Edinburgh Zoo Tours

Edinburgh Zoo featuring land animals and zoo animals
Edinburgh Zoo which includes zoo animals and bird life
Edinburgh Zoo which includes marine life and zoo animals
Edinburgh Zoo which includes heritage architecture and zoo animals
Edinburgh Zoo featuring safari adventures, zoo animals and dangerous animals


See rare and endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve them at Edinburgh’s largest wildlife attraction.

Escape to the Edinburgh Zoo for a few hours of animal-based adventures. Spread over an 82-acre (33-hectare) site, the zoo has a collection of more than 1,000 animals representing almost 200 species. A popular first stop is the Budongo Trail, the zoo’s vast chimpanzee facility. Observe chimps climbing, stretching and exercising in their outdoor enclosures and network of indoor rooms. Explore the similarities and differences between chimps and humans with interactive digital games and mock skeletons. Among the most famous zoo residents are the two giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang. To view them in their enclosures you need to book in advance. Tickets are free, but places are limited. Groups are led through the viewing areas every 10 minutes. Look up as exotic bird species fly overhead in the walkthrough aviary. The exhibit houses birds from all over the world. They include the critically endangered Bali starling and the Nicobar pigeon, the closest living relative of the dodo. Every afternoon there’s a talk about the zoo’s collection of birds. Jump aboard the zebra trailer for the 30-minute Hilltop Safari. Starting at the duck pond, the tour takes about half an hour and travels past baboons, antelopes and big cats as the driver provides a running commentary. Visit the Physics Garden where some of the medicinal plants have been planted in such a way that they resemble parts of the human body.You can have preview glimpses or post-trip memories of your visit by viewing the live zoo-cams on the website. Year-round there are cameras focused on the pandas, penguins and squirrel monkeys. For some months of the year there is also a bird-box cam.Located approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) west of the city center, Edinburgh Zoo is easily reached. Four Lothian Bus routes stop outside the front entrance and limited paid parking is available. Edinburgh Zoo is open daily but opening times vary throughout the year check the zoo website for times. The zoo is situated on a hillside and visitors are advised to wear comfortable footwear.

Plan a trip to see Edinburgh Zoo

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First Lasswade Road House
Destiny Scotland Royal Mile Residence
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Best Lodging Options Near Edinburgh Zoo

Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG

Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG

4 out of 5
132 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Britannia Hotel Edinburgh

Britannia Hotel Edinburgh

3 out of 5
69 Belford Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Britannia Hotel Edinburgh
Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh

Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh

4 out of 5
111 Glasgow Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh
Leonardo Edinburgh Murrayfield

Leonardo Edinburgh Murrayfield

3 out of 5
187 Clermiston Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Leonardo Edinburgh Murrayfield
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
The Torfin

The Torfin

3.5 out of 5
108 St Johns road, Edinburgh, Scotland
The Torfin
Twin Lions Hotel

Twin Lions Hotel

2.5 out of 5
92 Corstorphine Road, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland
Twin Lions Hotel
Corstorphine Lodge

Corstorphine Lodge

3 out of 5
188 St. John's Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, Scotland
Corstorphine Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Edinburgh Zoo

At Edinburgh Zoo, visitors can explore exciting attractions like the Scottish Safari, enjoy walking paths, and even play a round of golf nearby. Don't miss the zoo entrance for a memorable day filled with wildlife encounters. For local travel, Lothian Buses offer convenient access to and from the zoo, making it easy to discover all that Edinburgh has to offer. Make the most of your visit by checking out Edinburgh ZooFind for additional information.

Food and drinks

For a delightful meal near Edinburgh Zoo, visit Potter About, known for its cozy city vibes. If you fancy a drink, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery is just 2 miles away, offering a fantastic experience with romantic ambiance. Don't miss breakfast options in the area for a perfect start to your day!

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Gyle Shopping Centre, just 2 miles from Edinburgh Zoo, offering a mix of family-friendly stores and entertainment. The Hub and Scottish Gems are both 3 miles away, featuring unique gifts and souvenirs with a local flair.

Recreation

Near Edinburgh Zoo, indulge in wellness activities at Murrayfield Stadium, just a mile away, where you can soak in the energetic sports atmosphere. Enjoy ice skating at the nearby Murrayfield Ice Rink, also a mile away, or play a round of golf at Bruntsfield Links, two miles from the zoo.

Adventure

At the Midlothian Ski Centre, located 3 miles from Edinburgh Zoo, enjoy thrilling slopes and a vibrant ski atmosphere. Experience adrenaline-pumping action at Bedlam Paintball, also 3 miles away, where you can engage in exciting paintball battles. For motorsport enthusiasts, the Knockhill Racing Circuit, 16 miles from the zoo, offers exhilarating racing experiences.

Nightlife

After visiting Edinburgh Zoo, catch a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre for a mix of culture and romance. Then, enjoy a fun-filled night at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions for some adventure. Finally, unwind at Greyfriar's Bobby pub for drinks in a cozy, entertaining atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Zoo

When visiting Edinburgh Zoo, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby, including iconic castles, beautiful beaches, and vibrant streets. Explore cultural and outdoor experiences, such as Murrayfield Stadium and the University of Edinburgh, to enrich your trip. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the unique offerings of this captivating city while you experience the wonders of the zoo.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers breathtaking views of the city. With its rich history, romantic ambiance, and iconic landmarks, visitors can explore the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, immersing themselves in Scotland's cultural heritage.
  • Royal Mile: A vibrant thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Strolling along its cobbled streets, you'll feel the lively city vibes and discover the heart of Edinburgh's history.
  • University of Edinburgh: Established in 1582, this prestigious institution boasts stunning architecture and a rich academic legacy. Visitors can enjoy its beautiful campus and delve into the cultural atmosphere, making it a must-see for history and education enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Zoo

Visitor numbers around Edinburgh Zoo is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Edinburgh Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Edinburgh Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Edinburgh Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighModerately High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighModerately High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh Zoo

To save money during your visit to Edinburgh Zoo, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to February and November for lower hotel prices. Use Expedia to find affordable accommodations, and look for last-minute deals if you're booking late. Take advantage of nearby free attractions like the Royal Mile and Princes Street. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can help you earn discounts and cash for future bookings. For the best deals, combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package to maximize savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Edinburgh Zoo is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Edinburgh Zoo are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Edinburgh Zoo is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your search results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable accommodations. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Edinburgh Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.