Barcelona Zoo

About Barcelona Zoo

The zoo opened in 1892 in the southern part of Parc de la Ciutadella, on the grounds of the former Universal Exposition. Today it covers about 13 hectares and is among the oldest zoos in Spain. Hundreds of species from every continent live here, and the zoo takes part in European breeding programmes for rare animals. In recent years the enclosures have been made larger and more natural, with new savannah and rainforest areas.

It's right in the centre: five minutes from El Born and ten from Barceloneta beach. That makes it easy to combine with a walk around the old town or along the seafront, and tired children don't face a long trip back to the hotel.

What to see at the zoo

The stars are the gorillas and other great apes, which you can watch through the glass of their enclosure. Nearby is an African savannah with giraffes, zebras and antelopes, enclosures for elephants, lions and hippos, and islands of lemurs.

The indoor terrarium houses snakes, crocodiles, tortoises and monitor lizards, including Komodo dragons. For little ones there's a children's zoo, a farm of goats, sheep and ponies to stroke, plus playgrounds. Flamingos and pelicans live by the ponds in the middle of the zoo.

What to see at Barcelona Zoo

• Gorillas — a large family of great apes.
• The savannah — giraffes, zebras and antelopes.
• Elephants and hippos — the biggest residents.
• The terrarium — snakes, crocodiles and Komodo dragons.
• The children's farm — goats, sheep and ponies.
• Flamingos — pink birds by the pond.

Planning your visit

The animals are most active in the morning, just after opening, and towards evening when the heat eases. At midday many retreat to the shade. In summer, start with the indoor terrarium and the shaded enclosures and save the savannah for morning or evening.

The route around the zoo is a loop, and you can see everything in 2 to 3 hours. There are cafés, picnic spots and playgrounds, and the paths are pushchair-friendly. With small children, split the visit: the farm and playgrounds first, then the big animals.

Tips for your visit

In summer bring a hat and water, as some paths are in the sun. In winter the zoo is calm and quiet, though some animals may stay indoors. Feeding the animals isn't allowed and loud noises frighten them, so explain this to children beforehand.

After the zoo, walk into Parc de la Ciutadella for the cascade and the rowing lake, then on to the Arc de Triomf or the beach. It makes a whole family day in the centre without long journeys on public transport. Many families do the zoo in the morning, lunch in Barceloneta and the beach or the aquarium in Port Vell in the afternoon.

Places in Barcelona: compare and choose

Places in Barcelona rated by YesGo. Click a column header to sort.

Nearby and on the way

43

Parc de la Ciutadella

Barcelona, Spain

1 h 15 min · Free · 5 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Parc de la Ciutadella

39

Santa Maria del Mar

Barcelona, Spain

40 min · Free in the morning · 16 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Santa Maria del Mar

36

Picasso Museum

Barcelona, Spain

1 h 45 min · Paid · 16 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Picasso Museum

38

Barceloneta

Barcelona, Spain

2 h 30 min · Free · 17 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Barceloneta

How to do it right

• Animals are livelier in the morning.
• Cheaper tickets online.
• Summer: water and a hat.
• Then Parc de la Ciutadella.

Questions