Lions and Tigers and Bears (oh my!): 6 Unique Stays to Discover the Best Zoos Around the World

With the world’s most amazing creatures, all within walking distance, visiting a zoo can be a great experience for travellers of all ages. As the beautiful days of summer are finally upon us, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has tracked
down six of best zoos for you to visit this year.

These shires to the animal kingdom are a great place to marvel at the wonderful wildlife, get in touch with your wild side or introduce the family to their next favourite beast. So put on your most comfortable shoes, grab your camera and get ready to spend a happy day in some of the top zoos around the world.

Berlin Zoological Garden, Germany

With more than 8,800 recommendations by Booking.com travellers for zoos, the German capital is home to the Berlin Zoological Garden, the oldest zoo in Germany and one of the most popular zoos in the world. Famous for the animal feeding and shows, the Berlin Zoo opened its doors in 1844 and hosts a big variety of different animal species.

Located at Zoologischer Garten Station, only a 2-minute walk away from the Berlin Zoo, the stylish 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin is the perfect place to stay and even offers individually designed rooms overlooking the zoo.

San Diego Zoo, USA

With a mission to save species worldwide and provide open-air spaces to all its animal inhabitants, the San Diego Zoo is more than 100 years old and has received numerous awards since 1958. Travellers who love adventure should not miss the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which offers unique experiences including the “Flightline Safari” and the sleepover adventure where guests can spend the night at the park and enjoy a variety of camp activities like guided walks and talks by the campfire.

Set on the edge of Balboa Park West and only 900 metres away from the San Diego Zoo, the Inn at thePark is the ideal place to rest your head after a long day exploring.

Taronga Zoo Sydney, Australia

Overlooking the Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals and a great place to spend a fun day with the family while visiting Sydney. Apart from admiring their favorite animals, visitors can choose from a variety of activities like becoming a zookeeper for the day and getting to work directly with the animals, taking a ride on the Sky Safari cable car, enjoying a Jungle Walk or discovering the Lemur Forest.

While you’re visiting, stay at the Cremorne Point Manor – situated in the lower North Shore of Sydney, the hotel is about 3 kilometers away from the zoo and a short walk from the ferry.

The Singapore Zoo, Singapore

Known as the best rainforest zoo, Singapore Zoo opened in 1973 and attracts millions of visitors every year thanks to its unique setting, variety of animal species and special experiences including having breakfast with the orangutans. The Zoo spans a massive 28 hectares and is home to more than 2800 animals!

Located a short car ride away and just a 5-minute walk from the popular Orchard Road shopping district, check into the Quincy Hotel by Far East Hospitality after the animal fun-filled day exploring the Singapore Zoo.

Wroclaw Zoological Gardens, Poland

Set on the banks of the River Oder, the picturesque city of Wroclaw hosts the Wroclaw Zoological Gardens, the oldest zoo in Poland. Featuring a great array of animals, the Zoo opened in 1865 and is one of the most visited ones in Europe. Younger visitors can ride a pony, feed the animals or have fun at the playgrounds and rope courses.

Grape Hotel is housed in a renovated 19th century villa with an indoor swimming pool and is only 600 metres away from the Zoo.

Vienna Zoo, Austria

Built in 1752, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, also known as the Vienna Zoo, is located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Schönbrunn Palace and is the world’s oldest zoo. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the giant panda, discover the palace park with the ‘Panorama Train’ or learn everything about the impressive collection of animals and plants thanks to the nature trail.

Stay at the former guesthouse of Emperor Francis Joseph turned 4-star hotel: The Austria TrendParkhotel Schönbrunn Wien, just a 10-minute walk from the Vienna Zoo.