Moscow Zoo is the first zoo in Russia, founded in 1864 and set among apartment blocks in the Presnensky District. Moscow Zoo tickets cover two territories on either side of Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street, an Old Territory from 1864 and a New Territory from 1926, joined by a footbridge.
The entrance is a rock castle, built in 1997, and inside are animals from about 1,000 species, including polar bears, brown bears and giant pandas. This guide explains how the zoo is laid out, what costs extra and how to reach it from the metro.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Московский зоопарк |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 1864 |
| Address | Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street 1, Moscow, Russia OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Presnensky |
| Metro | Barrikadnaya (Line 7 (Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya, purple), about 3–5 min walk) Krasnopresnenskaya (Line 5 (Koltsevaya, brown), about 8–10 min walk) |
| Opening hours | Sources report that the zoo is open longer hours in summer, roughly 10:00 to 20:00, and shorter hours in winter, roughly 10:00 to 17:00, and that it is closed on Mondays. Another page lists guest entry from 9:00 to 19:00.
The two territories, the Old and the New, and special exhibits such as the Alpaca Park, can keep different hours (as of October 2026 – check the zoo's official site, moscowzoo.ru). |
| Admission | A zoo ticket is needed for entry; the current adult price was not confirmed, and an older review suggests a moderate price level (₽₽) per person. Alpaca Park is a separate exhibition inside the New Territory with its own ticket, ₽₽ for adults and ₽ for children aged 4 to 17. |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings are the best time, with smaller crowds and more active animals. Weekends bring long queues for tickets and for the entrance.
Spring to early autumn is the most comfortable time for walking, while winter hours are shorter. The zoo is reported closed on Mondays. |
| Recommended duration | 2–4 hours |
| Website | moscowzoo.ru |
| Last updated | October 6, 2026 |
What Is (and Isn't) Part of a Visit to Moscow Zoo?
| Part | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old Territory | Included in the standard ticket | Covered by the zoo ticket, with the main rock-castle entrance and older enclosures. |
| New Territory | Included in the standard ticket | Covered by the zoo ticket, on the other side of the street via the footbridge. |
| Alpaca Park | Separate ticket or institution | A separate exhibition on the New Territory with its own ticket, bought after the zoo ticket. |
| Aquarium, aviary and night house | Included in the standard ticket | Indoor exhibits inside the zoo, covered by the main ticket. |
| Footbridge over Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street | Included in the standard ticket | Links the two territories inside the zoo. |
| Streets around the zoo | Outside / not part of it | A residential area of Presnensky District with no ticket required. |
Why Visit Moscow Zoo?
Moscow Zoo is the easiest place in the center to spend half a day with children, and it is the oldest zoo in the country, with a history that goes back to 1864.
It covers about 21.5 hectares across two territories, with roughly 7,500 to 8,000 animals of about 1,000 to 1,100 species. Highlights include giant pandas, primates, polar bears and brown bears, a sea lion exhibit, an aviary, a night-animals house and a petting zoo.
The rock-castle entrance and the animal statues on the footbridge are part of the experience, and the zoo is only minutes from Barrikadnaya metro station.
How Moscow Zoo Is Laid Out
The zoo is split into two territories on opposite sides of Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street, linked by a footbridge decorated with animal statues.
The Old Territory, from 1864, has the main rock-castle entrance and the older enclosures. The New Territory, added in 1926, lies on the other side and holds newer exhibits, including the Alpaca Park, which has its own ticket. A map at the entrance shows both territories.
Exhibits include a sea aquarium, an aviary, a creatures-of-the-night house, a sea lion exhibit and a children’s section with a petting zoo. Giant pandas and primates are among the best-known residents.
A sensible route is to enter through the main gate, walk the Old Territory first, cross the footbridge to the New Territory and finish there before returning to the metro. Allow extra time at the ticket offices and the entrance, which can have queues.
Highlights of Moscow Zoo
The rock-castle entrance
The main gate is built to look like a castle of rough stone, with towers and battlements, and was constructed in 1997 for the 850th anniversary of Moscow.
It is the best-known image of the zoo and a landmark in the neighborhood.
Tip: Photograph the gate before you enter, as the area becomes crowded at the ticket offices.
Giant pandas and primates
The zoo is known for its giant pandas and primates, which have webcams showing their daily life. They are among the most popular animals and often draw crowds at feeding times.
Their enclosures are on the zoo's grounds, and viewing hours depend on the animals' activity.
Tip: Go early in the day, when the animals are most active and the crowds are smaller.
Polar bears and brown bears
Both polar bears and brown bears live in the zoo, in large outdoor enclosures that are among the easiest to view.
They are popular with families, and the pools allow close views.
Tip: Check feeding times at the entrance; they are a good time to see the bears active.
The footbridge between the territories
A footbridge crosses Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street and links the Old Territory of 1864 with the New Territory of 1926. It is decorated with statues of animals.
Crossing it gives a view of the street below and shows the zoo's unusual layout in the city.
Tip: Walk slowly across and look at the statues; many visitors hurry by.
Aquarium, aviary and night house
Exhibits include a sea aquarium, an aviary and a creatures-of-the-night house, with a sea lion exhibit and a children's section. They offer indoor options when the weather is poor.
They were added over the decades of renovation in the late 20th century.
Tip: Plan the indoor exhibits for the coldest or wettest part of the visit.
Alpaca Park
A separate exhibition on the New Territory where visitors can meet alpacas. It has its own ticket, moderately priced (₽₽) for adults and cheaper (₽) for children aged 4 to 17, and requires a zoo ticket first.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tip: Check the Alpaca Park's hours, which are slightly different from the zoo's.
Atmosphere
The zoo is a green island among apartment blocks, with paths shaded by old trees and the sounds of birds and larger animals carrying across the grounds.
On weekends the paths are crowded with families, strollers and school groups, and queues form at the ticket offices and the entrance. On weekdays the pace is slower, and the best time to see the animals active is the morning.
The rock-castle gate and the footbridge give the zoo a storybook look, and in winter the enclosures are quieter, with polar bears and brown bears at ease in the cold.
History of Moscow Zoo
Moscow Zoo was founded on 31 January 1864 by a group of professor-biologists, and it was the first zoo in Russia. It began as a small collection and grew into one of the best-known zoos in Europe, with up to 200,000 visitors a year at the height of its early popularity.
In the early 20th century the zoo fell into disrepair. After the revolution, in 1919, it was nationalized, and in 1926 a New Territory was added across the street. Visitors to the early zoo were interested in a display known as the green platform, which remained one of its main attractions for many years.
During the Soviet period the zoo experienced a time of decline, and renovations were carried out in 1991, 1997 and 2014. A new main entrance in the shape of a rock castle and a footbridge connecting the Old and New Territories were among the additions.
New exhibits opened over the years, including a sea aquarium, an aviary, a creatures-of-the-night exhibit, a sea lion exhibit and a children’s section. The zoo also has its own educational institute and research center.
Today the zoo has about 7,500 to 8,000 animals of about 1,000 to 1,100 species, and covers about 21.5 hectares. It is a member of the world and European zoo associations, and takes part in international programs for endangered species.
Visitors can follow giant pandas and primates by webcam, and the zoo remains one of the most visited places in the capital, set among residential buildings in the Presnensky District.
Tickets and Booking for Moscow Zoo
| Ticket | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo ticket, adult | See the official page | Entry to the Old and New territories; one older review suggests about ₽₽ per person, so check the current price. |
| Alpaca Park, adult | ₽₽ | Entry to the Alpaca Park exhibition; a zoo ticket is also required. |
| Alpaca Park, child 4–17 | ₽ | Entry to the Alpaca Park for children aged 4 to 17; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. |
Buy zoo tickets at the ticket offices at the entrance or, where offered, on the zoo’s official site, moscowzoo.ru. Queues for tickets and entry were reported at weekends and even on weekdays, so buying online, if available, can save time. The booking window and ID rules were not confirmed.
- Alpaca Park: a separate ticket, bought after the zoo ticket.
- Young children: some sources say very young children enter free; check the age limit on the official page.
- Entrances: the main entrance is the rock-castle gate on Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street.
Payment options for foreign cards were not verified, so carry some cash. Rates for Russian citizens and concessions differ. Check the official site, moscowzoo.ru, for all categories and current prices.
Plan and Book
Suggested itineraries Moscow Zoo
2 hours
Enter through the rock-castle gate and see the bears and the main enclosures on the Old Territory. Cross the footbridge for a look at the New Territory and leave.
3–4 hours
Walk the Old Territory, then the pandas and primates. Cross the footbridge and spend time on the New Territory, including the Alpaca Park if you have the ticket.
Half day
Arrive at opening, see the pandas first, then the bears, the aquarium and the aviary. Break for lunch and finish on the New Territory before returning to the metro.
How to Get to Moscow Zoo
The zoo is in central Moscow, about 15 minutes by metro from the Kremlin area.
- Barrikadnaya (Line 7, Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya, purple): the closest station, about 3 to 5 minutes on foot to the main entrance.
- Krasnopresnenskaya (Line 5, Koltsevaya, brown): about 8 to 10 minutes on foot.
The main entrance is on Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street. A taxi can drop you at the gate, though queues form there at weekends.
Accessibility
Accessibility details were not confirmed. The zoo has long paths and a footbridge across the street with steps or ramps, so check the official site or contact the zoo before visiting if you need step-free access, especially for crossing between the two territories.
Food Nearby
The zoo has cafes and kiosks inside, though menus and hours were not confirmed. Around Barrikadnaya metro station and along Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street there are cafes and restaurants, and Tishinskaya Square nearby has more options. Check opening hours before you go.
What to Bring
Bring comfortable shoes for long paths, a layer for changing weather and water in summer. Strollers are common, and space is limited at some indoor exhibits.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Moscow Zoo
Rock-castle entrance
The stone towers and battlements of the main gate, with visitors streaming through the arch.
Best time: Early morning, before the queues form
Footbridge with animal statues
Stone and bronze animals along the bridge, with the street and apartment blocks below.
Best time: Late afternoon light
Bear enclosures
Polar and brown bears at the pool edge, close to the viewing rail.
Best time: Feeding time, when the bears are active
Alleys of old trees
Shaded paths between enclosures, with autumn leaves in the foreground.
Best time: Early October
Photography Rules
Photography is allowed for personal use in the open grounds. Rules inside indoor exhibits were not confirmed, so follow signs, avoid flash near animals and follow staff instructions. Drone rules in Moscow are strict and change, so do not fly one over the zoo.
Family Suitability
The zoo is one of the best family outings in the city. It has a children's section, a petting zoo, the Alpaca Park and many large animals, and its paths work for strollers. Weekend queues can be long for small children, and distances are considerable, so plan breaks. Some sources say very young children enter free.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Look at the map at the entrance first; the Old and New Territories are on opposite sides of a street, and planning the order saves walking.
- Go to the giant pandas and the bears first, when they are more active, and leave indoor exhibits for later.
- Cross the footbridge slowly to see the animal statues before heading to the New Territory.
- If you want the Alpaca Park, buy its ticket after the zoo ticket and check that the children's age rules suit your group.
- Bring a snack and water in summer; queues for food inside can be long at weekends.
- Check feeding times at the entrance, since feedings of predators and large animals are a highlight.
Explore Nearby Moscow Zoo
Sights near Moscow Zoo
Moscow Metro · typical visit: 1.5–3 hours for a tour of showcase stationsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Moscow Planetariumabout 150 m away (~2 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–3 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral Moscowabout 750 m away (~12 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Patriarch's Ponds Moscowabout 850 m away (~14 min walk) · typical visit: About 1 to 2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Bulgakov Museum Moscowabout 1.1 km away (~18 min walk) · typical visit: About 1 hourMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Great Ascension Church Moscowabout 1.2 km away (~19 min walk) · typical visit: About 30 to 45 minutesMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Metro stations near Moscow Zoo
Krasnopresnenskaya Metro Stationabout 100 m away (~2 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Barrikadnaya Metro Stationabout 200 m away (~3 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Ulitsa 1905 Goda Metro Stationabout 1.1 km away (~18 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Moscow Zoo
Selfieabout 500 m away (~8 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Mr. Leeabout 650 m away (~10 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Butlerabout 1.2 km away (~19 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Matryoshka Restaurantabout 1.3 km away (~21 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near Moscow Zoo
16 Tons Clubabout 950 m away (~15 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
The Bix Barabout 1.1 km away (~19 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hotels near Moscow Zoo
Q-block Capsule Hotelabout 800 m away (~13 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hotel Pekin Moscowabout 1.2 km away (~19 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Arbat House Hotelabout 1.2 km away (~20 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Train stations and river piers near Moscow Zoo
Kievsky River Pierabout 1.2 km away (~19 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Belorussky Railway Terminalabout 1.8 km away (~29 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Events and traditions near Moscow Zoo
Pushkin Day and Russian Language Day in Moscowabout 1.6 km away (~27 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Moscow Tea Party Festivalabout 1.9 km away (~31 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Easter Gift Festival in Moscowabout 1.9 km away (~31 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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Sabor de la Vida: Gourmet Restaurant and Cigar Lounge in PresnenskyMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Moscow Zoo
Is Moscow Zoo one place or two?
Two territories on either side of Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street, an Old Territory from 1864 and a New Territory from 1926, linked by a footbridge. One ticket covers both.
Is the Alpaca Park included?
No. It is a separate exhibition on the New Territory with its own ticket, and you need a zoo ticket first. See the booking section.
Is the zoo closed on Mondays?
Two sources say it is closed on Mondays. Check the official site before planning a visit on that day.
What animals are the highlights?
Giant pandas, primates, polar bears and brown bears, along with a sea lion exhibit, an aviary and a night-animals house.
How long do I need?
Two to four hours, depending on how much you want to see and how long the queues are.
Is it far from the center?
No. It is in central Moscow, near Barrikadnaya metro station, about 15 minutes by metro from the Kremlin area.
Are there queues?
Yes, at the ticket offices and the entrance, especially at weekends. Reviews mention waits of 30 to 45 minutes.
When was it founded?
On 31 January 1864, making it the first zoo in Russia.
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Last updated: October 6, 2026.
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