Barcelona Zoo Guide: Top Attractions and What to Expect

The Barcelona Zoo, created 125 years ago in the heart of the Ciutadella Park, right outside of the medieval city, has always been a window into wildlife, an educational tool for kids and adults alike. This zoo is a unique option to unite science with leisure, having the animal's conservation and research as a primary goal. If you are travelling to Barcelona with your kids, the zoo should be a must-visit attraction on your list. This is where your kids will have a good time and learn something new while you enjoy a good stroll and a mild Mediterranean climate. If the climate during your visit is not that mild, you can opt for the electric buggies that will make it easier to move inside the park.

Top Animal Exhibits at Barcelona Zoo

The zoo is the best place for those who want to discover the diversity of the animals in close-to-natural habitats. While all the animals at Barcelona Zoo are worth visiting, some species always attract more attention than others. Don't miss the information desks if you want to find out what these animals eat and how they hunt and reproduce.

Lions, giraffes, and elephants

The big cats exhibit is one of the must-sees. Here, you will see incredibly big and strong predators such as lions, tigers, and leopards in spaces close to their natural habitats. The animals live in a large space behind glass, thus being totally visible to the public while at the same time calm and safe in their own closed space.

Rothschild's giraffe

Watching giraffes pick leaves from the trees is always a good idea. Despite being one of the largest animals in the world, giraffes are known for their peculiar but elegant silhouette. They spend most of the day feeding themselves and roaming around elegantly, moving from one thin and long leg to another.

Bornean Orangutan

This orangutan is a rear type. It has long arms and usually does not live in groups but alone or in a couple. These animals are known for their curious behaviour. Visitors typically love to stay for a long time in front of them, looking at how they act and interact within the group.

Marine life

The highlight of this exhibit is the sea lions. These unique creatures can also move on the land thanks to the rear flippers under their bodies. The species at the Barcelona Zoo is the California sea lion, which can reach two metres long and weigh over 300 kg.

The Komodo dragon

The Komodo dragon is the largest known lizard in the world. It is found only on small Indonesian islands, such as Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami. These animals can weigh around 70 kilos and measure up to 3 meters.

Family-Friendly Activities and Accessibility at Barcelona Zoo

All of the activities and exhibits in the Barcelona Zoo can easily be named family-friendly since the very idea of this place is education and learning while playing and spending a good time in a pleasant environment. But there are also some extraordinary places where kids can have a perfect time.

Here is the list of the most popular activities that you and your kids absolutely can not miss:

Children's Zoo (Zoo Farm)

It is a perfect place for children to interact with farm animals. There are goats, pigs, sheep, ponies, and some other animals at the zoo farm. Kids can learn about the animals' habits, feed them, and care for them. There are always baby animals that the kids enjoy a lot. If you visit the Zoo with kids, don't miss the opportunity, even if the domestic animals sometimes don't seem that fun. You see how happy your kids will be. This is a great place to learn new things and get excited emotions.

Animal Shows and Feedings

The Zoo regularly organises animal feedings that the public can attend. You can see how the zoo carers feed penguins, sea lions, and even big cats. This is how kids learn about what different animals eat and how they eat their usual food. These are educational and entertaining at the same time, and children enjoy this type of interaction a lot.

Workshops and Activities

Barcelona Zoo regularly holds educational workshops and events for children and adults, covering animal behaviour, ecosystems, and conservation. There are events where kids can visit the backstage of the Zoo, participate in the work of the carers, and learn how to feed animals and take care of them and what they need for a comfortable living. Check the official website for the schedule and book in advance if necessary.

Another option is the activity camps for young people. During public holidays and school holidays, children between 5 and 14 years old come to the zoo to learn about different animals and the importance of respecting the natural environment.

Accessibility at Barcelona Zoo

• All of the Zoo’s exhibits and facilities are designed for people with reduced mobility, and the grounds are equipped with ramps.

• There is a free wheelchair service for people who usually do not use it. In case you think the wheelchair could make your visit more accessible, you can request a wheelchair at the entrance

Barcelona Zoo Ticket Prices and How to Purchase

General Admission (ages 13-64): Online: €21.40 On-site: €23.50

Children (ages 3-12): Online: €12.95 On-site: €14.50

Seniors (ages 65+): Online: €11.65 On-site: €12.05

Children under 3 years: Free entry.

Discounts and family packages Buy your ticket online for a discount. There are also family packs and discounts for single parents, people with disabilities, Barcelona residents with municipal card.

How to Get to Barcelona Zoo

Barcelona Zoo is conveniently located in Parc de la Ciutadella, in the city center. You can easily get here using the public transport: Metro: L4 (Yellow Line) to the Barceloneta or Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica stations. Both are located at about a 10-minute walk from the zoo. L1 (Red Line to the Arc de Triomf, which is also a 10-minute walk.

Bus: D20, H14, H16, 39, 51, and V21: These lines have stops in or near Parc de la Ciutadella.

Tram: The T4 line has a stop at Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica.

Tips for a Great Day at Barcelona Zoo

• Plan your visit carefully. Check for opening hours and buy tickets online to avoid long queues.

• Arrive early and choose off-peak days. Avoid weekends and public holidays if possible - these are the days, when the locals flock to the zoo and the spaces, especially the popular exhibits are especially crowded.

• The zoo is a large space, and you’ll have to walk a lot. Choose comfortable shoes if you want to hold the whole day.

• Bring sunscreen and cover the head, especially if you are visiting during the warmer months.

• Check the schedule for animal feedings and book the activities in advance if necessary.

• Grab a map at the entrance and plan your route around the zoo. Otherwise you could miss some must-visit sections.

Barcelona Zoo Opening Hours

The zoo is open every day of the year, but the schedules change depending on the season of the year:

January – March: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

April – May: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

June – September: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

October: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

November – December: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The schedules might vary during public holidays and on weekends, please check the official website before you visit.

Best Time to Visit Barcelona Zoo

• Choose weekdays instead of weekends and avoid public holidays.
• If possible, visit during the off-peak season; avoid summer, when the zoo gets packed with tourists.
• Arrive early in the morning when the museum opens. There will be fewer crowds, and the weather will be much more favourable.