Antwerp Zoo

Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe and the oldest in Belgium, sitting right in the heart of the city next to Antwerpen-Centraal railway station. This unusual proximity to a major train hub makes the zoo remarkably easy to reach — visitors can step off a train and be at the entrance gate within minutes. The garden is run by the Koninklijke Maatschappij voor Dierkunde van Antwerpen (KMDA), a Belgian zoological society that has overseen its development and daily operations for decades.

Why does this place draw so many visitors?

Around 1.3 million people pass through the gates every year, making Antwerp Zoo one of the most visited attractions in the region. That scale of interest is no coincidence — the institution's long history, its central location, and its reputation as one of the pioneering zoological gardens in Europe have turned it into a must-see stop for both locals and travelers passing through the city.

Where exactly is the zoo located?

The zoo sits in the very center of Antwerp, at coordinates around 51.216389 N, 4.423333 E. Such a central urban location is unusual among zoological gardens — most facilities of this kind were built on the outskirts of cities, yet Antwerp's zoo has developed within the dense city fabric since its earliest days, right beside the city's key transport hub.

What are the opening hours?

Opening hours shift with the seasons, which is typical for an outdoor institution dependent on daylight. During the winter months — January, February, November, and December — the zoo is open from 10:00 to 16:45. In spring and autumn, meaning March, April, and October, hours extend to 17:30. In May, June, and September, the garden stays open until 18:00, while at the height of summer, in July and August, the gate remains open the longest — until 19:00. This schedule allows visits to be planned around seasonal daylight and weather conditions.

Who manages the zoo?

The garden is operated by the Koninklijke Maatschappij voor Dierkunde van Antwerpen, abbreviated KMDA — the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp. This organization has long overseen the facility's development, exhibit planning, and infrastructure management, as confirmed by both official descriptions and catalog data associated with the site.

Frequently asked questions

Is Antwerp Zoo the oldest zoological garden in Belgium? Yes, according to available sources it is the oldest zoo in the country and one of the oldest on the entire European continent.

How do you get to the zoo? The zoo is located directly next to Antwerpen-Centraal train station, making arrival by train the most convenient option — the entrance is only a short walk from the station building.

How many people visit the zoo each year? Estimated annual visitor numbers stand at around 1.3 million, confirming its status as one of Antwerp's leading attractions.

Are the opening hours the same all year round? No, the schedule changes seasonally — the zoo closes earlier in winter (16:45) and stays open longest during the summer months of July and August (19:00).

Who runs the facility? The zoo is operated by the Koninklijke Maatschappij voor Dierkunde van Antwerpen (KMDA), a Belgian zoological society.