Plan Your Visit to Barcelona Zoo

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Visiting Barcelona Zoo

Barcelona Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Barcelona, Spain. It is located in the heart of the city's beautiful Ciutadella Park and covers an area of approximately 13 hectares. The zoo is home to over 4000 animals from 400 different species, making it one of the largest and most diverse zoos in Europe. The Barcelona Zoo was established in 1892 and has since undergone several renovations and expansions to improve the facilities for both animals and visitors. The zoo is dedicated to the conservation and protection of endangered species, and many of the animals housed in the zoo are part of breeding programs aimed at preserving their populations.

Barcelona Zoo | Visitor Information At A Glance

lion in zoo
  • What are Barcelona Zoo's opening hours?

Barcelona Zoo is open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM from Monday to Friday. Over the weekend, it is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The zoo is open on all days of the year, except for Christmas Day afternoon.

  • Where is the Barcelona Zoo located?

Barcelona Zoo is located inside Ciutadella Park, which lies in the heart of the city. The official address is Parc de la, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. You can find it on Maps.

  • How many entrances does Barcelona Zoo have?

Barcelona Zoo has two entrances. The first one is located in Ciutadella Park, while the other is at Carrer Wellington, near Passeig de Circumval·lació.

  • How many number visitors does the Barcelona Zoo see per year?

Barcelona Zoo is visited by more than 1 million people every year. It is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

What Are Barcelona Zoo's Opening Hours?

Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Last Entry: The last entry to Barcelona Zoo is about 2 hours before closing time.

Closure: The zoo is open on all days of the year. It is only closed on Christmas Day afternoon every year.

What’s The Best Time To Visit Barcelona Zoo?

The best time to visit the Barcelona Zoo largely depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to see and do during your visit. However, there are some general tips that can help you make the most of your time at the zoo.

High Season: The high season for tourism in Barcelona is typically from May to September, which means that the zoo is likely to be busiest during these months.

Fewer Crowds: If you prefer to avoid crowds, it's best to visit during the low season from October to April. The weather during these months may be cooler, but the advantage is that you'll have a more peaceful and less crowded experience.

Time of Day: Another factor to consider is the time of day you visit. The zoo opens at 10:00 AM every day and closes at 4:30 or 5:30 PM. To avoid the heat and the crowds, it's best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The animals are also more active during these times, making it easier to observe their behaviour and movements.

Visit During Events: Consider visiting the zoo during special events or festivals. The zoo often hosts events during holidays and festivals like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter, which can add an extra element of fun to your visit. Keep an eye out for these events and plan accordingly.

Where Is Barcelona Zoo Located?

Getting To Barcelona Zoo

bus in barcelona

By Bus

Closest Stop: Parc de la Ciutadella

There are several bus routes that go to Barcelona Zoo, making it a convenient and accessible destination for visitors. Bus lines D20, H14, H16, V21 and V27 go to the zoo. Parc de la Ciutadella is the stop closest to Barcelona Zoo.

tram to barcelona zoo

By Tram

Closest Stop: Ciutadella - Vila Olímpica

Tram line T4 will take you to the closest tram stop near Barcelona Zoo. Trams run throughout the city, so you can easily find one. Taking the tram is also an affordable option to travel to Barcelona Zoo and other popular attractions in the city.

Barcelona zoo By Metro

By Metro

Closest Stop: Line 4 - Barceloneta and Ciutadella - Vila Olípica, Line 1 - Marina and Arc de Triomf

Take Line 4 towards La Pau and get off at the Ciutadella - Vila Olímpica metro station. This station is located right next to the Parc de la Ciutadella, which is where the Barcelona Zoo is located. If you are taking L1, get down at Marina or Arc de Triomf.

barcelona zoo vy renfe

By Renfe

Closest Stop: Arc de Triomf

There are no direct Renfe stations for Barcelona Zoo but you can take one and get down at Arc de Triomf, which lies about 1.4 km away from the zoo. You can take a metro from here or walk the distance and explore the streets of Barcelona.

How To Skip The Line At Barcelona Zoo

As Barcelona Zoo is a popular attraction in the city, you might have to wait in line to get entry tickets at the counter. To have the best experience and save time, here are some ways to skip the line.

Buy Tickets Online for Barcelona Zoo

Buy Tickets Online

Buying tickets online save you a lot of time and money. You can choose from different ticket options available, including combo tickets to Barcelona Zoo and Aquarium Barcelona. This will also help you plan your visit in advance.

Visit Early In The Day

Visit Early In The Day

Barcelona Zoo is generally crowded, as it is one of the most-visited places in the city. You should go in the early opening hours between 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The zoo is less crowded during these hours. You will be able to get tickets at the counter if you haven’t booked them in advance.

Book Tickets to Barcelona Zoo

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Know Before You Go To Barcelona Zoo

Entrances
Facilities
Eat
Nearby
Stay
Entrances to Barcelona zoo

There are two entrances to Barcelona Zoo.

  • Ciutadella Park: The entrance to Barcelona Zoo is located within Ciutadella Park, a popular urban park in the city.
  • Carrer Wellington: There is a secondary entrance to Barcelona Zoo located at Carrer Wellington, which is close to the Passeig de Circumval·lació.

Facilities at Barcelona Zoo
  • Restaurants and cafes: The zoo has several restaurants and cafes, offering a variety of food and drink options to suit different tastes.
  • Gift shops: There are several gift shops located throughout the zoo, offering souvenirs, toys, and other items related to the zoo's animals and exhibits.
  • Picnic areas: Visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drinks, and the zoo has designated picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal.
  • Stroller and wheelchair rentals: Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent at the zoo for visitors who need them.
  • Toilets and baby changing facilities: The zoo has multiple toilet facilities and baby changing stations available throughout the park.
  • Breastfeeding room: The zoo has breastfeeding rooms for new mothers to feed their babies. 
Eatting at Barcelona Zoo

Barcelona Zoo has two restaurants located inside, offering a variety of food and drink options to suit different tastes.

  • Restaurant La Dama: This restaurant is open from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. They provide cafeteria service, vegan/gluten-free dishes, special meal options for kids and more.
  • The Cabins: This is only open on weekends and holidays from 12:15 PM to 4:00 PM and serves sandwiches, ice cream, drinks and refreshments.
Visit Arc de Triomf, Nearby attractions

Park de la Ciutadella: Located just next to the Barcelona Zoo, Park de la Ciutadella is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the city. The park is home to several museums, including the Museum of Zoology.

Arc de Triomf: A short walk from the Barcelona Zoo, the Arc de Triomf is a beautiful monument that was built in 1888 for the Universal Exposition.

La Sagrada Familia: One of the most iconic landmarks in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is a breathtaking church that was designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi.

Casa Batlló: Another masterpiece designed by Antoni Gaudi, Casa Batllo is a stunning residential building that is known for its unique architecture and colourful façade.

Visitor Rules & Tips

  • Rules of the zoo: Follow the rules and regulations of the zoo at all times. This includes not feeding the animals, not littering, and staying on designated paths.
  • Comfortable footwear: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for the weather. The zoo is quite large, and you will be doing a lot of walking.
  • Check official website: Plan your visit in advance and check the zoo's website for opening hours, ticket prices, and special events.
  • Sunscreen in summer: Bring sunscreen and a hat, especially during the summer months when the sun can be strong.
  • Carry snacks: Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to spend several hours at the zoo. There are plenty of picnic areas throughout the park.
  • Book tickets in advance: Consider purchasing tickets in advance online to avoid long queues at the entrance.
  • Bring along a map of the zoo: Take a map of the zoo with you to help you navigate through the different areas and exhibits.
  • Maintain distance from animals: Be respectful of the animals and do not tap on the glass or try to get too close to them. Keep a safe distance and observe them quietly.
  • Travel via public transportation: Travel via public transport to reach the zoo. They are affordable and quick, compared to private taxis and self-drive cars.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Barcelona Zoo

What are the Barcelona Zoo opening hours?

Barcelona Zoo is open on all days of the year, except Christmas Day afternoons. The timings are 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday) and 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Saturday and Sunday).

What is the best time to visit Barcelona Zoo?

 Early morning hours between 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and off-season time of the year are the best times to visit Barcelona Zoo. 

How much time does it take to visit the Barcelona Zoo?

 You should spend about 4-5 hours inside the zoo to see all the experiences. However, if you’re running short on time, 2-3 hours is enough.

Who can enter the Barcelona Zoo for free?

Tickets are at a discounted price for seniors and children. You can also save money on combo tours. Tickets are not free.

Is it mandatory to wear face masks at the Barcelona Zoo?

To protect yourself and others around you, you should wear a face mask on your visit. However, it is not mandatory anymore.

Q. Is it mandatory to wear face masks at the <POI>?

A.Yes, it is compulsory to wear masks for visitors above the age of 11 both inside the museum and throughout the Louvre and Tuileries grounds. Visitors must bring their own masks as they will not be provided at the venue.

Are group visits allowed at Barcelona Zoo?

Yes, you can book tickets for your group to visit Barcelona Zoo.

Where is the Barcelona Zoo located in Barcelona?

Barcelona Zoo is located inside Parc de la Ciutadella, in the heart of the city. The official address is Parc de la, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Follow the directions on Map.

What is the best way to get to the Barcelona Zoo?

The best way to get to Barcelona Zoo is via public transport. Metro, buses, trams and Renfe will take you to nearby stops where you can get down.

How many entrances are there at the Barcelona Zoo?

There are two entrances to Barcelona Zoo. There is one located in Ciutadella Park, while the other is at Carrer Wellington, near Passeig de Circumval·lació.

Is there a dress code to be followed at the Barcelona Zoo?

 No, Barcelona Zoo does not have a dress code. However, you should wear comfortable clothes and footwear, as you will be walking a lot.

Does Barcelona Zoo conduct activities for children?

Yes, Barcelona Zoo has many activities for children like educational programs, feeding animals and picnic areas.

Is photography permitted inside the Barcelona Zoo?

Yes, you can take pictures inside Barcelona Zoo.

Will my luggage be allowed inside the Barcelona Zoo?

Yes, Barcelona Zoo has locker facilities. However, don’t carry a huge suitcase, as there are restrictions on the size of the luggage.

Are strollers/wheelchairs available at the Barcelona Zoo?

 Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent inside Barcelona Zoo.

Q. Is there a cloakroom at the <POI>?

A. Yes, Louvre Paris has a cloakroom that you can use free of charge to store your belongings for the duration of your visit.

Q. Will my luggage allowed inside the <POI>?

A. No, helmets, suitcases, large bags, and any items exceeding 55 x 35 x 20 cm will not be allowed in the museum.

Q. Are strollers/wheelchairs available at the <POI>?

A. Yes, one can rent strollers or wheelchairs by asking a staff member at the Help Desk.