Many zoos around the world have massive spaces, which are home to thousands of beautiful animals from all corners of the globe. Visitors traveling to bustling cities can even visit the local zoo easily due to its accessible location, such as NYC's Bronx Zoo.
While traveling with groups and families (or even solo), the zoo is a perfect place to hang out. What's more, a good zoo will usually have a perfect mix of fun and educational experiences, fit for all kinds of travelers. From fluffy pandas to terrifying tarantulas, the zoo is an interactive experience that caters to both young and old visitors.
Travelers heading on a vacation around the world should consider visiting one of these zoos, which are major tourist attractions in popular cities. These zoos were recognized as some of the top traveler's destinations for 2021!
8 Prague Zoo
- Location: U Trojskeho Zamku 120/3, Prague 171 00 Czech Republic
- Features: Travelers may even be lucky enough to watch animals cooling off by eating frozen treats in the summertime. Travelers shouldn't miss visiting the Giant Salamander House, home to the massive Chinese Giant Salamander, also known as the "freshwater panda." Visitors can also step into a tropical forest at the zoo's Indonesian jungle, the largest in Europe. This stunning zoo has over 50 hectares of property to witness the majesty of wildlife from around the globe.
7 Auckland Zoo
- Location: 100 Motions Road Western Springs, Auckland Central, Auckland 1022 New Zealand
- Features: Visitors will love checking out the 1,400 species that call Auckland Zoo home! The zoo is dedicated to advancing wildlife conservation science while offering a fantastic experience for visitors of all ages. Visitors can awe at the sight of stunning orangutans in their High Canopy Habitat at the South East Asia Jungle Track, or learn more about native species at Te Wao Nui. After a long day at the zoo, guests can grab a bite to eat while watching some flamingos at The Watering Hole.
6 San Diego Zoo
- Location: 2929 Zoo Drive Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
- Features: The San Diego Zoo is internationally recognized as a popular tourist destination and a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation. This California zoo offers several experiences to animal-loving guests, such as an early morning cheetah experience or meeting some animals up close. Starting at $675, travelers can also book a VIP experience at the zoo, which includes a 5-hour comprehensive tour. From sun bears to two-toed sloths, enthusiastic animal lovers will love visiting this popular tourist attraction. Visitors who want to see some more animals can check out their sister park, Safari Park, which is about an hour's drive away!
5 Calgary Zoo
- Location: 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7V6 Canada
- Features: Alberta is home to iconic sights like Banff and Jasper National Parks, but visitors can also appreciate nature by visiting the Calgary Zoo. Recognized as Calgary's top tourist attraction, the Calgary Zoo is a family-favorite destination! Visitors can meet visit the Penguin Plunge to learn more about the cute critters and their polar habitat. Alternatively, dinosaur lovers can go back in time at Prehistoric Park to meet life-sized dinosaur models.
4 Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo
- Location: 478 Happy Hollow Ln, Sevierville, TN 37876-2002
- Features: This zoo hides in a mountain area within Tennessee. It is home to animals like zonkies, miniature ponies, deer, elk, and emus! Animal lovers will love the zoo's petting zoo. At the same time, travelers visiting with children can see the pony stables and go pony riding. The zoo may not be as significant compared to others on this list. Still, the 140-acre property remains a popular attraction for travelers vacationing in Tennessee.
3 Bioparc Valencia
- Location: Avenida Pio Baroja Escriptor 3 Yes, 46015, Valencia Spain
- Features: Being the third-largest city in Spain, Valencia offers tourists many activities to enjoy, especially at Bioparc Valencia. This 10-hectare zoo is beloved by tourists and locals alike! Visitors can visit the Madagascar jungle exhibit and get up close with some lemurs. At the same time, other guests can tour the African savanna to see some majestic bird species. Otherwise, visitors can explore the zoo's stunning habitats, designed after those in African savanna and wetlands.
2 Singapore Zoo
- Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826 Singapore
- Features: Known for having the World's Best Rainforest Zoo, the Mandai Singapore Zoo is home to over 2,800 animals from all over the world, specifically those that live in tropical rainforests. From elegant cheetahs to adorable electric blue geckos, visitors can learn more about global wildlife at this popular tourist attraction. Visitors can even book experiences like feeding some animals or watching gentle elephants perform a show!
1 Melbourne Zoo
- Location: Elliott Avenue Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia
- Features: When heading to Australia, many travelers choose between visiting Melbourne or Sydney. Travelers who choose the former can enjoy a day at the Melbourne Zoo! Visitors can explore beautiful habitats like the Asian rainforest, the African savanna, and the Australian bushland. The Melbourne Zoo is also home to 27 animals that are threatened in the wildlife. Visitors will also enjoy checking out unique animals like the giant tortoises, the cassowary, and the kookaburras!