We Visited Zoo Basel 3 Times Already: Honest Family Review & Top Highlights!
A Zoo We Have Visited Multiple Times
Zoo Basel is a wonderful destination that we have visited three times already with our children. If you are planning a trip, here is everything you need to know based on our personal experience to make the most of your family day out.
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Arriving in Basel
- Via Train or Bus: Basel is centrally located right on the borders of France and Germany, offering excellent rail connections through Zurich, Bern, and international hubs. To check schedules and book your ticket, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg to experience the beautiful, culture-rich city of Basel. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Switzerland
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Entry Tickets and Practical Information
Before heading out, it is helpful to know the current pricing structure. The entrance ticket costs 22 CHF for adults, 16 CHF for youths, and 10 CHF for children.
We have consistently been able to go around the whole zoo in around 2 hours, making it a very manageable outing for little legs. It is worth noting that Zoo Basel is smaller in size compared to Zoo ZĂĽrich and has lesser species of animals to offer. However, our kids enjoyed their time at both the zoos so either choice would be a hit unless you are looking for specific animals.
Exploring the Zoo Layout and Highlights
As you walk away from the entrance, the indoor Vivarium-Aquarium section is located on the left. In this section you can find fish, sharks, seahorses, turtles, snakes, alligators, and penguins.
The highlight is definitely the presence of a large number of penguins and since my kids love penguins, this is the spot where we spend most of our time. From November till February, at around 11 am on dry days, the penguins walk outside when the temperatures are below 10 degrees Celsius. It is an absolute must-watch if you visit during the winter months.
Outside, you can spot ponies, donkeys, alpacas, giraffes, zebras, and the snow leopard. Rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses can be viewed from the outside or you can go inside for a closer experience of them feeding and resting. There are three lions in the lion enclosure and multiple elephants in the elephant section. There is a large collection of monkeys, orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees as well.
Final Remarks
Overall, Zoo Basel houses a large number of animals that can be viewed from a close proximity. I would recommend this Zoo to people living close to Basel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Zoo Basel tickets cost?
An adult ticket costs 22 CHF, a youth ticket is 16 CHF, and a child ticket is 10 CHF.
How long does it take to walk through Zoo Basel?
You can comfortably explore the entire grounds and see the major animal exhibits in around 2 hours.
When does the Zoo Basel penguin walk happen?
The famous penguin walk takes place daily from November to February at around 11 am, provided the weather is dry and temperatures remain below 10 degrees Celsius.
