Leipzig & Berlin

Zoo and City Trip Guide

Introduction

This comprehensive travel guide is designed for visitors planning a trip to Leipzig and Berlin with a focus on exploring the renowned zoos in both cities along with their major attractions. Germany's rich cultural heritage, impressive architecture, and world-class zoological gardens make these cities perfect destinations for both animal enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

The guide includes detailed information about both zoos, city attractions, transportation options between and within the cities, accommodation recommendations at various price points, and a day-by-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

Leipzig Zoo

Overview

Leipzig Zoo, founded in 1878, is one of the most modern and species-rich zoos in Europe. Known for its innovative exhibits and conservation efforts, the zoo is home to approximately 850 species and covers an area of 27 hectares.

Opening Hours

  • January 1 - February 23: 9:00 - 16:30 (Last admission: 15:30)
  • February 24 - March 30: 9:00 - 18:00 (Last admission: 17:00)
  • March 31 - September 21: 9:00 - 18:30 (Last admission: 17:00)
  • September 22 - October 26: 9:00 - 18:00 (Last admission: 17:00)
  • October 27 - December 31: 9:00 - 16:30 (Last admission: 15:30)

Special Notes:

  • All animal houses and restaurants close 30 minutes before the Zoo itself
  • After admission closes, only the Elefantentor exit is available
  • The Zoo closes at 2 p.m. on December 24 (Christmas Eve)

Ticket Prices

  • Adults: Online from €16,00 / At the gate €25,00
  • Children (6-15 years): Online from €7,50 / At the gate €12,50
  • Children under 6: Free
  • Concessions: Online from €9,00 / At the gate €14,00

Leipzig Zoo Image

Key Attractions

Gondwanaland

A massive tropical indoor rainforest hall with free-flying birds and free-roaming monkeys

Founder's Garden

The historic part of the zoo with beautiful architecture

Pongoland

One of Europe's largest great ape facilities

Elephant Temple

Asian-themed area with elephants and other Asian species

Lion Savanna

African landscape with lions and other savanna animals

Koala House

One of the few places in Europe to see koalas

Tips for Visiting

Leipzig City Attractions

Leipzig is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, known for its musical history, beautiful architecture, and dynamic arts scene.

Top Attractions

St. Thomas Church

Historic church where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a cantor

Old Town Hall

Renaissance building on the Market Square housing the Museum of City History

Leipzig Market Square

Heart of the city with beautiful historic buildings

Museum of Fine Arts

Impressive collection spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary art

Mädlerpassage

Historic shopping arcade with Auerbachs Keller, a famous restaurant mentioned in Goethe's Faust

Battle of the Nations Monument

Massive monument commemorating the 1813 Battle of Leipzig

Local Specialties

Berlin Zoo

Overview

Berlin Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is Germany's oldest zoo, founded in 1844. Located in the heart of Berlin, it is home to approximately 20,000 animals representing numerous species, making it one of the most diverse zoos globally.

Opening Hours

  • January 1 - February 23: 9:00 - 16:30 (Last admission: 15:30)
  • February 24 - March 30: 9:00 - 18:00 (Last admission: 17:00)
  • March 31 - September 21: 9:00 - 18:30 (Last admission: 17:00)
  • September 22 - October 26: 9:00 - 18:00 (Last admission: 17:00)
  • October 27 - December 31: 9:00 - 16:30 (Last admission: 15:30)

Ticket Prices

Zoo Only

  • Adults: Online from €16,00 / At the gate €25,00
  • Children (6-15 years): Online from €7,50 / At the gate €12,50
  • Children under 6: Free
  • Concessions: Online from €9,00 / At the gate €14,00

Zoo + Aquarium Combined

  • Adults: Online from €24,00 / At the gate €37,00
  • Children (6-15 years): Online from €11,00 / At the gate €17,50
  • Children under 6: Free
  • Concessions: Online from €13,00 / At the gate €20,00

Berlin Zoo Image

Key Attractions

Panda Garden

Home to the famous giant pandas

Empire of Cats

Featuring various feline species

Primate House

Housing various monkey and ape species

World of Birds

Aviary and bird exhibits

Hippo Bay

Featuring hippopotamuses

Aquarium

Connected to the zoo with marine life exhibits

Tips for Visiting

Berlin City Attractions

Berlin is a vibrant metropolis with a complex history, cutting-edge architecture, world-class museums, and a dynamic cultural scene.

Top Attractions

Brandenburg Gate

Berlin's most iconic landmark and symbol of reunification

Reichstag Building

The seat of the German Parliament with a unique walk-in glass dome

TV Tower

The tallest building in Berlin offering 360° panoramic views

Museum Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with five world-famous museums

Holocaust Memorial

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe with 2,711 concrete slabs

East Side Gallery

The longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, now an open-air art gallery

Transportation Options

Between Leipzig and Berlin

Train Options

Deutsche Bahn (DB)

  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 14 minutes (direct service)
  • Frequency: Multiple departures daily
  • Price Range: From €9.76 to €83.98
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, food and drink service, entertainment portal

Bus Options

FlixBus

  • Travel Time: 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Frequency: Approximately 15 departures daily
  • Price Range: From €8.48 to €27
  • Amenities: Comfortable seats, toilet facilities, Wi-Fi, power outlets

Transportation Image

Within Cities

Leipzig

  • The city center is compact and walkable
  • Trams and buses connect major attractions
  • Consider a Leipzig Card for unlimited public transportation and museum discounts

Berlin

  • Use the extensive U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (urban rail) network
  • Consider a Berlin Welcome Card for unlimited public transportation and discounts
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available

Accommodation Options

Leipzig Accommodation

Budget Options (Under €80/night)

Ibis Budget Leipzig City

Budget-friendly chain hotel with modern, clean rooms

Price range: From €16-60/night

B&B Hotel Leipzig-City

Budget hotel close to the city center

Price range: From €21-70/night

Wombat's City Hostel Leipzig

Popular hostel with private and dormitory rooms

Price range: From €16-50/night (dorms), €60-80/night (private rooms)

Mid-Range Options (€80-150/night)

IntercityHotel Leipzig

Located near Leipzig Zoo with modern rooms and city views

Price range: From €80-120/night

Travel24 Hotel Leipzig City

Close to Leipzig Zoo with contemporary design

Price range: From €90-130/night

Adina Apartment Hotel Leipzig

Near Leipzig Zoo with apartment-style accommodations

Price range: From €100-150/night

Luxury Options (€150+/night)

Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof

Luxury hotel in central Leipzig with elegant rooms and suites

Price range: From €180-300/night

Hotel Fürstenhof Leipzig

Historic 5-star luxury hotel with elegant, traditional decor

Price range: From €200-350/night

The Westin Leipzig

High-rise hotel with city views and modern, comfortable rooms

Price range: From €150-250/night

Berlin Accommodation

Budget Options (Under €80/night)

Ibis Budget Berlin Kurfürstendamm

Budget chain hotel near shopping district

Price range: From €50-80/night

A&O Berlin Hauptbahnhof

Hostel and hotel combination with dormitories and private rooms

Price range: From €14-60/night

Generator Berlin Mitte

Modern design hostel with dormitories and private rooms

Price range: From €20-70/night

Mid-Range Options (€80-150/night)

Motel One Berlin-Upper West

Near Berlin Zoo with modern design

Price range: From €90-130/night

25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

Trendy hotel overlooking Berlin Zoo with uniquely designed rooms

Price range: From €120-180/night

Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof

Near Berlin Zoo with modern, comfortable rooms

Price range: From €130-200/night

Luxury Options (€150+/night)

Waldorf Astoria Berlin

Luxury hotel near Berlin Zoo with spacious, elegant rooms and suites

Price range: From €250-500/night

Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection

Historic luxury boutique hotel with elegant, art deco-inspired design

Price range: From €180-300/night

SO/ Berlin Das Stue

Luxury boutique hotel adjacent to Berlin Zoo with sophisticated design

Price range: From €250-450/night

6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Leipzig & City Exploration

Morning

  • Arrival in Leipzig - Check into your accommodation
  • Leipzig Market Square (Marktplatz)
  • Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)
  • St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche)

Afternoon

  • Lunch at one of the traditional restaurants in the city center
  • Mädlerpassage
  • Coffee & Cake at the historic Café Baum
  • Nikolaikirche

Evening

  • Dinner in the Barfußgässchen area
  • Evening walk along Augustusplatz

Day 2: Leipzig Zoo & More City Attractions

Morning

  • Leipzig Zoo (opens at 9:00 AM)
  • Gondwanaland
  • Elephant Temple and Asian area
  • Founder's Garden

Afternoon

  • Lunch at one of the zoo restaurants
  • African Savanna
  • Predator House
  • Pongoland (ape enclosure)
  • Lion Savanna

Evening

  • Museum of Fine Arts (if time permits)
  • Dinner at Auerbachs Keller

Day 3: Travel to Berlin & Initial Exploration

Morning

  • Check out of Leipzig accommodation
  • Train to Berlin (approximately 1 hour 14 minutes)
  • Check in to Berlin accommodation

Afternoon

  • Lunch near your accommodation
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag Building
  • Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Evening

  • Dinner in the Mitte district
  • Evening walk along Unter den Linden boulevard

Day 4: Berlin Zoo & Tiergarten

Morning

  • Berlin Zoo (opens at 9:00 AM)
  • Panda Garden
  • World of Birds
  • Predator House and big cats

Afternoon

  • Lunch at one of the zoo restaurants
  • Elephant House
  • Hippo Bay
  • Aquarium (if included in your ticket)
  • Tiergarten

Evening

  • Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
  • Dinner and shopping along Kurfürstendamm

Day 5: Berlin Museums & East Berlin

Morning

  • Museum Island
  • Pergamon Museum or Neues Museum
  • Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

Afternoon

  • Lunch in the Hackescher Markt area
  • Alexanderplatz and TV Tower
  • East Side Gallery

Evening

  • Dinner in Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain neighborhoods
  • Optional: Evening river cruise on the Spree (seasonal)

Day 6: More Berlin Highlights & Departure

Morning

  • Checkpoint Charlie
  • Gendarmenmarkt
  • Potsdamer Platz

Afternoon

  • Lunch at Potsdamer Platz
  • Topography of Terror
  • Last-minute shopping or free time

Evening

  • Departure from Berlin

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit

  • Peak Season (May-September): Pleasant weather, longer daylight hours
  • Shoulder Season (April, October): Mild weather, fewer crowds
  • Off-Season (November-March): Colder temperatures, Christmas markets in December

Money

  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Credit cards widely accepted, but carry some cash
  • ATMs readily available
  • Tipping: 5-10% is customary for good service

Language

  • German is the official language
  • English is widely spoken in tourist areas
  • Basic German phrases: "Hallo" (Hello), "Danke" (Thank you), "Bitte" (Please)

Safety

  • Both cities are generally safe
  • Take normal precautions against pickpocketing
  • Emergency number: 112 for medical emergencies and fire, 110 for police

Weather and Packing

  • Summer: Light clothing, sunglasses, light jacket for evenings
  • Spring/Fall: Layers, light jacket, umbrella
  • Winter: Warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof footwear

Internet and Connectivity

  • Free WiFi in many cafes, restaurants, and hotels
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM card for data
  • Public WiFi hotspots available in many areas