Lisbon Zoo – Visitor Guide and Tickets
Visiting Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa: What to Expect
Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa) is one of the city’s most popular family attractions, right in the heart of Lisbon. Open since 1884, it’s home to hundreds of unique species from around the world. Combining conservation, education and entertainment, the zoo provides a fun and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa) – General Information |
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Location |
Praça Marechal Humberto Delgado, 1549-004 Lisboa, Portugal (Sete Rios metro station – 5 mins walk). (Get detailed directions to Lisbon Zoo) |
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Opening Times |
As of 2025, Lisbon Zoo is open daily with seasonal hours: |
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Entry & Tickets |
Lisbon Zoo tickets cost €30.50 for adults, with reduced prices available for children and seniors.
Book Lisbon Zoo tickets online. |
Lisbon Zoo Tickets – Prices, Booking & Entry Tips |
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How to Buy Tickets for Lisbon ZooTickets for Lisbon Zoo are best purchased online in advance. This guarantees entry, helps you skip the long queues that often form on weekends and summer days, and secures the best experience for your visit.
Book your Lisbon Zoo tickets online Lisbon Zoo Fast-Track Ticket |
Lisbon Zoo Overview
Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa) first opened in May 1884, making it not only Portugal’s oldest zoo but also one of the earliest in the world. Originally located in Parque de São Sebastião da Pedreira, it moved to its current home in Sete Rios in 1905 to provide more space and better conditions for the animals.
From the beginning, the zoo aimed to promote education and conservation, featuring a diverse range of species for visitors to observe and learn about. Over the years, the zoo has implemented modern facilities and habitats that mimic the animals’ natural environments to ensure their well-being.
Over the years, new attractions have been added, such as the dolphin presentations introduced in the 1980s, the scenic cable car, and interactive encounters that allow visitors to get closer to the animals.
As there is plenty to do, we recommend allowing at least half a day (around 3–4 hours) to make the most of your visit. Visitors can re-enter the zoo during the day with a valid hand stamp.
Facilities at Lisbon Zoo include a family picnic area with tables, benches, toilets and plenty of shade. Outside the zoological area you’ll find restaurants, the main Zoo Shop, first aid services, cash machines and rest areas. The zoo is also accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, with ramps and lifts available across most areas.
What to see at Lisbon Zoo?
Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa is home to over 2,000 animals across more than 300 species, with themed habitats and unique presentations that make it one of Lisbon’s most exciting attractions. Every area of the zoo has something different to discover, from exotic big cats to playful primates.
Here are some of the must-see highlights during your visit:
Dolphin Show
As of 2025, the dolphin presentation runs daily with seasonal times:
- 21 Mar–20 Sep: 11:00AM, 2:30PM, 4:30PM
- 21 Sep–20 Mar: 11:00 and 14:30.
We highly recommend checking this out – it’s educational as well as entertaining and you can learn a lot about dolphin behaviour and conservation. We suggest arriving a few minutes in advance to grab the best seats.
Reptile House
The reptile house is well worth a visit, housing rare reptiles from around the world in an intimate surrounding. The Komodo Dragon is probably the highlight, but you can also find pythons, iguanas and alligators. Also, make sure you check out the cute little Egyptian tortoise!
Cable Car and Zoo’s Train
The Cable Car is one of Lisbon Zoo’s standout attractions, offering a scenic aerial loop over the park that lasts about 20 minutes and gives you some really cool views of the park and the animals. If you’re looking for unique photos this is a great option.
Please be aware that on windy or rainy days the cable car is normally out of service.
The zoo also has a small train that normally runs around the grounds with audio explanations, although it is temporarily out of service.
Primates Temple
Lisbon Zoo is one of the best places in Europe to see primates up close. The Primates Temple is a modern facility designed to replicate natural habitats, with spacious enclosures featuring trees, lakes, waterfalls and lush vegetation. Here you can observe chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas, all living in environments that encourage natural behaviour. It’s an impressive space and one of the zoo’s most acclaimed conservation areas.
Tiger Valley
At Tiger Valley, you will meet two rare species: the Siberian tiger and the Sumatran tiger.
It’s a great place to educate yourself about tigers from around the world, with plenty of information boards, screens and interactive exhibits. There’s a real emphasis on preservation and conservation of these beautiful large cats, with a focus on how the threats and dangers they face in the wild.
Savana MEO
One of the Lisbon Zoo’s newest attractions, it recreates the landscapes of the African savanna. Here you’ll find giraffes, elephants, hippos, zebras and other iconic species roaming in a shared habitat.
Children’s Farm
If you are visiting the Lisbon Zoo with kids, you can’t miss this area. You will meet friendly animals like goats, ponies and donkeys, and it’s a lovely spot to slow down for a while, with shaded picnic tables nearby if you want a break.
For a full list of the animals and exhibitions currently on display check out the Lisbon Zoo official website.
Lisbon Zoo Location and How to Get There
Lisbon Zoo is in the area of Sete Rios, just outside the city centre, which makes it easy to reach while exploring Lisbon’s main attractions. The simplest way to get there is by metro: take the blue line to Jardim Zoológico Station and the entrance is only a short two-minute walk away.
If you prefer the bus, several Carris routes stop nearby, including the 701, 755, 758 and 768. You can also arrive by train, with Sete Rios station located less than 100 metres from the entrance.
There isn’t a tram connection to this part of Lisbon, but the Hop On Hop Off sightseeing bus (blue line) stops right outside the zoo and can be a handy way to combine it with other attractions.
Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lisbon Zoo worth visiting?
Absolutely, Lisbon Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions, with over 2,000 animals, themed habitats, daily shows and family-friendly facilities. It’s also one of the best places in Europe to see primates up close.
Is Lisbon Zoo accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
Yes, the Lisbon Zoo is mostly accessible, with ramps, lifts and resting areas throughout the park. Wheelchairs are available to borrow at the entrance.
How long should I spend at Lisbon Zoo?
We recommend spending at least half a day to explore the zoo properly. With over 2,000 animals, shows and a cable car ride, you’ll want at least 3–4 hours to enjoy it fully.
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