Quick Picks for Your Visit

Are you short on time? Use these quick picks to find the best spots. These choices help you focus on what matters most for your group. The complex is large, so planning ahead is very helpful.

• Best Overall: DinoPark Plzeň for its unique mix of education and fun.
• Best for Families: Lüftnerka Farm with its petting zoo and local animals.
• Best Rainy-Day: Tropical Pavilion for indoor warmth and exotic reptiles.
• Best Free View: The Botanical Garden paths offer great scenery for a stroll.

Top Things to See at Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark

The zoo is divided into several geographic zones. Each area recreates the natural habitat of the animals. You will see everything from African plains to Asian steppes. The DinoPark is a separate section but usually visited together. Here are the top items you should not miss.

1. Name: African Pavilion Type: Sight Why go: This area features majestic giraffes and rhinos in large spaces. It is one of the most popular parts of the zoo. Best for: Animal lovers and photographers. Where: Northern section of the zoo. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in zoo admission. Getting there: Follow the main path from the entrance. Tip: Try to arrive during the morning feeding times.
2. Name: DinoPark Plzeň Type: Experience Why go: See dozens of life-sized dinosaur models, some of which move and roar. It includes a 3D cinema and a paleontological playground. Best for: Families with young children. Where: Adjacent to the zoo, accessible via a shared gate. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Separate or combined ticket required. Getting there: Use the dedicated DinoPark entrance or walk from the zoo. Tip: Don't miss the 3D film which is usually included in the price.
3. Name: Asian Steppe Type: Sight Why go: This expansive area hosts camels, wild horses, and rare deer. It offers a sense of the vast open plains of Asia. Best for: Nature enthusiasts. Where: Western part of the complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in zoo admission. Getting there: Walk along the upper ridge of the park. Tip: This area provides some of the best views over the city.
4. Name: Lüftnerka Farm Type: Experience Why go: A traditional Czech farm setting where kids can meet domestic animals. It features historic tools and a peaceful atmosphere. Best for: Toddlers and young kids. Where: Near the center of the zoo. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Included in zoo admission. Getting there: Look for the wooden farm buildings near the playground. Tip: There is a small shop nearby selling local snacks.
5. Name: Madagascar Pavilion Type: Sight Why go: Meet lemurs and other unique species from the island of Madagascar. The indoor setting is lush and very green. Best for: Fans of exotic wildlife. Where: Central zoo area. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in zoo admission. Getting there: Follow the signs for the lemur exhibit. Tip: The lemurs are most active in the early afternoon.
6. Name: Botanical Garden Plzeň Type: Nature Why go: The zoo is integrated with a stunning botanical collection. You can see rare plants and beautiful floral displays year-round. Best for: Couples and quiet walks. Where: Spread throughout the zoo grounds. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included in zoo admission. Getting there: Simply walk the main loops of the park. Tip: Visit in late spring to see the most vibrant blooms.
7. Name: Brown Bear Enclosure Type: Sight Why go: One of the largest bear enclosures in Europe. It mimics a natural forest environment for the resident bears. Best for: Everyone. Where: Near the lower zoo entrance. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in zoo admission. Getting there: Located near the main valley path. Tip: Look for the bears near the water pools on hot days.
8. Name: Tropical Pavilion Type: Sight Why go: A warm indoor space filled with reptiles, birds, and tropical plants. It is a great escape if the weather turns cold. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Close to the main entrance. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in zoo admission. Getting there: Enter through the large glass building near the start. Tip: Check the humidity levels; it can get quite warm inside.

Planning Your Trip to Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark

Getting to the park is quite simple. You can take a tram or bus from the city center. Many visitors prefer the tram line 4 for a direct route. You can find detailed info on how to get to Plzeň Zoo from center online. If you drive, there is a large parking lot near the entrance.

Tickets are available at the gate or online. It is often cheaper to buy a combined ticket for both the zoo and DinoPark. You should check the Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark ticket prices for families before you go. Prices typically range from 200 to 400 CZK depending on the season. The City of Plzeň portal often lists holiday hours.

The best time to visit is during the weekday mornings. Weekends can get very crowded, especially in the summer. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer tourists. If you visit in winter, some outdoor animals may not be visible. However, the indoor pavilions remain open for guests.

Best Things to Do Near Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark

Plzeň has much more to offer than just the zoo. You can easily combine your animal visit with other top sights. Most are located within a 15-minute drive or tram ride. This makes the city a great base for a multi-day trip.

1. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Experience Why go: Visit the world-famous brewery where Pilsner beer was born. The tour includes historic cellars and beer tasting. Best for: Adults and history buffs. Where: Near the main train station. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Approx. 350 CZK. Getting there: Take tram 1 or 2 from the center. Tip: Book your Pilsner Urquell brewery tour in advance online.
2. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: Experience Why go: A massive interactive museum with hundreds of science exhibits. It features a planetarium and many hands-on activities. Best for: Curious kids and teens. Where: Near the Skoda factory site. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Approx. 280 CZK. Getting there: Use the Techmania science center guide for transport tips. Tip: Plan to stay for a science show in the main hall.
3. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: This Gothic cathedral has the highest church tower in the Czech Republic. The views from the top are incredible. Best for: Viewpoint seekers. Where: Republic Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Getting there: Walk to the center of Republic Square. Tip: Check out the St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral tower for the best city photos.
4. Name: Great Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: The second-largest synagogue in Europe and the third-largest in the world. Its Moorish-Romanesque architecture is breathtaking. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Smetana Park area. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: A short walk from the main square. Tip: Read about Great Synagogue Plzeň visiting hours before arriving.