Jardín Zoológico de la Habana

Visiting Jardín Zoológico de la Habana is a chance to step into lush greenery just beyond the city’s historic center. The zoo is located in the Vedado neighborhood, which is easily reached by taxi, city bus, or even a sturdy walk for those exploring on foot. Weekends tend to bring local crowds, especially on sunny afternoons, so timing can be key. Entry is affordable and tickets can be purchased at the modest main gate; lines rarely last long except on school holidays or special event days.

• Best time to visit: Early weekdays in the dry season (November to April) offer cooler weather and quieter paths.
• How to get there: Taxis and classic car hires reach the Vedado entrance easily from most Havana neighborhoods; local buses also stop nearby.
• Accessibility: Wide, shady paths suit families with strollers and visitors needing gentle terrain, though some animal houses have steps.
• Average visit duration: Plan for two to four hours to comfortably see both main and lesser-known exhibits.

For a true glimpse into the soul of Jardín Zoológico de la Habana, visitors can seek out both familiar animal faces and the charms that make this zoo unlike any other in the Caribbean. Sturdy cages house lions and tigers, but it is the open-air paddocks and native gardens, dotted with Cuban art and friendly birds, that truly stand apart. Low admission covers access to all areas, including special showcases of endemic species.

• Key sights or features: The African Savanna enclosure, home to giraffes and zebras; the native Cuban fauna exhibit displaying jutías and hutias.
• Unique experiences: Feeding hours near the petting zoo, guided ecology walks with local keepers (offered on select weekends), and serene lakeside corners where turtles bask.
• Photo-worthy locations: The pastel mural near the lion house; the arched bamboo walkway by the flamingos; shaded benches overlooking water lilies and playful primates.
• Cultural or historical facts: Established in 1939, the zoo reflects decades of Cuba’s approach to conservation. Some senior staff are second- or third-generation keepers with stories about Havana’s changing landscape.