Edinburgh Zoo Tours and Activities

Edinburgh Zoo featuring zoo animals and land animals
Edinburgh Zoo showing bird life and zoo animals
Edinburgh Zoo which includes marine life and zoo animals
Edinburgh Zoo showing zoo animals and heritage architecture
Edinburgh Zoo


Admire an array of rare and endangered species that are conserved at the city's renowned wildlife attraction.

Spanning over 33 hectares to the west of the city, Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 1,000 different animals from around 200 different species.

A good place to start your visit is at the Budongo Trail, home to the zoo’s chimpanzees. Watch these fascinating animals at play around in their outdoor enclosure as well as in their network of indoor rooms. You’ll also find digital games and mock skeletons that will demonstrate how closely related the animals are to humans. The zoo's best known residents however are its two giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang. If you plan to see them in their enclosures during your visit, you’ll have to book in advance. It doesn’t cost extra to see them but places are limited and groups are brought into the viewing area every 10 minutes.

See species of exotic birds from across the globe in the walk through aviary. Among them are endangered species such as the Bali starling and the Nicobar pigeon, which is the closest living relative of the extinct dodo. Talks are given every afternoon, which give more information about the zoo's bird collection.

For an adventure, take a trip on board the zebra trailer for a 30-minute Hilltop Safari, which takes visitors from the duck pond, past the baboons, antelopes and big cats. The driver also gives a commentary on the different animals as you pass by. Afterwards, visit the Physics Garden, where you’ll find a range of medicinal plants which are planted to resemble parts of the human anatomy.

The zoo’s website also has live cameras where you can look around the zoo before your visit. All year round, the cameras give a glimpse into the lives of the pandas, penguins and squirrel monkeys that call the zoo home. At certain times of the year, there’s also a bird-box cam.

Situated about five kilometres to the west of the city, Edinburgh Zoo can be reached via one of four Lothian Bus routes which stop outside the entrance. If you're driving, limited paid parking is available. The zoo opens every day, but opening times may vary so it’s advisable to check online before you visit. Comfortable footwear is also advised as the zoo is built on a hillside.

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Top Edinburgh Zoo Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG

Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG

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

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

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

Murrayfield Hotel

3 out of 5
18 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Murrayfield 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

Edinburgh Zoo offers a fantastic range of activities, making it a must-visit for tourists. You can enjoy leisurely walks through the scenic grounds, play a round of golf nearby, and indulge in the local entertainment options. Don’t miss the highlighted attractions within the zoo, where you can experience incredible wildlife and stunning views, perfect for sightseeing and creating unforgettable memories during your stay in Edinburgh.

Shopping

Edinburgh Zoo offers nearby shopping at Gyle Shopping Centre, just 3.2km away, perfect for family vibes and entertainment. FountainPark, also 3.2km away, features a lively mix of business and family options. For a unique experience, visit the Tartan Weaving Mill, located 4.8km from the zoo.

Recreation

At Murrayfield Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic sports atmosphere, only 1.6km from Edinburgh Zoo. For a serene outdoor experience, visit Bruntsfield Links Golf Course, 3.2km away, perfect for golf enthusiasts. Blackford Hill, 4.8km away, offers tranquil paths ideal for relaxation and wellness amidst nature.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, visit the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho, located 8.0km from the zoo, where you can enjoy outdoor climbing thrills. Alternatively, head to Midlothian Snowsports Centre, also 8.0km away, for skiing excitement. Don't miss Bedlam Paintball, 4.8km away, for a thrilling paintball adventure.

Nightlife

After visiting Edinburgh Zoo, catch a show at the Royal Lyceum Theatre for a taste of local culture, or enjoy a movie at Dominion Cinema or Cineworld Edinburgh. Both cinemas offer a cosy atmosphere perfect for a romantic night out with family or friends.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Zoo

When visiting Edinburgh Zoo, you'll find a wealth of attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and the vibrant city centre. The zoo offers a fantastic family experience, while nearby museums provide cultural insights. Be sure to check ticket availability for Edinburgh Zoo and explore the surrounding areas for a well-rounded visit that caters to every traveler's interests.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched on Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers breathtaking views of the city. With its rich history, ancient stone walls, and the iconic One O'Clock Gun ceremony, it encapsulates the culture and romance of Scotland.
  • Princes Street: This bustling street is the heart of Edinburgh's shopping scene, lined with shops, cafes, and gardens. Enjoy the vibrant city vibes while taking in views of the stunning castle and the beautiful Princes Street Gardens.
  • Grassmarket: A lively and historic area, Grassmarket is perfect for families. With its charming outdoor spaces, quaint shops, and eateries, it captures the essence of community and offers a delightful atmosphere for exploring.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Zoo

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
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 CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly 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 LowAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh Zoo

To save money on your trip to Edinburgh Zoo, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation prices, and book about a month in advance for the best deals. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel options, take advantage of last-minute deals, and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to sort by price to find the best offers and unlock travel rewards to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Edinburgh Zoo are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly 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.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Zoo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Edinburgh Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.