Night at the Zoo 2025: Discover Urban Wildlife at Budapest Zoo’s Most Magical Evening
Night at the Zoo Returns: A Unique Experience After Dark
If you’re looking for an unforgettable family adventure or a truly unique cultural night out in Budapest, the annual Night at the Zoo (Állatkertek Éjszakája) is not to be missed! On August 29, 2025, as the sun sets and the stars appear, Budapest Zoo transforms into an enchanting urban jungle buzzing with special activities, expert talks, interactive demonstrations, and dazzling after-dark surprises.
This year’s theme, “Urban Jungle,” invites visitors to discover how wild animals adapt to city living. Learn how we can coexist better with urban wildlife and explore how we, as city dwellers, can help protect these surprising neighbors.
Event Details
- Theme: Urban Jungle – Wildlife in the City
- Date: August 29, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Venue: Fővárosi Állat- és Növénykert (Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden)
- Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 6-12, 1146 Hungary
- Tickets: Only valid with a special Night at the Zoo ticket; not included with standard day passes or memberships
- Transport: Free on BKK public transport within Budapest with event ticket (Aug 29, 6:00 PM – Aug 30, 1:00 AM)
- Capacity: Maximum 6,000 guests during the event
- Entry: From three gates (Main gate, Elephant House gate, Carousel gate) open from 7:00 PM
- Closing: Must leave the Zoo by midnight
Dive into the Urban Wildlife Theme
Discover the Animals Sharing Our Cities
Not all wildlife lives in distant forests or remote jungles—many incredible species thrive right alongside us in the heart of our cities. This special evening spotlights the secret lives of urban animals: Who are they, how do they adapt, and what hazards or conflicts can arise when their paths cross with ours?
If you’ve ever wondered what creatures come out when Budapest’s streets quiet down, or how animals around the world transform their behaviors to live in city environments, this event offers fascinating answers.
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Learn from the Experts
Throughout the evening, the Zoo’s passionate staff present nearly two dozen educational talks at outdoor venues around the park. Topics range from the botanical wonders of different continents and the secret world of insects to the captivating lives of elephants, the friendly faces of horses and camels, and the day-to-day work of the Zoo’s own Wild Animal Rescue Center.
No matter your age or interest, you’ll leave with amazing new insights into both Hungarian and global urban wildlife.
Special Experiences and Nighttime Activities
Get Up Close with Animals Like Never Before
Night at the Zoo isn’t just about seeing animals—it’s about experiencing the Zoo in a whole new light! Throughout the evening, you’ll have the chance to:
- Join up-close animal training demonstrations with seals, elephants, and even daring divers among the sharks.
- Participate in special animal encounters in the open houses, seeing selected species in ways daytime visits don’t allow.
- Step into the night and meet friendly pets or creatures usually hidden from view during the day.
Entertainment for All Ages
The fun doesn’t stop with the animals:
- Be mesmerized by fire jugglers and LED performances at the Main Gate Square.
- Enjoy live musical acts setting a festive nighttime mood.
- Relive childhood memories in the nostalgic Vurstli carnival zone, with its classic Schaftner carousel.
Young explorers will find plenty to keep their hands and minds busy with craft workshops, bravery challenges, quizzes, tactile activities featuring animal artifacts, and educational displays about animal diets.
Gaze at the Stars: Planetarium & Astronomical Shows
Step inside the magical domes of the Travelling Planetarium at the Varázshegy (“Magic Mountain”) and marvel at the starry sky—an experience for anyone who wonders what else roams the city after dark!
Monumental Light Shows
The Zoo will be dressed for the occasion with spectacular light projections and themed decorations, creating an atmosphere that’s magical, mysterious, and perfect for summer night photos.
Explore the Zoo by Night
Discover a new side of the Zoo as many pavilions and outdoor areas remain open exclusively for Night at the Zoo. Open areas and houses from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM include:
- Japanese Garden
- Palm House
- Aquarium
- Alligator House
- Dragon House
- South America Enclosure
- Fishermen’s Hut
- Venom House
- Magic Mountain
- Elephant House
- Farmyard
- Shark School
- Pony Enclosure
- Outdoor Biodome spaces
Some exhibits are closed for animal welfare during their sleeping hours to ensure the best environment for your animal friends and a sustainable event for years to come.
Smooth and Sustainable Night Out in Budapest
Free and Extended Public Transport
Make your trip to and from the Zoo extra easy: Event ticket holders can ride BKK public buses, trams, and the legendary “Kisföldalatti” Metro M1 for free from 6:00 PM on August 29 until 1:00 AM on August 30. Transport runs later than usual, including the extended hours for Metro M1, so you can enjoy every moment without worry.
Practical Details and Visitor Info
- Only Night at the Zoo tickets are accepted for entry (not day passes or annual memberships).
- Tickets are available on the Zoo’s official ticketing platform, as well as at box offices from August 4, 2025.
- Last entry is at 9:30 PM; after that, gates and ticket offices close.
- The venue has a strict attendance limit of 6,000 people to ensure everyone’s enjoyment.
- Bags and valuables are your responsibility—no on-site storage is available.
- Be prepared for rain or shine; some parts of the Zoo may close in poor weather or for animal safety.
Why Night at the Zoo is a Must-See Summer Event
The Budapest Zoo’s Night at the Zoo is one of the capital’s most exciting and imaginative summertime experiences. Step into a world where the barriers between city and wilderness melt away, where science and wonder, family fun and learning go hand in hand. Whether you come for the animal encounters, the late-summer atmosphere, the hands-on activities, or simply to explore Budapest in a new way, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.
So gather your friends or bring the whole family—Don’t miss this unforgettable night in the heart of Budapest’s urban wilderness!
Reserve your ticket soon and prepare for a night of wild discovery, hands-on excitement, and starry summer magic at Budapest Zoo!
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