Moscow Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in Russia and Europe, founded in 1864 in the heart of the city. Home to thousands of animals across hundreds of species, it is a favourite day out for families and a welcome patch of green minutes from the Garden Ring. This guide covers how to get there, what to see, and how to plan a smooth visit.
Where it is and how to get there
The zoo sits in the central Presnensky District, on Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street. The nearest metro stations are Barrikadnaya (line 7) and Krasnopresnenskaya (line 5), both about a five-minute walk from the main entrance; a newer entrance now opens directly on the Barrikadnaya side. Using the metro is by far the easiest way to arrive - paid parking exists nearby (on Konyushkovskaya Street, around 380 RUB per hour) but street access is limited. If you are still finding your way around the network, our guide to getting around Moscow explains tickets and routes.
Old and New Territories
The zoo is split into two parts - the Old Territory and the New Territory - connected by a pedestrian footbridge (recently reconstructed) that crosses the street below. The Old Territory is built around a large pond with waterfowl and includes the big cats, primates and the pinnipeds pavilion. The New Territory holds hoofed animals, an elephant house and spacious enclosures. Give yourself three to four hours to see both at a relaxed pace.
Highlights not to miss
The giant pandas are the headline attraction and usually draw the longest queues, so head there first. In 2023 the zoo celebrated Katyusha, the first giant panda cub ever born in Russia; her long-term future in Moscow is currently under discussion with the Chinese side. Other favourites include the big cats, the primate house, the polar and brown bears, and the aviaries. Younger visitors enjoy the Children's Zoo, the "Night World" house with nocturnal creatures, and the insectarium. Feeding times and keeper talks are posted at the entrance and are worth timing your route around.
Tickets, hours and best time to visit
The zoo is open year round. In summer the grounds generally run from 7:30 to 22:00, with ticket offices closing around 21:00; winter hours are shorter, and some houses close earlier than the grounds. Opening times also differ by entrance - the main and Barrikadnaya entrances open earliest, while some side entrances open later (often 9:00-10:00) - so check the official site for the exact schedule on your date. Prices change; as a recent guide, expect roughly 1,000 RUB for adults and 700 RUB for children in 2026, with young children free. Buy tickets on the official Moscow Zoo website before you go - it confirms the current price and lets you skip the queue. Note that tickets are single-entry: you cannot leave and re-enter on the same ticket. Weekday mornings are the quietest; weekends and school holidays are busy.
Tips for families
To beat the crowds at the pandas, arrive right at opening. Check the posted feeding schedule (the tigers, for example, are often fed around 10:30) and build your route around it, and consider downloading the zoo map in advance, as signage is not always intuitive. Strollers are easy to use on the paved paths, and there are cafes and rest areas throughout, though on-site food is pricier than average - many families bring their own snacks. Dress for the weather, as most of the visit is outdoors. If you are planning more child-friendly outings, see our roundup of the best things to do in Moscow with kids and our guide to visiting Moscow with children. To pair the zoo with a guided city experience, browse tours and tickets on GetExperience.
How long should I spend at Moscow Zoo?
Plan for three to four hours to comfortably see both the Old and New Territories, including breaks. Families with young children who want to linger at the Children's Zoo and feeding sessions may prefer to set aside most of a day.
What are Moscow Zoo's opening hours?
In summer the grounds are generally open from 7:30 to 22:00, with ticket offices closing around 21:00; winter hours are shorter. Because opening times vary by entrance and season, check the official website for the exact hours on the day you plan to visit.
Which metro station is closest to Moscow Zoo?
Barrikadnaya on line 7 and Krasnopresnenskaya on line 5 are both about a five-minute walk from the entrances, including a newer gate on the Barrikadnaya side. They share an interchange, so you can reach the zoo easily from almost anywhere on the metro.
