restaurants were built on the grounds of the zoo, inviting visitors to linger. In 1885 the veterinarian Max Schmidt, who replaced Bodinus, introduced an orderly bookkeeping and an animal inventory. After Max Schmidt died, Ludwig Heck took over the management of the zoo in 1888 and expanded the animal population.

His son Ludwig Heck jun. became manager in 1930 and in 1932 he took over the management of the zoo and in 1939 forbade Jews to enter the zoo. Unfortunately, the bombs of the Second World War did not stop at the Berlin zoo. Only 91 out of 3715 animals survived the air raids of the Allies. Zoologist Katharina Heinroth, wife of Oskar Heinroth (Director of the Aquarium) ran the zoo from 1945 to 1956 and was then the only zoo director in Germany. She was very committed to the reconstruction, the antelope house was renovated and a hippopotamus house and an elephant house were newly built.

After that, Heinz-Georg Klös took over the management in 1956 and pushed the further reconstruction and expansion. Monkey houses, a birdhouse, bear enclosures, predator house with night animal department were built. Klös also had animal sculptures set up in the zoo. The elephant gate, lion gate and giraffe house have been reconstructed and renovated. The Elephant Gate is for us one of the most important entrances to a sight in Berlin. Heinz-Georg Klös founded the zoo school. Many animals had and still have their homes in the Berlin Zoo: like Bao Bao, a large panda bear that was the only one in German zoos until August 22, 2012, the hippos Knautschke and Bulette, the giraffe Rieke and who does not know him, the polar bear Knut. A hand rearing of the then zookeeper Thomas Dörflein. Unfortunately, they're both no longer with us. In April 2016 the female gorilla Fatou celebrated her 59th birthday. It is the second oldest lowland gorilla in human custody and has been home to the zoo since 1959. And if you still don't have enough, then visit the " Bikini House ", which is right next to the zoo. From there you can see the monkey rocks in the zoo from a huge panoramic window. An excursion to the Berlin Zoo is always worthwhile and is an experience for young and old.

Photo Gallery

Address: Hardenberg Platz 8, 10787 Berlin Opening times: 01.-03.15.: 9-17; 16.03.-03.23.: 9-17.30; 24.03.-08.09.: 9-19; 09.09.-20.10.: 9-18.30; 21.10.-31.10.: 9-17 Admission: 15,50,- Euro, reduced: 8 - 10.50 Euro Combined ticket with Aquarium: 21.00 Euro, concessions: 10.50 - 15.50 Euro Public Transport: S + U Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten (S5, S7, S75, U9), U Bahnhof Kurfürstendamm (U1, U9), Bus: U + S Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten (100, 109, 110, 200, 204, 245, 249, M45, M46, M49, N1, N10, N2, N26, N9, X10, X34, X9)

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• Zoologischer Garten • 5 min walk
• Kurfürstendamm • 9 min walk

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Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Do

Berlin is often seen as a gritty, dirty city. But the city actually has tons of green space, and it really can be a pretty city to explore. Visiting Tiergarten Park in Berlin is a wonderful way to experience a slice of nature within the urban setting.

Loved by both locals and visitors, this huge sprawling park can be compared to Central Park in New York City. Tiergarten is right in the middle of Berlin, and you can almost forget you’re in Germany’s capital city while you’re there.

In this post, I’ll tell you every thing you need to know for visiting Tiergarten park in Berlin , including what to do and see, how to get there, and what’s nearby.

What you'll find here

Where to stay near Tiergarten

Tiergarten is a huge park, so there are hotels nearby in several different areas. Your best options are either near Brandenburg Gate or near the Berlin Zoo. Here are some hotel recommendations for where to stay in Berlin near Tiergarten.

25Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

Funky upscale hotel overlooking the Berlin Zoo; book a “jungle” room for amazing zoo & park views

Adlon Kempinski Berlin

Luxury hotel where Michael Jackson infamously dangled his child, located steps from Brandenburg Gate

NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse

Midrange hotel located close to the Friedrichstrasse S&U station and just a few minutes from Unter den Linden

Novotel Am Tiergarten

Midrange hotel located on the western edge of Tiergarten Park

Generator Hostel Mitte

Popular budget hostel located near Oranienburger Strasse Sbahn station

For a more detailed look at the different neighborhoods and our hotel recommendations, check out our guide to Berlin hotels and neighborhoods .

Tiergarten Tours

There aren’t a ton of tours that really focus on Tiergarten, but some do pass by the park or go through it and tell you more about it. Sightseeing tours can be a great way to see a lot of things in a short amount of time.

The information guides provide can really make exploring a city more enjoyable. Here are a few Berlin tours we recommend:

• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour : Informative walking tour that includes Victory Column, Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, the Topography of Terror, and more
• Berlin Highlights Small-Group Bike Tour : Explore Berlin on two wheels, including Victory Column, Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Reichstag Building, Holocaust Memorial, Berlin Wall Memorial, and more
• Berlin City Highlights Walking Tour : This walking tour also includes lots of Berlin attractions such as Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Victory Column, Government district, Museum Island, and more

History and Facts about Tiergarten

The name Tiergarten means animal garden or animal park. This leafy park was once a private royal hunting ground dating back to 1527.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the park was designed with French influences. But in the early 19th century, the English style gardens were more popular. This is more of what you see today when you’re visiting Tiergarten park.

Tiergarten is located just west of Brandenburg Gate. For centuries, it was actually located outside the city limits.

The southwestern section of the park was developed into the Berlin Zoological Garten, which opened in 1844. It’s the oldest zoo in Germany.

During World War II , the park suffered damages from bombings. It also became a place for getting necessities, such as firewood and vegetables. After WWII, Tiergarten ended up in West Berlin.

Today the park is a much loved place of leisure. Of course there are open lawns and sections of dense trees, but there’s a lot more to see in Tiergarten.

Throughout the park, there are statues honoring various well known German figures from history, such as Goethe, Karl Liebknecht, and Richard Wagner.

You’ll also find several memorials honoring different groups of victims of the Holocaust, including homosexuals, Roma and Sinti. One of the largest Soviet war memorials is also located in the park.

At the center of the park, where a few major roads intersect, you can see the Victory Column. Not only is it an impressive landmark, but it offers some pretty spectacular views of Berlin once you climb its 285 stairs.

Tiergarten boasts several wonderful Berlin beer gardens , restaurants, and cafes.

Check out more fun facts about Berlin .

Name confusion

As I mentioned before, Tiergarten translates to animal garden or animal park. But the name can get quite confusing, especially for visitors.

Tierpark is the zoo in East Berlin. The more well known Berlin Zoological Garden is located in the West, but can also be confusing since it is, in fact, a Tierpark.

Also, Tiergarten is the name of a district in Berlin. It’s a section of the large Mitte district.

How to visit Tiergarten

Due to its location, Tiergarten is really easy to visit. You’re probably already going to see other Berlin landmarks such as Brandenburger Tor, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Reichstag Building, so adding nearby Tiergarten is simple.

The most popular part of the park is the eastern side since it is so close to these other attractions. This is also where you’ll find the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism, the Memorial to Sinti and Roma Persecuted Under Nazism, a plaque commemorating Ronald Reagan’s “tear down this Wall” speech, and several other statues.

If you’re only in Berlin for a day or you’re short on time, you could easily take a quick detour from Brandenburg Gate to see a little of the park in this section.

But if you’re spending more time in Berlin, especially if it’s a nice day, I highly recommend going farther into the park to see some of the quieter sections. There are pathways all throughout Tiergarten that make it easy to go for a walk and enjoy being in nature.

If you’re in Berlin on a budget , pack a lunch and have a picnic in the park. You’ll find plenty of open grass in the southeast corner of the park.

Are you visiting Berlin in autumn ? Tiergarten is also a great place to see fall foliage , whether you’re looking from the ground level or from the top of the Victory Column.

Another great option is to go to a beer garden in Tiergarten. Cafe am Neuen See and Schleusenkrug are great options with tasty German food, several beer choices, and each has a wonderful atmosphere.

The park has a few ponds and streams running through it, which make for some pleasant scenery. But you can also rent a boat on Neuen See (New Lake) from Cafe am Neuen See and enjoy the park from the water.

The Victory Column is located roughly in the center of Tiergarten Park, and climbing to the viewing platform will give you fantastic views over the park. It’s a great way to get a sense of just how big the park is, and it’s a fun inexpensive activity in Berlin .

What to wear on your visit

Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking around a lot in Tiergarten. For picnicking and lounging in the grass, comfortable clothing is a must, and you should of course dress for the weather at the time of year you’re visiting Berlin .

>>Read: What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List

How to get to Tiergarten Park

There are many ways to get to Tiergarten depending on which part of the park you want to see. If you’re coming from Brandenburg Gate or the Holocaust Memorial, simply walk across the street (Ebertstrasse) and you’ll be in the park.

To combine the park with other top sights in Berlin , there are several transport stations located around the edges of the park.

Public transport stations near Tiergarten Park

S&U Brandenburger Tor on the east side of the park: This is perfect if you’re coming from Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden .

S&U Potsdamer Platz to the southeast: If you’re doing some shopping near Potsdamer Platz or going to one of the nearby museums, you can walk north from this station.

S&U Zoologischer Garten to the west: For visiting the Berlin Zoo or doing some shopping in Charlottenburg, this is the closest station to the park.

S Tiergarten to the west: There aren’t a ton of tourist attractions near this station, but it’s a good station to use if you want to get to a quieter section of the park.

U Hansaplatz to the northwest: This is probably the least useful station near the park, but if you’re on the U9 it might work for you.

S Bellevue to the north: Again, not a super useful station for getting to Tiergarten, but if you choose this one, you can walk south from the station, detour a bit to pass by Schloss Bellevue, and then a little while later you’ll reach the Victory Column.

U Bundesplatz to the northeast: This station is close to the Reichstag Building, so you can take the U5 here and see the Reichstag before walking south into the park.

Also, the bus 100 has several stops along the northern edge of the park, and the bus 200 has several stops along the southern edge.

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Things to know before you go

Before you visit Tiergarten, here are a few more pieces of advice to help you enjoy one of Berlin’s favorite parks .

How much does it cost to visit Tiergarten

There is no entrance fee to visit the park, making it a great free activity in Berlin .

Things like eating and drinking at a beer garden, renting a boat, or climbing Victory Column will come with a cost. So it all depends on what you want to do at the park.

Tiergarten opening hours

Since Tiergarten is a public park, you can visit any time of the day, 365 days a year. However, I recommend visiting during daylight hours.

How much time do you need at Tiergarten

The sky’s the limit here really. If you’re short on time, you could spend just a few minutes checking out the very eastern side of the park across the street from Brandenburg Gate.

But you could also go for a one hour walk or spend an hour having a picnic. Or you could spend all day here lounging in the grass, walking the trains, having some beers at a beer garden, or whatever else interests you.

Things to do near Tiergarten

If you’re interested in spending more time in this area, there are lots of other things to do near Tiergarten park.

Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate , or Brandenburger Tor in German, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Germany , and it’s just east of Tiergarten. It was one of the old city gates marking the edge of Berlin, though today it’s very much in the center of the city.

When the Berlin Wall stood , Brandenburg Gate was on the East but only barely. The Wall was built around it, making it inaccessible by residents of either side.

This is a great place for pictures, and I’m betting it’s already on your Berlin bucket list .

Reichstag Building

Opened in 1894, the Reichstag Building is a unique building where the German parliament meets. It’s on located to the northeast of the park.

You can take a free tour in the Reichstag Building glass dome, where you can learn more about the history of Germany. This building also has a rooftop terrace and restaurant with panoramic views of Berlin.

Tours into the glass dome are free, but advanced booking is required . Read my full guide to the Reichstag Building free tour in Berlin for more info.

Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe , often referred to as the Holocaust Memorial, honors the large number of Jewish people who were killed by the Nazis. It’s one of the most important World War II sites in Berlin .

The memorial consists of 2,711 concrete blocks of varying heights, and the ground they sit on is an uneven slope similar to a wave. The information center showcases letters, diaries, photographs, and biographies of the victims to help personalize the experience.

The memorial is across the street from the southeastern corner of Tiergarten park and a few minutes south of Brandenburg Gate. Entrance is free. Photography is allowed (no flash inside) but please be respectful.

Do not sit on or climb on the cement slabs or take selfies. This is a place to reflect and remember those who were murdered.

Victory Column

Berlin’s Victory Column , or Siegessäule in German, is one of the more recognizable monuments in the city. It sits at a roundabout in the middle of Tiergarten Park, and it was initially built as a monument to Prussia’s victory in the Franco-German war.

The column stands at 67 meters (about 220 feet) high and has an observation deck you can reach by paying a small entrance fee. After climbing the 285 stairs, the tower provides excellent views of the surrounding park and the city of Berlin.

Berlin Zoologischer Garten

The Berlin Zoo is actually part of Tiergarten, located in the southwestern corner of the park. There are two zoos in Berlin, and this is the more famous one.

This zoo has one of the highest numbers of species in the world, and there’s an aquarium. For animal lovers and those of you traveling with kids, the Berlin Zoo is a fun attraction.

Bellevue Palace

Bellevue Palace sits on the Spree River on the edge of Tiergarten park, a little north of the Victory Column. It was built as a summer residence to Prince Augustus Ferdinand of Prussia.

Despite being destroyed in World War II, it has since been restored. It’s not open to the public since it’s the official residence of the German President (note: the President is NOT the Chancellor) but it’s worth admiring from the outside.

Book a tour for your trip to Berlin

• Third Reich Berlin Walking Tour – Hitler and WWII
• Berlin TV Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this guide to visiting Tiergarten Park in Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

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San Francisco Zoo to get coveted giant pandas from China in big win for city

A fter a months-long campaign culminating in a trip to China by Mayor London Breed , the San Francisco Zoo is due to receive its first giant pandas in decades.

“San Francisco is absolutely thrilled that we will be welcoming giant pandas to our San Francisco Zoo,” Breed said in a statement Thursday from Beijing, where she signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese wildlife officials regarding the panda plan.

• S.F. Zoo’s giant pandas:   When they might come and what’s the cost

• Read more:   With panda promise, London Breed is the latest politician to employ ‘cuddle diplomacy’

No timeline was given for the pandas’ arrival. The announcement said it depended on the completion of an enclosure for the animals at the zoo. The number of pandas was also not specified, though pandas often have been sent in pairs.

“The giant panda symbolizes hope for conservation collaboration and bridges divides between cultural differences,” zoo CEO and Executive Director Tanya Peterson said in a statement. “We want to thank London Breed, city leaders and colleagues in China for returning these amazing ambassadors to beautiful San Francisco. We will continue to work closely with the mayor and the city on next steps.”

Because of their popularity, having giant pandas is a coup for any American zoo. The bears have long served as diplomatic emissaries between the U.S. and China, with “panda diplomacy” stretching across generations at Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. But getting them is a rare and expensive opportunity, typically including a $1 million lease agreement with China.

The celebratory news comes as the San Francisco Zoo faces turmoil behind the scenes. Employees’ concerns about animal welfare and worker safety — especially in light of an incident last year when a zookeeper was chased by a grizzly bear after its den door was accidentally left open — were the subject of a recent investigation by the Chronicle. 

The idea of bringing pandas to San Francisco first got publicly aired during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the city in November, when Chinese President Xi Jinping indicated in a speech that they could make an appearance in California.

In December, Breed sent a letter to Xi, urging him to send California-bound pandas to San Francisco. In February, news came that the  San Diego Zoo , a previous decades-long panda host, would be getting a pair. But Breed did not give up, and announced that part of the intention of her trip to China this week was for continued panda lobbying . It seems to have paid off. 

“Well, my plan is to do everything I can to make it clear that … we stand ready and willing and able to host pandas at our zoo,” Breed told Chinese media this week, in a video posted Monday by Chinese news outlet CGTN. “Can you imagine how exciting that would be for a city like San Francisco?”

On Thursday evening, Breed posted a video on X , jubilantly announcing the agreement and holding a stuffed panda bear. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome pandas to San Francisco!”

Owned by the city, the zoo is run by the nonprofit San Francisco Zoological Society. In addition to the estimated $1 million annual price tag to rent the pandas, it could cost an estimated  $25 million to build housing for them at San Francisco Zoo, Peterson told ABC News in February. That would be on top of the cost of maintenance and upgrades needed for the facility’s aging structures, some of which date to the 1930s. 

Previously, Peterson confirmed to the Chronicle by email that the zoo has been communicating with officials in China about bringing pandas to San Francisco. This week, Beijing Zoo engineers arrived in San Francisco to meet with S.F. Zoo engineers to discuss enclosures for the pandas. 

Preparation for the giant pandas continues next month, when the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association sends representatives from Beijing to San Francisco to plan the next steps. 

The last time San Francisco hosted giant pandas was 1984-85, when two of the animals, Yun-Yun and Ying-Xin, were loaned to the zoo for close to three months, attracting four times the average attendance of visitors to the zoo, the mayor’s office said Thursday in a statement.

Ko Lyn Cheang, J.D. Morris and Megan Fan Munce contributed to this report. 

Reach Tara Duggan: [email protected] ; X/Twitter: @taraduggan

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Berlin Zoo - how long should I dedicate to a visit? - Berlin Forum

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Berlin Zoo - how long should I dedicate to a visit?

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Just want to stroll, check on Knut and the Pandas, maybe the Nachttierhaus. Also want to check the aquarium, just for the Komodo Dragons.

How about 2 hours?

Two hours is plenty if it's just you. I covered about 80% of the zoo, including the aquarium, towing two babies in strollers and letting them walk half the time, and I was there 4 hours. Very disappointed in the Knut exhibit. Just one eisbaren lounging in a pool full of algae.

I'd check the reviews of the zoo here and then decide. It's expensive if you only want a quick visit, and the critiques

aren't glowing.

Opinions of the zoo are all relative, but I found the aquarium mediocre at best. I grew up in California and Florida, so perhaps I'm a bit spoiled when it comes to tourist attractions that involve animals.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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What to know about American avocet bird, spotted at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee

It might not feel warm enough, but it's beach season for the American Avocet. The migratory bird has been spotted on Bradford Beach as recently as Thursday in the late morning.

According to the Milwaukee County Zoo , the American avocet is a long-legged shorebirds with long, thin bill that curves upward. It has black and white stripes on their backs and sides.

Are American avocets native to Wisconsin?

The American avocet spends winter along the coast of North American, including Mexico, Florida, Texas and California. It migrates to the southern and western U.S. to breed. It's uncommon to see the bird in Wisconsin, according to the American Audubon Society .

How can you identify American avocets?

Beyond it's striking color, the bird is relatively small, roughly 9.7 to 12.3 ounces.

Also the beak is a unique giveaway at what bird it is. The avocet is one of the few species with an upturned bill.

What do American avocets eat?

It eats crustaceans and other aquatic animals, and plants. They swoop with their long bills back and forth in the water to catch insects, and other water crustaceans.

Are American avocets solo or do they travel in groups?

When there's one, there's more. They can travel in flocks of several hundred.

Should you approach American avocets?

No. These birds are in the middle of a long migration and stopped on the beach to rest. All the attention by humans, who often get way too close, adds stress to the birds. Hilton Head Audubon, an environmental and wildlife advocacy group, advises birdwatchers to stay at least 100 feet away from the birds because when shorebirds fly away, they are giving up more than their food, rest and energy. It actually shortens their life.

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is raising awareness for this issue with birds in its Fat Bird Week , which highlights how migrating birds need to "bulk up" for long journeys.

Opening hours

Zoo Berlin is open 365 days a year!

Opening hours all year round

• 28. October - 31. December 9:00 - 16:30 Last admission: 15:30
• 1. January - 25. February 9:00 - 16:30 Last admission: 15:30
• 26. February - 24. March 9:00 - 18:00 Last admission: 17:00
• 25. March - 22. September 9:00 - 18:30 Last admission: 17:00
• 23. September - 27. October 9:00 - 18:00 Last admission: 17:00

Please note!

All animal houses and restaurants close 30 minutes before the Zoo itself.

After the admission closes, only the exit Elefantentor is available.

The Zoo closes at 2 p.m. on 24 December.

Feedings & Trainings

• Panda talk 11:00
• Chimpanzees 13:30

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