Discover 2,500+ animals, the famous Penguin Parade, and insider tips to have the best time

Greetings, fellow adventurers! With our visit to Scotland’s capital, we could not resist visiting the Edinburgh Zoo. The zoo is in a great location, not far from the city center, and covers an area of 82 acres and houses over 2,500 animals from around the globe. Join me as I waddle through this captivating zoo, which offers insider tips and practical information before your visit. 

How to Get to the Edinburgh Zoo

📍Adress: 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, United Kingdom

You have several options for how to get to the zoo, and it can be easily accessed via public transport with high-frequency bus services from Edinburgh city center. 

By Bus. Lothian Buses 12, 26, and 31 stop right outside the zoo. The following Lothian services pass the zoo every few minutes:

• Service 12: Portobello – Newington – Tollcross – Haymarket – Zoo – Gyle Centre
• Service 26: Seton Sands/Tranent – Portobello – City Centre – Zoo – Clerwood
• Service 31: Bonnyrigg – City Centre – Zoo – East Craigs (this is the bus we took from Princess Street)

All Lothian buses are now low-floor and fully accessible for wheelchairs and foldable buggies. 

From the Airport. If you are impatient and want to see the zoo immediately after you land, the 100 Airlink Service connects Edinburgh Airport to the city center and stops near the zoo.

Other Bus Services. 900 Citylink – Glasgow-Edinburgh. 909 Citylink – Stirling-Edinburgh or 904 Citylink – East Kilbride-Edinburgh.

By Car. Parking is available on-site, but spaces can fill up quickly during peak times.​

How far is the Edinburgh Zoo from the city center?

Edinburgh Zoo is approximately 3.2 kilometers (about 2 miles) west of Edinburgh’s city center. Traveling by bus from central locations like Haymarket Station to the zoo typically takes 7 to 8 minutes, with services running every five minutes. 

Admission and Opening Hours

Opening Hours to the Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is open daily from 10.00 am, with the last entry at 4.00 pm and closing time at 5.00 pm.

Admission to the Edinburgh Zoo

Here’s the latest on ticket prices:

• • Adults (16+): £27.50
  • Children (3–15): £17.50
  • Under 3s: Free (still need a ticket!)
  • Students & Seniors (65+): £24.50
  • Penguins: Free entry

Booking online is highly recommended, especially during holidays or sunny days when the zoo fills up.

Pro tip: Early birds get to see the animals at their most active. Plus, fewer crowds = better selfies with the giraffes or penguins. 

For opening hours or admission changes, check out the official Edinburgh Zoo website – link.

Do you need to buy tickets in advance for the Edinburgh Zoo?

While you can turn up at Edinburgh Zoo without booking in advance, booking your tickets online ahead of time is strongly recommended—especially during weekends, school holidays, or sunny days when it gets busier than the penguin pool at feeding time.

Is it worth going to Edinburgh Zoo?

Absolutely, and we are not just saying it because of the penguins. It’s worth waddling your way to Edinburgh Zoo! With over 2,500 animals, immersive enclosures, and world-famous events like the daily Penguin Parade, it will become an unforgettable experience. Add to that its lush hillside setting with views of Edinburgh Castle, engaging talks from keepers, and rare animals you won’t see anywhere else in the UK (hello, koalas!), and you’ve got a day out that’s well worth your time, ticket, and camera roll.

Animal Highlights

With over 2,500 animals representing 171 species, there’s so much to see:​

• • Red Pandas. Adorable and elusive, it is a visitor favorite.
  • Pygmy Hippos. Small but mighty, these creatures are a rare sight.
  • Sun Bears. Known for their unique chest markings.
  • Koalas. As mentioned, the only ones in Britain!​

Our Waddle through the Zoo

We will be honest. We came here for the penguins. 😅 And especially one in particular. ​While Edinburgh Zoo is renowned for its live penguin colony, featuring over 100 Gentoo, King, and Northern Rockhopper penguins at Penguins Rock, we wanted to also see Sir Nils Olav. Though get ready, because they have lots of penguin here. 

Meet Sir Nils Olav: Edinburgh Zoo’s Most Decorated Penguin

Hold onto your feathers, folks—because Edinburgh Zoo isn’t just home to amazing animals, it’s also the official residence of a knighted penguin. That’s right, let me introduce you to the one, the only, Sir Nils Olav.

Sir Nils Olav is no ordinary penguin. He’s a King Penguin (naturally) who holds the title of Brigadier in the Norwegian King’s Guard. Yes, an actual military rank. He even has a shiny medal to prove it. I may be only a small penguin, but I bow to that level of fabulousness.

Here’s how this waddly legend came to be:

• In 1972, the Norwegian King’s Guard visited Edinburgh and adopted a penguin, naming him Nils Olav in honor of two humans: Major Nils Egelien (who loved penguins) and King Olav V of Norway.
• Over the years, Nils Olav was promoted up the military ranks during each official visit.
• In 2008, he was knighted by the King of Norway himself. 
• The current Nils Olav is  Nils Olav III, the third penguin to hold the title—because even military legends eventually retire.

He resides at Penguins Rock today, waddling around with the kind of dignity only a knighted penguin can carry. You can spot him among the other King Penguins—but look closely; he’s the one with the regal energy and probably humming the Norwegian national anthem.

Other Animals to see at the Edinburgh Zoo

Besides the popular penguins, Edinburgh Zoo is home to many fascinating animals. You can spot majestic Asiatic lions lounging in the sun, chimpanzees socializing in the Budongo Trail enclosure, and the UK’s only giant pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian—though they are currently on a non-breeding arrangement. An interesting fact is that the zoo was the first in the world to house and breed penguins, but it also became the first to successfully breed a koala in the northern hemisphere, thanks to its eucalyptus import system.

Koala Territory

At Edinburgh Zoo, Koala Territory is home to the UK’s only Queensland koalas. This specially designed exhibit mimics their native Australian habitat, with lush eucalyptus trees and cozy nooks for the koalas to rest. The zoo is home to three female koalas—Kalari, Talara, and Myaree. The exhibit offers a rare chance to see these fascinating creatures up close as they munch on eucalyptus leaves and climb the trees. It’s a must-visit for any animal lover, and you can even check out the Koala Cam online to watch it live from anywhere in the world!

Tiger Tracks

Tiger Tracks is home to the elusive and critically endangered Sumatran tiger. This immersive exhibit allows visitors to observe these majestic big cats in a lush, naturalistic setting miming their native Indonesian jungle habitat. With only around 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, the zoo plays a crucial role in their conservation. It’s an exciting, up-close experience for animal lovers, where you might just glimpse these powerful tigers prowling through their territory.

Giraffe House

At the Giraffe House, you can see Nubian giraffes. You can get up close to these towering creatures as they roam their spacious enclosure, munching on leaves and showing off their long necks. The Giraffe House is designed to give a unique view of these gentle giants, with plenty of space for them to move around comfortably.

Amenities and Dining

During your visit, enjoy a variety of facilities:​

• • Dining. Two restaurants, a café, and several kiosks offer a range of food and drinks.
  • Gift Shop. Take home a memento from your adventure. Like a penguin, for example. 
  • Play Areas. Perfect for younger visitors to burn off energy.
  • Accessibility.  The zoo is wheelchair-friendly, with mobility scooters available for hire.​

As we were not really hungry while waddling around the Edinburgh zoo, we only took one break near Penguin Rock and enjoyed a coffee and cookie at the nearby Penguins Cafe shop. It offers a cozy and family-friendly spot to relax and enjoy a meal while exploring the zoo. It serves a variety of hot and cold foods, including sandwiches, soups, baked goods, and beverages. You can sip your coffee with large windows and outdoor seating while watching the penguins.

Edinburgh Zoo’s Commitment to Conservation

Edinburgh Zoo plays a crucial role in global conservation efforts, focusing on protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity. As part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the zoo is dedicated to breeding programs, wildlife research, and habitat restoration projects. Edinburgh Zoo is at the forefront of animal conservation, from its successful breeding initiatives for Giant Pandas and Koalas to its efforts in saving the Scottish Wildcat from extinction. The zoo also partners with various wildlife organizations to support projects worldwide, ensuring that the animals within its care are protected and contribute to their species’ survival in the wild. Through education, research, and community engagement, Edinburgh Zoo is helping to raise awareness about the challenges wildlife faces and inspire visitors to take action in their own lives.

What’s near the Edinburgh Zoo

• • Corstorphine Hill. Scenic waddling trails and panoramic views of Edinburgh are just a short waddle from the zoo.
  • Gorgie City Farm. A free-entry urban farm about 1.5 miles away, great for family-friendly animal interactions.
  • Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Located 1.8 miles away, housing an impressive modern and contemporary art collection.
  • Lauriston Castle. A historic castle with tranquil gardens, about 1.9 miles from the zoo.
  • The Water of Leith. A peaceful river walk approximately 1.5 miles away offers a natural escape.
  • Edinburgh Gin Distillery. About 2.4 miles from the zoo, offering tours and tastings of Edinburgh’s gin heritage.

We can confidently say that Edinburgh Zoo offers an unforgettable experience (and not just because of the penguins). There’s something for everyone, from the engaging animal exhibits to the scenic gardens and educational programs. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare for a wild adventure in the heart of Scotland!

Pack your back and waddle more!

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