About this attraction

About Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo was the first zoo in the world to house penguins and is home to the only Giant Pandas in the UK. It is the second most visited attraction in Scotland, just behind Edinburgh Castle, and it receives around 600,000 visitors per year. If you're looking for an Edinburgh Zoo discount code, Kids Pass offers discounted entry to Edinburgh Zoo and a range of other UK attractions and days out.

Attractions and experiences you mustn’t miss at Edinburgh Zoo

Tiger Tracks

This is a magnificent enclosure for magnificent beasts, Sumatran tigers. It features an amazing viewing tunnel, climbing areas, and its very own indoor home. Sumatran tigers are an endangered species, and it is calculated that there are only 400 specimens left in the wild.

Budongo Trail

This is one of Edinburgh Zoo’s largest investments. The Budongo Trail is a marvellous interactive chimpanzee enclosure. It currently houses 17 chimpanzees and has outdoor areas and individual indoor “pods”, all with varying environmental conditions so the chimpanzees can choose the one they like the most. Book your tickets to Edinburgh Zoo and do not miss the chance of visiting the Budongo Trail.

Giant Pandas

Edinburgh Zoo is home to Tian Tian (sweetie) and Yang Guang (sunshine). They are the only giant pandas living in the UK which gives you the chance to get up close to these cute and cuddly animals. When you visit the Panda exhibit, you can enjoy watching them in their beautiful outdoor enclosures, which feature ponds, tree trunks, and caves where they can relax and play.

What facilities are there?

Edinburgh Zoo gift shop

Get a souvenir and support Edinburgh Zoos’ conservation and education efforts by purchasing items at their beautiful gift shop. With a wide selection of toys and books, you can certainly find a beautiful keepsake for your special family day.

Jungle Food Court

Here you can get freshly made fish and chips or delicious pizza while. The food court is located just by the main lawn, and you can dine-in or grab-and-go to enjoy your meal outdoors.

What age groups is Edinburgh Zoo suitable for?

Edinburgh zoo welcomes all family members, regardless of their age. It’s a place in which everybody can have a lot of fun!

Are there any indoor activities when raining?

Edinburgh zoo has 6 sheltered viewing areas and 11 indoor animal housing areas so rain never stops the fun.

When is the best time to visit?

Edinburgh Zoo is open seven days a week. For an exciting and different experience, we recommend booking a spot at “Edinburgh Zoo After Hours.”

What should you take with you and why?

It is always advisable to take additional clothing with you depending on the weather, for example, an extra jumper in the winter months and a sun hat in the warmer months.

What else can you do in the area?

Edinburgh is Scotland's capital city, and the second most visited city in the UK – only after London – and has plenty of historical landmarks to enjoy. Here are some of the best places to visit:

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified structures in Europe and has been a royal residence, a fortress, and even a prison. The oldest building of the structure, Saint Margarets’ chapel, dates back to the 12th century, and it is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Today, Edinburgh Castle is a museum that welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Edinburgh’s underground vaults

Also known as the South Bridge Vaults, they comprise 19 vaults or chambers used as taverns, workshops, or storage during the 18th century. Today, the vaults host “ghost tours” and are a major festival venue during Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe which takes place in August.