Toruń Zoological and Botanical Garden

The Toruń Zoological and Botanical Garden is a small, friendly zoo set inside a historic botanical garden on Bydgoska Street, about 1 km west of the Old Town. On less than 4 hectares you'll find around 50 animal species — European bison, muntjacs, lemurs, reptiles and birds — plus centuries-old trees, an aviary and a nature art gallery. It's an easy, affordable break for families who've had their fill of Gothic churches.

Where it is

Toruń sits on the Vistula River in north-central Poland, roughly two to three hours by train from Warsaw and about 170 km south of Gdańsk via the A1 motorway. The nearest airport is Bydgoszcz, around 50 km west. The zoo's main entrance is at ul. Bydgoska 7, roughly a 15-minute walk from the Old Town Market Square. Check local bus and tram routes (MZK) if you'd rather ride; we couldn't confirm on-site parking.

A garden older than the zoo

The garden dates back to 1797, when Johann Gottlieb Schultz planted a dendrological (tree) garden here. Under his will it passed in 1827 to the town's grammar school as a teaching garden. Animals arrived in 1965, partly thanks to a Toruń native living in Argentina who sent exotic species home. It has been open to the public continuously since the 1970s, and Schultz's memorial stone and grave are still in the grounds.

What to see

• Animals: about 50 species (roughly 260 animals), including European bison, Reeves's muntjacs, lemurs, a veiled chameleon, a two-toed sloth and meerkats — check the zoo's website for current residents.
• Aviary and reptile house: useful on cold days.
• Trees: the garden covers 3.81 hectares with 55 tree species; some huge plane and ginkgo trees are protected natural monuments. It's especially lovely in fall.
• Nature Art Gallery, a playground and a small viewing terrace.

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

• Open every day of the year, including holidays. Until October 15: 10 am–6 pm; October 16 – March 15: 10 am–4 pm. The aviary closes earlier (3:30 pm in winter). Ticket sales stop 30 minutes before closing.
• Until October 31, 2026: adults PLN 27, reduced PLN 20.
• From November 1 (winter rates): adults PLN 20, reduced PLN 15 — the zoo's website still labels these "until March 31, 2026," so double-check before a winter visit.
• An adult ticket covers one child under 3. Cash and cards accepted.

Is it worth visiting?

If you're traveling with young kids, yes — it's compact, cheap and close to the center. Allow 1–2 hours. The grounds are hilly with some steps, though the site map marks ramps and accessible restrooms. In winter some animals stay indoors, but the garden is quiet and tickets cost less.

Nearby

After your visit, walk back toward the Old Town — Philadelphia Boulevard on the Vistula is a pleasant 15–20 minute stroll away, and the illuminated riverside skyline is at its best right around the zoo's winter closing time of 4 pm, when it's already getting dark.