Barcelona Zoo is a popular destination for a day outing spread over 32 acres within the city.
It receives nearly a million visitors annually who visit to see its 5500 animals of 400 different species.
It is also a biodiversity park with 1300 trees, plants, and flowers.
This wildlife attraction is worth visiting because of its rich flora and fauna, especially for families.
This article covers everything you need to know before buying tickets for the Barcelona Zoo.
Snapshot
Hours: 10 am to 8 pm
Last entry: 7.30 pm
Time needed: 4 hours
Ticket cost: €21
Best time: Around 10 am
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Things to know before booking tickets
You can buy Barcelona Zoo tickets online or offline at the attraction’s ticket counter.
Online tickets are usually cheaper than those sold at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because the attraction sells a limited number of tickets on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
To book tickets, go to Barcelona Zoo’s booking page and select your preferred date and number of tickets.
Once you purchase the tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the box office and walk in.
Barcelona Zoo tickets
The tickets give you access to a 32-acre space with its impressive collection of over 5,500 animals.
You will be able to witness over 400 species and learn all about the animals’ lives, such as their natural habitats, breeding, ecological significance, and conservation.
You can access the open-air picnic spaces, playground areas, and more.
Cost of tickets
Adults aged 13 years and older pay €21 for admission to the Barcelona Zoo.
Visitors aged between three and 12 years can get entry for €13.
Kids up to two years old can enter for free.
Visitors who use wheelchairs can get admission at discounted prices onsite while their carers get free entry.
Adult (13+ years): €21
Child (3 to 12 years): €13
Barcelona Zoo and Aquarium
The Barcelona Aquarium, only a 15-minute walk from the zoo, is one of the city’s top attractions.
The aquarium can be covered in 2 hours for visitors who can maintain a good pace. It is also open for longer hours than the zoo.
Several visitors combine zoo and aquarium trips on the same day.
When you buy this Zoo & Aquarium combo, you get up to 10% discount, which you can use (five times!) to get discounts on future purchases.
It is ideal for locals and tourists with children.
FAQs about tickets
Here are some questions tourists ask before purchasing their tickets for the Barcelona Zoo.
Entry to the attraction is free for children up to three years old, carers of disabled persons, and members with a pink card.
Yes, tickets for the Zoo are available at the venue’s ticket office. However, due to high demand, the popular timeslots may sell out, so it’s better to get them online in advance.
Visitors can present their tickets on mobile devices, but printed tickets are also accepted at the Zoo Barcelona. Take the entrance through Parc de la Ciutadella and show the ticket on your mobile at the box office before going to the turnstiles.
While the attraction is open from 10 am to 7 pm, the last admission will be no later than 6 pm. Arrive at your convenience and spend as much time as you want inside the venue.
The attraction in Barcelona does not designate time slots, so you are free to visit anytime during its opening hours until one hour before closing time.
The attraction offers discounted admission to disabled visitors, seniors aged 65 and above, children aged between three and 12, and holders of large-family cards and single-parent family cards.
Unfortunately, the attraction does not offer a dedicated student discount on its admission tickets.
The attraction does not offer a military discount on its admission tickets.
Yes, the Barcelona City Card is a cost-effective option to explore the best attractions in Barcelona with one single pass over 2, 3, 4, or 5 days – your choice! Enjoy discounts up to 50%* compared to buying individual attraction tickets, a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city, and a sightseeing cruise. Make the most of the guided tours, museums, landmarks, and other iconic sites, like Sagrada Familia, Casa Battló, and Park Guell, with this pass.
This attraction in Barcelona has a flexible cancellation policy. You can cancel your ticket until 11.59 pm the day before your visit for a full refund.
The attraction has a flexible rescheduling policy. You can change the time and date of your visit until 11:59 pm the day before your scheduled visit.
The attraction is an all-weather experience, so all tickets are final.
Opening hours
Barcelona Zoo opens every day at 10 am, but its closing time varies depending on the season.
In the winter months, it closes at 4.30 pm.
In Spring and Fall, it remains until 7 pm, and in the summer months, till 8 pm.
The ticket offices wind up 30 minutes before the zoo closes.
On Christmas Day, the zoo closes in the afternoon.
How long does a visit take
Visitors tend to cover all the animal exhibits, special attractions, and wildlife shows in Zoo Barcelona in 4 hours.
If you are visiting with children, you may need an additional hour.
Children usually linger longer around their favorite animal enclosures and frequently stop for pictures and food.
Some families end up spending an entire day!
If you are a group of adults in a hurry, you can keep a better pace and wrap up the visit in 2 hours.
Best time to visit
It is best to visit the Barcelona Zoo as soon as it opens at 10 am.
As the day progresses and gets hotter, the animals recede to shaded areas and are sometimes hard to spot.
The animals are most active during the first half of the day, and the crowds and queues are also smaller then.
When you start early, you cover a considerable part of your tour before breaking for lunch.
On weekends and public holidays, the zoo tends to draw a large number of people.
If possible, pick a weekday for your visit to avoid the rush.
Spring and summer are excellent times to visit because they allow you to enjoy the outdoors. However, this is also when the zoo is most crowded.
Book your tickets in advance to gain quicker access and save time from waiting at the booking office queue.
What to expect
Find your way back to nature with Barcelona Zoo, which houses an array of animals in a heartwarming, lush, green environment.
It is a haven for curious explorers and animal lovers as they encounter creatures from diverse ecosystems, including the African Savannah, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Arctic Tundra.
Behold the animals in their natural habitats.
Take in the fascinating knowledge of animal care, enrichment activities, proper nutrition, and veterinary care.
Be a part of the numerous live shows and events the zoo hosts for entertainment and awareness.
Salou to Barcelona Zoo! Salou is just 55 miles (88.5 km) away from Barcelona. You can plan a day excursion from Salou to the zoo by bus (2.15 hours), train (1.45 hours), or car (1.15 hours).
Animals in the Barcelona Zoo
The main attractions at the zoo are lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, leopards, pandas, bears, etc.
The big cats have their own enclosures.
This wildlife reserve’s 2000+ animals and birds are divided and showcased in nine unique habitats.
Every zone is designed to mirror the native environment of the respective species, giving an insight into the varied habitats, vegetation, ambiance, etc.
Let’s take you through the different zones.
Land of Dragons
The Komodo facility houses five animal species from the Asia Pacific. It has two primary enclosures – a large one for the Komodo Dragon and the other for Muntjac deer.
In addition to these, three bird species from the Asian continent are present here: the Java Sparrow, the Nicobar Pigeon, and the Pied Imperial Pigeon.
Terrarium
Inaugurated in 1972, the Terrarium at the Barcelona Zoo houses one of Europe’s best collections of amphibians and reptiles.
It has small dragons, poison dart frogs, iguanas, large spectacled caimans, etc.
It also houses the dwarf crocodile and various species of giant snakes like the python and the boa.
Another fascinating part of the Reptile House is the assisted reproduction room for animals.
It is open to the public and popular amongst children as they can see baby tortoises, snakes, and iguanas here.
Aviarium
The zoo in Barcelona has an extensive range of birds from different continents.
The facility was initially constructed in 1970 and renovated in 2002 to represent the varied ecosystems of the American, Asian, and African jungles.
The aviary has been upgraded to match the respective natural habitat of the 70 types of birds living here.
The Farm
The Farm, popularly known as the Children’s Zoo, is a hot favorite among the youngest visitors.
It has goats, ponies, cows, sheep, pigs, horses, rabbits, asses, field mice, etc.
It also has domestic animals, such as hamsters.
Don’t miss out on the Catalon donkey, a species on the verge of extinction.
Children can pet and interact with these animals.
Primates Gallery
Small Primates Gallery has natural living environments created for the primates to be at home.
Some of the species housed here are the Brazza Monkey, the White-Naped/Nosed Monkey, the Putty-Nosed Monkey, the Red Monkey, and the barbary macaque.
Visitors can also see the Talapoin, the Siamang, and the Collared Mangabey.
The Primate section has a covered passage with glass walls that enables visitors to see animals climbing up, speedily sliding down ropes, and doing other ‘monkey business’ like eating their fruit.
Marmosets Gallery
The Marmosets section, with its Titi Monkey Gallery, is the most visited zoo exhibit.
It was constructed in 1990 to house a sample of one of the world’s smallest primates- the South American Titi Monkeys.
Currently, the Marmosets Gallery has seven species of primates living together.
These are the Goeldi Monkey, the White-Faced Monkey, the Golden Headed Lion Tamarin, the Emperor Tamarin Monkey, the Golden-Handed Tamarin, and the Cotton-Top Tamarin.
It also holds the smallest primates in the world – the Pygmy Marmosets.
Palmeral
Closest to the zoo entrance is the Palmeral section with many brightly feathered noisy birds.
The delightful garden, which is easy to stroll around, enables visitors to observe the different bird species from various positions and with changing views.
It is enthralling to watch riotously colorful species like White Cockatoos, Triton Cockatoos, Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos, Red-fronted Macaws, Hyacinth Macaws, Blue Macaws, Green and Red Macaws, Military Macaws, golden parrot, the Yellow-cheeked Parrot from Ecuador, the Red-tailed Parrot, and the Red-breasted Parrot.
Flight Dome
The large oval-shaped Bird Flying Dome houses the birds that inhabit the swampy terrain.
Water zones combined with grassland and varied vegetation make for an apt breeding environment for several native species in this section.
The zoo authorities later release these birds in the Catalan Natural Parks.
Dolphin Show
Barcelona Zoo Dolphinarium was amongst the first of its kind in Europe.
The Dolphin Show in the Hall of Dolphins here was a major attraction.
Tourists from far and wide thronged to watch the animals jump, swim, raise their hind flippers, swim high in the medium-body, or greet the public with side flippers.
It was popular amongst young and old visitors and had people queuing up 45 minutes before the show’s start to gain access and strategic viewing points.
Dolphin shows stopped
After constant requests and appeals from animal rights groups and to become an animalist zoo, Barcelona Zoo made the tough call to stop this show for good.
On Sunday, 15 November 2015, the dolphins performed for the last time.
After that, the acrobatic display didn’t happen, but visitors could observe the mammals swimming around their pool enclosures.
Dolphins transferred
In July 2020, Barcelona Zoo became the first in Spain to close its Dolphinarium permanently.
The move firmly established their stand against the captivity of these intelligent mammals.
The last three dolphins – Nuik, Tumay, and Blau – were transferred to and rehabilitated at Athens Zoo.
Barcelona Zoo map
The zoo is spread over 32 acres, and it is advisable to carry a map to help you plan your visit.
It will help locate the enclosures, sections, and facilities such as restrooms, restaurants, picnic areas, medical rooms, lockers, and souvenir shops.
They are convenient for families who may want to start viewing their favorite animals instead of whatever comes along the path.
The map can help you navigate the grounds without getting exhausted or wasting time finding various exhibits. Download map
You can also get the zoo map and directions on the zoo app (Android/iPhone) to help you plan your visit and find information on shows and special attractions.
Restaurants
The zoo allows visitors to carry their food and drinks.
If you decide to stay light and not carry your own food, you can choose from the restaurants at the attraction.
The zoo’s restaurants offer a good spread from pizzas to hot dogs and soups to juices.
However, feeding animals in the exhibits and grounds is strictly prohibited.
Here is a list of restaurants you can try while visiting the zoo to quench your hunger pangs.
El Terrarium
El Terrarium, or the Terrace outside the Terrarium zone, is an Italian food joint serving sumptuous pasta, salads, and pizzas.
They also cater sandwiches and fruit salad.
The restaurant has a children’s menu as well as gluten-free options.
It is open every day from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm.
La Granja (Farm) cafe
La Granja, or the Farm cafe, is located next to the children’s playground at the farm and offers fresh pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and sides.
The rotisserie chicken is their signature dish and the big draw for hungry visitors.
The café has gluten-free options and a children’s menu.
Picnic areas
You can take a lunch or snack break in the designated picnic areas.
There are three enabled areas – Lady of the Umbrella, Parliament, and Farm- with comfortable tables and benches where you can enjoy your meals.
How to reach
Barcelona Zoo is located in Parc de la Ciutadella, in the city center, not far from the Born district.
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Get Directions
Visitors can access this wildlife park through two points – the Ciutadella Park and the other through Carrer de Wellington, next to Passeig de Circumval – lació (ring road).
You can use public or private transport to get to the destination.
By Bus
Bus route nos. D20, H14, H16, V21, and V27 will drop you closest/at the zoo.
By Metro
Take the L1 Metro line to Marina station or the Arc de Triomf, from where you can walk to the attraction.
Marina is a 15-minute walk, while Arc de Triomf is a 10-minute walk to the zoo.
If Metro Line L4 is closer to you, get down at either Barceloneta Subway station or Ciutadella –Vila Olímpica.
Both are less than 1 km (two-thirds of a mile) from the zoo and take approximately 10 minutes by walk.
By Tram
Tram route T-4 takes you to Ciutadella – Vila Olímpica, just an 11-minute walk from the zoo.
Tram routes connect and complete the travel routes where the subway/metro is unavailable.
By Renfe
Renfe or Spanish Railway is another option.
Renfe routes through Arc de Triomf (a 10-minute walk to the zoo) and Estació de França (a 4-minute walk) will take you to the closest distance from the zoo.
Driving to Barcelona Zoo
If you’re traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.
Take the Ronda Litoral to exit number 22.
It is better to book your car parking slot in advance.
| Car Parks | Address |
|---|---|
| B:SM Wellington Zoo | Trias Fargas, 19. |
| B:SM Parc de Recerca Biomèdica | Trias Fargas, 19. |
| B:SM Litoral Port | Avinguda del Litoral, 34. |
| Estácio de Franca – ADIF | Marques d’Argentera. |
| B:SM Marina Port | Marina, 13-17. |
Sources
# Zoobarcelona.cat
# Tripadvisor.com
# Barcelona.de
# ticketshop.barcelona
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