A great nature outing in the heart of Barcelona
Barcelona Zoo: Tickets, Hours, and Visit
Located in the Parc de la Ciutadella, the Barcelona Zoo is home to around 2,000 animals from over 300 species. Discover giraffes, gorillas, orangutans, lions, Komodo dragons, and penguins as you explore this expansive park dedicated to the conservation and protection of biodiversity.
- Over 300 species
- Giraffes, gorillas, and Komodo dragons
- Family activities
- Biodiversity conservation
Barcelona Zoo Tickets
Which ticket should you choose for Barcelona Zoo?
The skip-the-line ticket is the easiest choice for spending half a day at the Barcelona Zoo. If you're travelling with family and want to enjoy multiple animal-related visits, the Zoo + Aquarium pass allows you to combine both attractions.
The easiest way
Barcelona Zoo: Skip-the-line Ticket
Explore the park and its animals at your own pace
Spend half a day at the Barcelona Zoo and discover its diverse species, conservation areas, and activities for families.
- Skip-the-line Entry to Barcelona Zoo
- Access to the park's open spaces
- Picnic areas
- Children's playground
- Zoo app with map and information
Perfect for Families
Barcelona Zoo + Aquarium Pass
Two great wildlife attractions
Combine the Barcelona Zoo and the Barcelona Aquarium with a single booking. An appealing option for families who want to spread these two visits over their stay.
- Entry to Barcelona Zoo
- Entry to Barcelona Aquarium
- Two Great Family Activities
- Book Both Visits in One Order
At a Glance
Barcelona Zoo at a Glance
| Attraction | Barcelona Zoo |
|---|---|
| Location | Ciutadella Park |
| Price | Adult ticket from 23.00 € |
| Recommended Duration | Approximately 3 to 4 hours |
| Animals | Approximately 2,000 |
| Species | More than 300 |
| Must-see | Giraffes, primates, lions, Komodo dragons, penguins, reptiles, and birds |
| Visit | Mainly outdoors |
| Family Fun | Playgrounds, Picnics, and Educational Activities |
| Best Time | At opening time |
| Official Website | zoobarcelona.cat |
Some areas may be temporarily closed during the Zoo's transformation work. Check the daily information before your visit.
The Barcelona Zoo is an excellent outing, especially if you're with children and want to spend several hours outdoors without leaving the city centre. The park is spacious, shaded in some areas, and varied enough to make it a true half-day experience.
We recommend arriving as soon as it opens: the children are still energetic, the paths are quieter, and you'll have more time for the activities offered throughout the day. The Zoo is currently undergoing renovations, so some areas may be temporarily closed, but the park remains largely open.
Biodiversity
From Zoological Park to Biodiversity Conservation Centre
The role of zoos is evolving, and Barcelona has embarked on a profound transformation of its park. The aim is no longer just to showcase animals to the public, but to make the Zoo a place dedicated to biodiversity conservation, research, education, and awareness.
The new model particularly emphasizes endangered species, Mediterranean wildlife, primates, and ecosystems weakened by climate change.
By 2030, new immersive spaces, educational tools, and conservation programmes are set to further strengthen this direction.
Why is it important? The Barcelona Zoo is involved in conservation, breeding, and research programmes, particularly focused on endangered species. The visit now aims to explain the threats facing animals as much as it does to simply showcase them.
What to See
Must-See Animals and Spaces
The Barcelona Zoo brings together species from several continents, with increasing attention given to endangered animals and conservation programmes. However, the presence of an animal or the opening of a space may change depending on construction work and the needs of the animals.
© Jordiferrer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Giraffes
The Rothschild giraffes are among the iconic animals of the Zoo. This African subspecies is part of a European breeding and conservation programme.
© Jordiferrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Great Apes
Gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees are among visitors' favourites. The Zoo also collaborates with organizations involved in the protection of primates in their natural habitat.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lions and Large Mammals
Lions, hippos, elephants, bears, and other large mammals are highlights along the way. Many of these exhibits are gradually being integrated into the Zoo's new model.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Komodo Dragons
The largest lizard in the world is one of the most astonishing animals at the Zoo. Komodo dragons are among the species featured in the areas dedicated to reptiles.
© Bjørn Erik Pedersen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Penguins and Birds
Humboldt penguins, flamingos, macaws, and many other bird species bring true diversity to the journey, with wetlands, aviaries, and outdoor spaces.
© Josep Panadero, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Endangered Species
The Zoo features several particularly endangered species, including certain primates, birds, and amphibians. Their presence provides a tangible way to address the issues of habitat loss and biodiversity conservation.
Visit Duration
How long does it take to visit the Barcelona Zoo?
Plan for about 3 to 4 hours to fully enjoy the Barcelona Zoo. The park is extensive: half a day allows you to explore the main areas, take a few breaks, and, depending on the day's schedule, attend an activity or meet the keepers.
With young children, it's best not to try to see everything: focus on the animals that interest them the most and tailor the visit to the family's pace.
Plan for half a day. Three to four hours will allow you to visit without rushing. If you have less time, choose a few areas instead of trying to cover the entire Zoo.
Family Fun
Barcelona Zoo with Children
The Zoo is naturally one of the top family outings in Barcelona. The animals, outdoor spaces, playgrounds, and educational activities allow for a mix of observation, strolling, and breaks.
The park regularly offers meet-and-greets with the keepers and activities focused on the animals, their habitats, and conservation programmes. These activities add more meaning to the visit, especially for children old enough to understand the importance of biodiversity.
With younger children, plan for several breaks and don't try to cover the entire route.
Come as soon as it opens. The early hours of the day are easier with children and give you more time to enjoy activities and breaks.
Children under 3 years old currently enjoy free admission according to the official conditions of the Zoo.
Plan Your Visit
Barcelona Zoo Opening Hours
| Opening | Usually from 10 am |
|---|---|
| Closing | Variable depending on the season |
| Last admission | About 1 hour before closing |
| Recommended Duration | Approximately 3 to 4 hours |
| Best Time | At opening time |
| Official website | zoobarcelona.cat |
Closing times change throughout the year. Always check the exact schedule for your date on the official website before your visit. Also, remember to check the day's activities.
Barcelona with the Family
Other Family-Friendly Attractions
If you're travelling with children, Barcelona offers several great visits that are easy to combine with the Zoo during your stay.
© Robertgombos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Barcelona Aquarium
An especially easy visit with children, known for its Oceanarium, sharks, and 80-metre underwater tunnel.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tibidabo
The amusement park perched 512 metres up at the top of Collserola, with its historic rides, Ferris wheel and one of the best views over Barcelona.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Poble Espanyol
An open-air museum village featuring architecture, artisan workshops, contemporary art, interactive experiences, and family-friendly activities.
© Jordiferrer / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
CosmoCaixa
The Barcelona Science Museum is a fantastic family outing, featuring interactive experiences, science, nature, and activities designed to spark children's curiosity.
Getting there
Getting to Barcelona Zoo
The Zoo occupies the eastern part of Parc de la Ciutadella, between the Born and Barceloneta districts, close to the old town. It is easily reached by metro, train or tram, or on foot from the centre.
Getting there
Nearby
Museu de la Xocolata
Chocolate sculptures of Barcelona landmarks in the former Sant Agustí convent, a sweet stop after the animals.
El Born CCM
Under the 1876 iron market hall lie the excavated streets of the city destroyed after the 1714 siege.
Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar
The Catalan Gothic church raised by the Ribera's sailors and porters in only 54 years, from 1329 to 1383.
Museu Picasso
Five medieval palaces on Carrer Montcada hold the artist's early works, from his years in Barcelona.
La Barceloneta
South of the park, the 18th-century fishermen's quarter leads to the beach, to end a family day by the sea.
FAQ
FAQ - Barcelona Zoo
Plan for about 3 to 4 hours. The Zoo is quite large, and spending half a day allows you to see the main areas without rushing through the park.
Online booking is recommended, especially during weekends, school holidays, and peak periods. It also allows you to enter directly with a skip-the-line ticket.
Yes. The Zoo has play areas and picnic spots, and regularly offers activities and meet-and-greets with the keepers. It's an ideal visit for a half-day family outing.
The Zoo features over 300 species, including giraffes, lions, gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, Komodo dragons, Humboldt penguins, flamingos, and many species of reptiles and birds.
Yes. Biodiversity conservation is now at the heart of the Zoo's new model, with programmes dedicated to endangered species, research, education, and public awareness.
No. The ticket is valid for one day, but it is generally not possible to exit and then re-enter with the same ticket.