Frankfurt Zoo: Tickets, Animals & Visitor Tips

Frankfurt Zoo is one of Germany’s oldest zoological gardens — founded in 1858 — and lies in the heart of the city in the Ostend. That’s precisely what makes it so convenient: you don’t have to travel far out but stand right at the entrance after a few minutes on the U-Bahn. The zoo is compact but scientifically renowned, and known above all for its well-thought-out animal houses. Let me show you what a visit costs, when to come and which highlights are worthwhile.

Admission prices and tickets

For what’s on offer, admission is fair. Adults pay €13 (as of 2026). For children, concessions and families there are reduced rates and family tickets — you’ll find the exact tiers on the official website. If you come often, an annual pass works out cheaper.

My tip: if you’re visiting several Frankfurt attractions anyway, check whether combined offers or the Frankfurt Card are worthwhile. Holders of the Frankfurt Pass also get reduced rates. You can buy tickets at the desk or online in advance — the latter saves queuing on busy days.

Opening hours

The opening hours change with the season (as of 2026):

• Summer (late March to late October): daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Winter (early November to late March): daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Important: the animal houses always close half an hour before the zoo closes. Bear that in mind if you come in the late afternoon and really want to see the Exotarium or Grzimek House. My advice: come in the morning if you can — many animals are more active then and it’s quieter.

The highlights: the animal houses you should see

Frankfurt Zoo has always gone for quality over sheer size. These areas are especially worth seeing:

Grzimek House

Named after Bernhard Grzimek, the legendary long-serving zoo director, this house is home to nocturnal animals. Through reversed day-night lighting you experience animals in action that you’d otherwise never see awake. For me one of the zoo’s most fascinating houses — and a good retreat in bad weather in particular.

Exotarium

The Exotarium combines aquariums, terrariums and animals from various climate zones under one roof — from fish to reptiles to amphibians. A special feature is the evening openings: from October to March the Exotarium opens until 8 p.m. on the last Friday of each month (except December), and from April to September there’s an evening guided tour at 7 p.m. on the last Friday. If you prefer things a little quieter and more atmospheric, keep an eye on these dates.

Great apes and big cats

Among the crowd favourites are the great apes and the big-cat enclosures. Here you can watch the animals in near-natural settings. With the apes in particular a little patience pays off — stay a while and you’re often rewarded with lively behaviour.

For families

The zoo is a classic for a family outing. Its compact size is an advantage here: even younger children manage the paths well without tiring. There are play options, dining and enough benches for breaks. The covered animal houses also make the zoo a good destination in changeable weather — a big plus in Frankfurt’s often moody climate.

Getting there

The zoo is at Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1, 60316 Frankfurt am Main. The most convenient way is by U-Bahn: the U6 and U7 lines stop right at the “Zoo” station, from where it’s only a few steps to the entrance. By car, parking in the densely built-up Ostend is often a hassle — I clearly recommend the U-Bahn.

Practical tips for your visit

• Come early: in the morning the animals are more active and the zoo emptier.
• Mind the animal-house closing: they close 30 minutes before the zoo — don’t leave the indoor areas for the very end.
• Weather-independent: in the rain into the houses (Grzimek House, Exotarium), in the sun through the open-air grounds.
• Special dates: the Exotarium’s evening openings and tours on the last Friday of the month are a nice extra.
• Book online: on sunny weekends and in the holidays, an advance ticket is worth it against the queues.
• Allow time: for a relaxed round you should reckon on two to three hours, more with children.

Conclusion

Frankfurt Zoo proves that a zoological garden doesn’t have to be enormous to delight. Its central location in the Ostend, the good U-Bahn link and the well-thought-out animal houses like the Grzimek House and Exotarium make it an ideal destination for families and for anyone who wants something to experience in any weather. My advice: come in the morning, take your time over the indoor houses and check the current prices and dates in advance — and the zoo visit becomes a thoroughly lovely day in the heart of the city.