A recent nationwide survey produced a ranking of the country's favourites, in this handy guide are the best zoological attractions and opportunities to safely watch wildlife in Hungary.

Tropicarium Budapest and Veresegyház Bear Sanctuary are not included in this top list due to their specific nature, but they are also recommended as turizmus.com reported.

1. Nyíregyháza Zoo at Sóstó



Set in the Sóstó recreation area on the edge of Nyíregyháza, this is one of Hungary's largest and most internationally recognised zoos. Its spacious, naturalistic enclosures are arranged around geographical regions, with animals including elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, lions, tigers, gorillas, chimpanzees, penguins and polar bears.

The zoo is also involved in international breeding and conservation programmes for threatened species.

The large grounds and geographical layout mean there is plenty to explore, while the surrounding Sóstó recreation area provides other attractions for making a full day of the visit.

Address: 4431 Nyíregyháza-Sóstófürdő, Sóstói út 110.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Website: https://www.sostozoo.hu

2. Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden



Founded in 1866, this is Hungary's oldest zoo and one of the country's most important zoological attractions. Its central location in Városliget and its collection of historic Art Nouveau buildings make it quite different from the larger regional zoos.

Among the animals are elephants, giraffes, lions, gorillas, orangutans, koalas, kangaroos, hippos and a wide range of birds, reptiles and smaller species.

Alongside its animal collection, the zoo has significant botanical collections as well as educational and conservation programmes. Its location next to the Széchenyi Baths, Heroes' Square and other Városliget attractions makes it particularly easy to incorporate into a day in the city.

Address: 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti körút 6–12.

Website: https://zoobudapest.com

3. Kittenberger Kálmán Zoo & Botanical Garden in Veszprém



Occupying a large area in the Fejes Valley and on Gulya Hill, this zoo has a distinctly different setting from Budapest Zoo, with wooded sections and open areas. Its collection includes African elephants, white rhinoceroses, lions, giraffes, zebras, chimpanzees, gelada baboons and Cape penguins, alongside numerous birds, reptiles and smaller animals.

Named after Hungarian zoologist and writer Kálmán Kittenberger, the zoo has developed considerably over the years. The complex also includes a dinosaur park and other family-oriented areas, while conservation and educational activities form an important part of its work.

Address: 8200 Veszprém, Kittenberger Kálmán u. 17.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 1 hour 25 minutes.

Website: https://www.veszpzoo.hu

4. Szeged Wildlife Park



Covering around 45 hectares on the western side of Szeged, this is one of Hungary's largest zoological attractions by area. Its spacious grounds accommodate animals from several continents, including giraffes, lions, zebras, camels, kangaroos, snow leopards, red pandas and various primates.

The park also houses numerous birds, reptiles and amphibians and participates in breeding and conservation programmes. Given its size, visitors should allow several hours to explore the grounds.

Address: 6725 Szeged, Szél u. 90.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 1 hour 45 minutes.

Website: https://zooszeged.hu

5. Tisza Lake Ecocenter



Located in Poroszló beside Lake Tisza, this attraction focuses particularly on the wildlife and ecosystems of Hungary's second-largest lake. Its large freshwater aquarium is a major feature, providing an opportunity to see species native to the Tisza and surrounding wetlands.

Outdoor animal areas include European species such as fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar and water buffalo, together with numerous birds associated with wetland habitats. The large aquarium tunnel provides an underwater view of fish and other aquatic life.

Address: 3388 Poroszló, Kossuth Lajos út 41.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Website: https://www.tiszataviokocentrum.hu

6. Xantus János Zoo, Győr



Located in Kiskút liget on the edge of Győr, this zoo has a broad collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and other animals. Visitors can see species including lions, giraffes, zebras, camels, monkeys, lemurs and kangaroos, alongside numerous birds and reptiles.

Named after Hungarian naturalist János Xantus, the zoo combines its visitor role with environmental education and conservation activities. Its manageable size makes it an accessible option for visitors who prefer a shorter zoo visit.

Address: 9027 Győr, Kiskút liget 1/A.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Website: https://zoogyor.com

7. Pécs Zoo


Located on the wooded slopes of the Mecsek above Pécs, this zoo has a notably green setting and combines its animal collection with an aquarium and terrarium. The site is home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Animals include lions, leopards, bears, zebras, kangaroos and various monkeys, while the aquarium and terrarium provide closer views of reptiles, amphibians and aquatic species. The hillside location means some walking is on sloping ground.

Address: 7635 Pécs, Ángyán János u. 1.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 2 hours 20 minutes.

Website: https://pecszoo.hu

8. Budakeszi Wildlife Park



Set in the wooded hills of Buda, this wildlife park focuses particularly on European and Hungarian fauna rather than maintaining the extensive international collection found at a major zoo. It provides a closer look at species native or familiar to the region.

Visitors can see animals including red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, wild boar, wolves, foxes, bears and European bison, as well as various birds of prey and smaller native species. The woodland setting is an important part of the experience, with walking routes linking the animal areas.

Address: 2092 Budakeszi, 0210/12 hrsz.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 30 minutes.

Website: https://budakeszivadaspark.hu

9. Hortobágy Wildlife Park


Located within Hortobágy National Park, this wildlife park focuses on animals and landscapes associated with the Hungarian Great Plain. It provides an opportunity to see species connected with the traditional puszta environment rather than the tropical and exotic animals found at major city zoos.

The collection includes Hungarian grey cattle, racka sheep, domestic water buffalo, wild horses, wolves and various birds. Its setting also provides useful context for understanding the distinctive landscape and traditional pastoral culture of the Hortobágy.

Address: 4071 Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 13.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Website: https://hnp.hu

10. Kecskemét Wild Garden



Located in Műkert on the edge of Kecskemét, this wildlife park has a strong focus on Hungarian and European wildlife alongside a selection of exotic species. Its collection includes animals such as wolves, wild boar, fallow deer, mouflon and other native species, together with selected larger exotic animals.

The park has an important educational role, helping visitors learn about local wildlife and conservation. Its relatively compact scale makes it suitable for a shorter visit and easy to combine with exploring Kecskemét.

Address: 6000 Kecskemét, Műkert 1.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 1 hour 15 minutes.

Website: https://www.kecskemetivadaspark.hu

11. Debrecen Zoo



Located in the Great Forest of Debrecen, this zoo opened in 1958 as Hungary's first zoo outside Budapest. Its collection includes species from five continents, with visitors able to see animals such as giraffes, lions, tigers, zebras, camels, kangaroos, monkeys and a range of birds and reptiles.

It forms part of Nagyerdei Kultúrpark, together with a botanical garden and the country's permanent amusement park. The forest setting gives the zoo a different character from more urban attractions and makes it possible to combine a visit with other activities in the Nagyerdő area.

Address: 4032 Debrecen, Ady Endre út 1.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 2 hours 15 minutes.

Website: https://zoodebrecen.hu

12. Miskolc Zoo & Culture Park



Situated in the wooded Csanyik Valley on the outskirts of the city, this zoo is close to the Bükk hills and has a strong connection with its natural surroundings. Its collection ranges from large mammals such as brown bears, wolves, lynx and deer to monkeys, big cats, birds and reptiles.

The area has a long history as a wildlife park, with the present zoo dating from 1983. Its woodland setting is a significant part of the experience, with paths, a nature trail, lookout points and other features incorporated into the grounds.

Address: 3535 Miskolc, Csanyik-völgy.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 2 hours.

Website: https://miskolczoo.hu

+ 1. Jászberény Zoo & Botanical Garden



This smaller zoo combines animal exhibits with botanical areas and an emphasis on education and conservation. Its collection includes both native European wildlife and more exotic species, with visitors able to see animals such as lions, bears, wolves, monkeys, kangaroos and various birds.

The relatively compact scale makes it quite different from Nyíregyháza, Szeged or Debrecen, and it can work well for visitors looking for a shorter zoo visit rather than a full-day outing. Its botanical areas also add an element beyond the animal collection.

Address: 5100 Jászberény, Fémnyomó u. 3.

Approx. driving time from Budapest: 1 hour 15 minutes.

Website: https://jaszberenyzoo.hu

Photos: courtesy of the venues

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