The Complete Guide to Edinburgh Zoo

Located just three miles west of the city center, Edinburgh Zoo is an 82-acre wildlife park built into the side of Corstorphine Hill. It is the second most-visited paid attraction in Scotland (behind Edinburgh Castle), and for good reason.

However, visiting this zoo requires a bit of physical preparation. Because it is built on a steep hill, a day here involves a lot of walking on inclines. This guide will break down exactly how to tackle the park, which habitats to prioritize, how to secure your entry tickets, and how to get there using local transit.

Historical Significance

Opened in 1913 by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Edinburgh Zoo was designed with a visionary approach for its time. Instead of the cramped steel cages typical of Victorian menageries, the park was modeled after the open-plan Tierpark Hagenbeck in Hamburg, utilizing moats and ditches to separate animals from visitors.

The zoo’s most famous historical milestone occurred in 1914 when three king penguins arrived from a Christian Salvesen whaling expedition. In 1919, Edinburgh became the first zoo in the world to successfully breed a king penguin in captivity. Today, the zoo remains a global leader in penguin conservation and behavioral research.

5 Habitat & Behavioral Highlights

Edinburgh Zoo is heavily focused on conservation and research. Rather than trying to see every single enclosure, focus your time on these five specific habitats where the zoo’s design and research initiatives really shine.

1. Penguins Rock & The Penguin Parade

You cannot talk about Edinburgh Zoo without mentioning the penguins. The zoo houses three species: King, Gentoo, and Northern Rockhopper penguins. Their enclosure, Penguins Rock, features Europe’s largest outdoor penguin pool, complete with a waterfall and diving boards.

The famous Penguin Parade happens daily at 2:15 PM. The tradition started by accident in 1950 when a keeper left a gate open and the penguins went for a walk. Today, the parade is entirely voluntary. The keepers open the gate, and if the penguins want to walk the route, they do. If they don’t, the parade is canceled.

2. The Giant Panda Legacy

For 12 years, Edinburgh Zoo was globally famous for hosting the UK’s only giant pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian. Note for visitors: The pandas officially returned to China in December 2023 at the end of their lease.

While you can no longer see pandas here, their former enclosure is currently being redeveloped. The zoo’s work with the pandas contributed significantly to global research on panda genetics and breeding behaviors. The area is transitioning to house a new species, but the bamboo gardens and interpretive centers detailing the RZSS’s conservation work in China remain a quiet, educational part of the park.

3. Budongo Trail (Chimpanzees)

The Budongo Trail is one of the most advanced chimpanzee enclosures in the world. It was designed in collaboration with the University of St Andrews to study primate behavior. The indoor facility features three distinct “pods” with varying temperatures, humidity levels, and lighting to simulate different forest environments.

Behavioral highlight: Look for the interactive research rooms. Researchers conduct cognitive tests with the chimps using touchscreens. The chimps participate voluntarily (they are rewarded with treats) and visitors can often watch these problem-solving sessions through the viewing glass.

4. Living Links

Similar to the Budongo Trail, Living Links is a field station and research center operated with the University of St Andrews. It houses mixed-species groups of capuchin and squirrel monkeys.

The enclosure is split into two identical wings (East and West), allowing researchers to conduct comparative behavioral studies. The monkeys share the same habitat, which mimics how they interact in the wild in South America. The viewing platforms are excellent, and there are often researchers on hand to explain the current observational studies taking place.

5. Sloth Terrarium & Magic Forest

Located near the top of the hill, the Magic Forest is an immersive indoor exhibit housing smaller primates, amphibians, and the zoo’s two-toed sloths.

Behavioral highlight: The sloths are not behind glass. They have access to ropes and branches that stretch directly over the visitor walkways. Because sloths are notoriously slow and sleep up to 15 hours a day, you have to look closely at the canopy above you. If you visit during feeding time (usually mid-morning), you might catch them actively moving along the ropes.

Keep Planning: If you are interested in more interactive science and nature exhibits, check out our guide to Dynamic Earth, located near the Scottish Parliament.

Ticket Options & Logistics

Booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer months and school holidays when the zoo frequently reaches capacity.

Ticket Comparison

How to Get There via Local Transit

Do not drive to the zoo unless absolutely necessary. The zoo’s car park is small, fills up by 10:30 AM on weekends, and costs £5 for the day. Public transit is incredibly easy and drops you right at the front gate.

By Bus (Lothian Buses): The zoo is located on Corstorphine Road. From the city center (Princes Street or Shandwick Place), you can take Lothian Bus routes 12, 26, or 31.

• Direction: Westbound (towards Corstorphine / Clerwood / East Craigs).
• Stop: The stop is literally named “Edinburgh Zoo.” The buses have automated voice announcements and screens, so you won’t miss it.
• Time: It takes about 20–25 minutes from Princes Street.
• Payment: You can tap your contactless credit card or phone on the reader as you board. Fares are capped daily. Read our Public Transport Guide for more details on tapping on.

By Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: If you have a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass, the standard city route does not go to the zoo. However, the “Majestic Tour” route (which goes to Leith) also does not. You must rely on the local Lothian Buses.

Audience Segmentation: Survival Tips

For Families with Young Children

• The Hill is Brutal: Corstorphine Hill is steep. Pushing a heavy stroller up to the Magic Forest will be a workout. If you have mobility issues or tired toddlers, use the zoo’s free mobility vehicle. It runs from the main entrance to the top of the hill every 20 minutes. Ride to the top, and walk your way down.
• Play Areas: There are several excellent play parks. The best one is located near the top of the hill by the zebras. It’s a great place to let kids burn off energy while you sit on a bench.
• Food: The main restaurant (The Gannet) gets chaotic between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. Bring a packed lunch. There are dozens of picnic benches scattered throughout the park, including a large lawn area near the penguins.

For the Time-Poor (2-Hour Route)

If you only have two hours, skip the very top of the hill.

1. Start at the Penguins Rock (near the entrance).
2. Walk up the right side of the park to the Budongo Trail (Chimps).
3. Cut across the middle to see the Sun Bears and Tiger Tracks.
4. Loop back down through Living Links (Monkeys) and the Wee Beasties exhibit.

For Budget Travelers

Zoo tickets are a significant investment. To keep costs down:

• Bring your own food and refillable water bottles. There are free water refill stations near the restrooms.
• Take the local bus (£2.00 single fare) instead of an Uber, which will cost around £12-£15 from the city center.
• Check the daily schedule when you arrive and attend the free keeper talks. They add massive value to the ticket price.

Where to Stay Nearby

If the zoo is the main focus of your trip, staying in the Corstorphine neighborhood makes sense. It is a quiet, residential area with good local pubs and excellent bus links to the city center. However, most visitors prefer to stay in the Old Town or West End and take the bus out for the day.

Use this map to find accommodations along the 12, 26, or 31 bus routes (look for hotels near Haymarket or the West End for the best balance of city access and zoo proximity).

Frequently Asked Questions