Wildlife in the Middle of Budapest – the Famous Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Budapest Zoo

Tourists visiting the Hungarian capital will find that only a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, exists a true haven for wildlife. It’s next to the City Park and Heroes’ Square. The Budapest Zoo is home to more than 8000 species of animals from 7 different continents.

The Budapest Zoo has some large enclosures

As the first zoo in the entire country, it has endured world wars, revolutions and the stormy years of communism since it first opened its gates to the public in 1866. By 1950, the zoo had been damaged so badly that the the city council of Budapest considered shutting down the whole establishment. It took a lot of commitment and many years of hard labor to restore the zoo to its original splendor. But all the efforts have paid off. Today, it attracts more than a million people every year. According to the people of Budapest, it is the perfect place for a weekend family outing or a romantic afternoon with your sweetheart. 

The zoo itself has many features based around it’s 19th century Art Nouveau design.  Furthermore the front gate and the elephant house are prominent pieces of Budapest’s architectural heritage in their own right.

Also visiting the zoo can give you a good opportunity to discover the street snack cuisine of Hungary. You can wander around the cages with a Hungarian pretzel or Lángos in your hands. Just make make sure the animals don’t get any. (Some animals can be fed by visitors but only with snacks purchased from the zoo staff).

The City Park is also home to the National Circus of Hungary, an Amusement Park and the largest wellness center of the capital, the Széchenyi Spa. So  with so many things promising fun, you’ll always have something to do whenever you decide to come!