A sight in the Wrocław region

Wrocław Zoo and the Afrykarium — Africa's ecosystems under one roof

One of the oldest and most visited zoological gardens in Poland, with the flagship Afrykarium — a complex of aquariums and pools presenting the aquatic ecosystems of Africa, the only one of its kind in Europe.

The oldest zoo in Poland

Wrocław Zoo was founded in 1865, which makes it the oldest zoological garden within today's Poland. Several thousand animals of many species live on its extensive grounds near the Centennial Hall. It is one of the city's most visited attractions and a classic family outing.

The Afrykarium

  • Unique in Europe — an oceanarium devoted entirely to Africa's aquatic ecosystems
  • Themed zones — from the Red Sea through the Nile to the coast of southern Africa
  • A tunnel and huge pools — sharks, rays, manatees and a penguin colony
  • The hippo pool — watched through glass from below the water

In practice

The Afrykarium is the most popular section — queues form at weekends and in season, so it is worth having a ticket bought online and arriving early. The zoo is next to the Centennial Hall, so the two combine well into a full day in Szczytnicki Park.

How to get there and practical info

Location
About 4 km east of the Market Square, by Szczytnicki Park
Getting there
About 15–20 min by tram from the centre
Admission
Ticketed; an online ticket is advisable
The Afrykarium
The most popular section — best in the morning
Who it suits
Ideal for families with children
Time needed
Half a day to a whole day
Mapa: Google Maps · 51.1051, 17.0758

When to go

Spring

Pleasant, with the grounds waking up and fewer crowds.

Summer

The most visitors — see the Afrykarium early.

Autumn

Quieter, with Szczytnicki Park next door in autumn colours.

Winter

The heated Afrykarium is the main attraction on cold days.

Other sights in Wrocław

Straight-line distances from „Wrocław Zoo and the Afrykarium" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.

The Centennial HallA modernist reinforced-concrete hall of 1913 on the UNESCO list, with a park, a pergola an
~233 m as the crow flies
HydropolisA multimedia centre of knowledge about water in a historic 19th-century clean-water reserv
~1,3 km as the crow flies
The Racławice PanoramaA monumental panoramic painting (114 × 15 m) of the battle of Racławice in a purpose-built
~2,1 km as the crow flies
Ostrów TumskiThe oldest part of Wrocław — the cathedral island with its Gothic archcathedral and gas la
~2,3 km as the crow flies
The Leopoldina HallThe Baroque assembly hall of the University of Wrocław with its rich decoration, frescoes
~3,1 km as the crow flies
The Market Square and Town HallOne of the largest medieval market squares in Poland, with a monumental Gothic town hall a
~3,1 km as the crow flies
The Wrocław dwarfsSeveral hundred bronze figures scattered along the pavements across the city — a game for
~3,2 km as the crow flies

Where to stay nearby

Places from our list that have Wrocław Zoo and the Afrykarium within walking distance or a short drive.

Platinum Palace Boutique Hotel & SPAhotel · ul. Powstańców Śląskich 204, 53-140 Wrocław, dzielnica Krzyki
Gem Hotel Wrocławhotel · ul. Mianowskiego 2B, 51-605 Wrocław, dzielnica Sępolno, blisko ZOO i Hali Stulecia
Scandic Wrocławhotel · ul. Piłsudskiego 49-57, 50-032 Wrocław, w centrum, blisko Dworca Głównego
Zoo Hotel Wrocławhotel · ul. Wróblewskiego 7, 51-627 Wrocław, przy ZOO, ok. 600 m od Hali Stulecia

See all places to stay in the Wrocław region →