Copenhagen Zoo is one of the easiest “big day out” attractions in the city: a historic zoo in Frederiksberg with 4,000+ animals and 250+ species, plus standout modern architecture like the Panda House and Elephant House.
This guide is built for real trip planning: what to see, how transport works, what tickets cost, and the small rules that save you time (and stress).
Why Copenhagen Zoo is worth visiting ✅🦁
A rare mix: classic zoo + modern design
Copenhagen Zoo has roots going back to 1859 and is described as one of Europe’s first zoos, yet today it’s also known for landmark exhibits designed by major architecture studios.
It’s genuinely big, but still “doable” in a day
The zoo itself highlights that it welcomes around 1.3 million visitors annually and houses more than 4,000 animals across 250+ species—so you can plan either a half-day highlights route or a full day with breaks.
Your ticket supports conservation work 🌍
Copenhagen Zoo states its overarching purpose is to protect wildlife through direct conservation work and by increasing visitors’ knowledge to support biodiversity.
What to see inside Copenhagen Zoo (a practical “don’t-miss” plan) 🧭
1) Panda House (architecture + atmosphere) 🐼
If you like modern design, start here. VisitCopenhagen highlights the panda habitat designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG).
BIG’s project page also names the giant pandas housed here as Mao Sun and Xing Er.
2) Elephant House (a Copenhagen architecture icon) 🐘
The Elephant House is frequently cited as another architectural highlight. VisitCopenhagen points to the elephant house designed by Norman Foster, and Foster + Partners’ project page describes the paddocks and habitat concept for the elephants.
3) Zoo Tower (best “bonus view” in the zoo) 🗼
Copenhagen Zoo’s own FAQ says the Zoo Tower was built in 1905, has 182 steps, and offers views from 43.5 meters (with the highest point at 50 meters).
Entry to the Zoo Tower is a separate ticket.
4) Tropical House + “quick world tour” feeling 🌴
The zoo’s visitor guides highlight indoor experiences like the Tropical House (crocodiles, snakes, butterflies, sloths), which is especially nice on cold or rainy Copenhagen days.
How to get there 🚇🚌🚆🚶♂️🚕
Address: Roskildevej 32, 2000 Frederiksberg.
By bus (most direct) 🚌
- Bus 7A stops right outside the main entrance at Zoologisk Have (Roskildevej).
- Bus 4A is another common option (get off at Roskildevej, Zoologisk Have (Søndre Fasanvej) and follow signs).
By metro 🚇
- M1/M2: get off at Fasanvej Station, then walk ~1.5 km or connect by bus 4A.
- M3: get off at Frederiksberg Allé, then walk ~1.5 km or take bus 7A.
By train 🚆
- Take regional/S-train to Valby Station, then walk ~1.5 km (or use bus 4A).
By car 🚗
Copenhagen Zoo notes there are various parking options nearby and mentions EV charging availability in nearby areas (details depend on where you park).
Opening hours ⏰
Copenhagen Zoo states it is open every day, all year—but opening hours vary by month (their official page lets you select the month).
Example shown on the official opening-hours page: 10:00–16:00 (for the displayed month view).
✅ Tip: Always check the month selector the day before you go—Copenhagen’s daylight/seasonality can shift schedules.
Tickets / prices 💳
Official online prices listed by the zoo:
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 249 DKK |
| Child (3–11) | 149 DKK |
| Zoo Tower (separate ticket) | 25 DKK |
Online ticket perks ✅
The zoo’s ticket shop notes:
- buying online helps you skip the line,
- the ticket is valid for one year from purchase,
- and the ticket price can be deducted if you buy a Zoo Card membership no later than the day after your visit.
Zoo Tower timing
The Zoo Tower page says it’s open from zoo opening hours until 15 minutes before closing (and can close during extreme weather), and that the 25 DKK goes directly to conservation efforts.
Zoo Card (annual membership) ✅
Copenhagen Zoo’s Zoo Card page highlights:
- free admission all year during regular opening hours,
- free entry to the Zoo Tower,
- and “bring a friend for free” on selected Zoo Card days.
It’s also explicitly personal (not transferable).
Food, breaks, and “family logistics” 🍽️👶
You can bring your own food 🥪
Copenhagen Zoo says you’re welcome to bring your own food and eat at designated picnic areas around the zoo (and mentions a heated Picnic House in Kids’ Zoo during winter).
Baby-friendly details
The zoo notes a nursing room (with milk-warming facilities) and restrooms with changing tables in several areas.
Tips & common mistakes ⚠️✅
✅ Do this
- Start with your “must-see” zone (Panda House or Elephant House), then circle out—otherwise you’ll waste steps backtracking.
- Add Zoo Tower only if weather is decent (it may close in extreme conditions).
- Check the daily program in the zoo (feeding times and activities are planned and published for the day).
⚠️ Avoid this
- Don’t feed the animals. The zoo explicitly forbids guests feeding animals.
- Don’t count on leaving and re-entering freely. The zoo says you generally can’t leave and re-enter on the same ticket (unless you arrange it with entrance staff for a short reason, like your car).
- Don’t bring pets. Dogs/other animals aren’t allowed (exceptions: certified guide/service dogs).
Handy paid extras (when you need them)
- Trolley rental: DKK 60 (DKK 50 for Zoo Card members) + DKK 20 deposit; lockers cost DKK 10 each time opened.
FAQ ❓
Is Copenhagen Zoo open year-round?
Yes—Copenhagen Zoo says it’s open every day, all year.
How much are tickets?
The zoo lists 249 DKK (adult) and 149 DKK (child 3–11) for entrance tickets.
How much is the Zoo Tower?
The zoo lists 25 DKK for the Zoo Tower; the tower has 182 steps and views from 43.5 meters.
Which bus stops at the entrance?
Bus 7A stops right outside the main entrance at Zoologisk Have (Roskildevej).
Can I bring my own food?
Yes—Copenhagen Zoo says you’re welcome to bring your own food and use picnic areas.
Conclusion
Copenhagen Zoo is one of the most reliable “big attraction” days in the city: easy to reach by bus/metro, full of highlights (especially Panda House + Elephant House), and practical enough for families thanks to picnic areas and facilities. Just remember the key planning wins: check the month-based opening hours, buy tickets online if you want to skip the line, and treat Zoo Tower as a weather-dependent bonus.
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