Wrocław Zoo & Afrykarium

Cross the picturesque Zwierzyniecki Bridge and you find yourself immediately alongside the cagey enclosure of the Wrocław Zoological Gardens. A product of the city’s dynamic development in the late 19th century, Wrocław’s zoo dates back to 1865 (celebrating 150 years in 2015!) and became the oldest in the country when Poland inherited it after World War II. Suffering severe wartime damage, many of the zoo’s elegant historic buildings were reconstructed and can be found in the southern part of the park; also don't miss the splendid Soviet-era neon sign at the entrance. Brand-new to the zoo is the impressive African aquarium complex - or 'Afrykarium' - three levels of exhibits focussed on the diverse water environments of Africa, including hippos, sharks, manatees, crocodiles, penguins (in Africa? Who knew?), and more. With over 14,000 critters of some 1,100 different species, the zoo is one of Wrocław’s most visited attractions (don't be surprised by long entry queues on sunny weekends) and also provides foreigners with an opportunity to pick up a few phrases from one of the only Polish-speaking macaws in the world.