One of the oldest zoos in the world, ZOO Antwerpen has welcomed visitors since 1843 and remains a much-loved institution in the heart of the city, set directly beside the grand Central Station. Its longevity has given it a unique character, blending serious conservation work with a remarkable collection of historic buildings that make a stroll through the grounds as much an architectural as a zoological experience. The zoo houses thousands of animals across a wide range of species, from elephants, giraffes and big cats to penguins, primates and a noted collection of reptiles and aquatic life. Over its long history it has shifted, like other modern zoos, from simple display toward breeding programmes, education and the conservation of endangered species, taking part in international efforts to protect wildlife. What sets it apart is its setting. Hemmed into a compact site in the city centre, the zoo has developed a series of striking enclosures over nearly two centuries, including an Egyptian-style temple for the elephants, an ornate aquarium and other heritage structures, several now protected monuments, which lend the grounds an atmosphere unlike any purpose-built modern park. Its central position, immediately next to the ornate Central Station and the diamond district, makes it extraordinarily easy to reach, and it has long been a fixture of family life in Antwerp, woven into the memories of generations of local children. Landscaped gardens, ponds and shaded walks thread between the enclosures, providing a green retreat in the middle of the busy city and somewhere pleasant to spend several hours. For families and animal lovers, ZOO Antwerpen offers a rare combination of a venerable, conservation-minded zoo and a collection of historic architecture, all within a few steps of the railway station, making it one of the most accessible attractions in the city. The zoo is open every day of the year, with tickets available online or at the gate and family rates that make it an affordable day out, and allowing several hours lets visitors take in both the animals and the historic enclosures at a relaxed pace. Its position immediately beside Antwerp Central Station makes it one of the easiest attractions in the country to reach by train, and it combines naturally with a wider visit to the city historic centre nearby.

Type: Tourist Attraction

Address: Koningin Astridplein 20-26, Antwerp, Belgium

Telephone: +32 3 224 89 10

Website: https://www.zooantwerpen.be

Opening Date: 01/01/1843