If you’re looking for a day of fun for the whole family, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden has it all. And what makes it stand out from most of the other zoos you’ll find around the world is its fascinating historical backstory. One of the oldest zoos in the world, it was founded at a time when the context of revolution, the War for Independence and the ongoing oppression did not lend itself to a smooth genesis. Nonetheless, the group of patriots who founded it persevered in their vision of an attraction for the people of the time, and in 1866 the Zoo opened its doors for the first time to the sound of the midday bell. Ever since then, it has endured a turbulent history and many threats of closure but has remained a source of fascination and endless wonder for its countless visitors. Today, many of its old buildings have been restored to their antique splendor, while the animal habitats have been modernized and enlarged for a prime viewing experience. It boasts many special creatures, including exotic ones such as the Komodo dragon and the wombat. So come take a trip down to this expansive zoo park, and experience the same sense of wonder that its first visitors felt almost 150 years ago.