Barcelona Zoo sits inside Parc de la Ciutadella, right in the city centre. Opened in 1892, it’s one of the oldest zoos in Spain: it covers around 14 hectares and is home to roughly 2,000 animals of some 300 species, plus a remarkable botanical collection. Its most popular areas are the Land of Dragons (with the Komodo dragon), the Primate Gallery, the Palm Grove and the children’s Farm. It opens every day at 10:00, with a closing time that varies through the year. It has two entrances: one from the park and one on Carrer Wellington. Metro: Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica (L4) or Arc de Triomf (L1).
Places to Visit in Barcelona…
- Montjuïc
- Tibidabo
- Parc de la Ciutadella
- Laberint d’Horta
- Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
- Aquàrium de Barcelona
What is Barcelona Zoo?
Few cities can claim to have their zoo right in the historic centre. Barcelona Zoo occupies a good part of Parc de la Ciutadella, steps from the Born and the Barceloneta, which makes it one of the easiest and most rewarding family plans in the city: you can walk there from the old town and combine it beautifully with a stroll through the park.
Beyond the visit itself, the Zoo now defines itself as a centre for biodiversity conservation and environmental education. It’s a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the European Association (EAZA), and takes part in breeding programmes for threatened species and in research projects. Its layout aims to reproduce, as far as possible, the animals’ natural habitats, with open enclosures separated by moats rather than bars.
More than 130 years of history
The Zoo opened in 1892, a few years after Parc de la Ciutadella was transformed for the 1888 Universal Exposition. It’s therefore one of the oldest zoos in Spain and an institution deeply rooted in the memory of several generations of Barcelona residents.
Its history is marked by two famous residents. The first, and best loved, was Snowflake (Floquet de Neu), the only known albino gorilla in the world, who lived at the Zoo between 1966 and 2003 and became a popular symbol of the city. The second was the orca Ulises, who lived here for years before being transferred to the United States. Today the Zoo has left that era behind and has reoriented its model towards animal welfare, conservation and education.
What to see at Barcelona Zoo?
Indoor areas are shown approximately. Check the official Zoo map at the entrance or on their website.
The Land of Dragons
One of the star areas, devoted to large reptiles and presided over by the impressive Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. An essential stop, especially with children.
The Primate Gallery and the Tamarin Gallery
The primate area —with gorillas, chimpanzees and other apes— is always the busiest and the one that captivates visitors most. The Tamarin Gallery, dedicated to small South American primates, is a lesser-known gem.
The Palm Grove, the aviary and the terrariums
The route takes in the historic Palm Grove, the free-flight bird dome, the aviary and the terrariums. The flamingo pond, one of the first sights as you enter, is another highlight.
The Farm and the children’s Zoo
Designed for the youngest visitors: a mini-farm with goats and rabbits, play areas and spaces for learning to tell wild animals from domestic ones. There are picnic areas around the grounds, so you can bring your own lunch.
A surprising botanical heritage
It’s easy to overlook, but the Zoo is home to some 1,300 plants of around 320 botanical species, with large trees shading the whole route. Much of its charm lies precisely in walking beneath that greenery.
What are Barcelona Zoo’s opening hours in 2026?
The Zoo opens every day of the year at 10:00, but the closing time changes month by month (later in spring and summer, earlier in winter when it gets dark sooner). As a rough guide:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opening | Every day at 10:00 |
| Closing | Varies by month (approx. between 16:30 in winter and 20:00 in summer) |
| Last entry | Roughly 2 hours before closing |
How much does it cost to enter Barcelona Zoo in 2026?
| Ticket type | Price (2026) |
|---|---|
| General admission (adult) | Check the official website |
| Children (approx. 3-12 years) | Reduced rate |
| Under 3s | Free |
| Annual pass, Youth (14-25) | €25.50 a year, no joining fee |
| Annual pass, Individual (26+) | €47 a year + €25.50 joining fee |
| Annual pass, Family | €101 a year + €25.50 joining fee |
💡 Tip: buy online to skip the queues and go first thing in the morning, right at opening: there are fewer people and the animals are more active. If you live in Barcelona and plan to return, the youth annual pass (€25.50) pays for itself in two visits.
How to get to Barcelona Zoo?
The Zoo is inside Parc de la Ciutadella and has two entrances: one within the park itself and another on Carrer Wellington, by Passeig de Circumval·lació.
| Transport | Line / Detail | Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | Line 4 (yellow) | Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica or Barceloneta |
| Metro | Line 1 (red) | Arc de Triomf or Marina |
| Tram | T4 | Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica |
| Bus | Lines D20, H14, H16, V21, V27 | Nearby stops |
| Renfe / Rodalies | Local trains | Arc de Triomf or Estació de França |
| Bus Turístic | Red Route | Parc de la Ciutadella – Zoo |
From the Born or the Barceloneta it’s a short walk through the park, which is a lovely stroll in itself.
Practical tips for your visit
- Allow 2 to 4 hours to see it at a relaxed pace.
- Go first thing: fewer queues, less heat and more active animals.
- Watch the closing and last-entry times, as they change every month.
- You can bring a picnic: there are picnic areas, plus restaurants and cafés inside.
- It’s an accessible site: free wheelchair service and adapted toilets are available.
- Combine it with the rest of Parc de la Ciutadella (the Cascade, the lake), the Born and the Picasso Museum, all next door.
What to see near Barcelona Zoo
| Place | Why visit |
|---|---|
| Parc de la Ciutadella | The Monumental Cascade, the lake with boats and the Castell dels Tres Dragons |
| The Born & Santa Maria del Mar | The city’s most charming neighbourhood, a step away |
| Picasso Museum | The great collection of Picasso’s formative years |
| Arc de Triomf | The monumental gateway of the 1888 Exposition |
| Barceloneta | The seaside neighbourhood and its beaches, very close |
Hotel Arc La Rambla, a stroll from the Zoo
From Hotel Arc La Rambla (La Rambla 19-21, next to Drassanes metro, L3), Barcelona Zoo is an easy walk through the old town or a short metro ride away. It’s the perfect family plan for a morning, which you can round off with a stroll through Parc de la Ciutadella, the Born and the Picasso Museum, before returning to the hotel, steps from Las Ramblas and the harbour.
💡 Book on our website with the code ARCBLOG and enjoy a special perk as a blog reader.
Barcelona Zoo — frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Barcelona Zoo?
The Zoo has a general adult admission and a reduced rate for children (roughly 3 to 12 years); under-3s enter free. The price varies by season and sales channel, so it’s worth checking on the official website; buying online usually avoids queues. There are also annual passes: youth (€25.50), individual (€47 plus joining fee) and family (€101 plus joining fee).
What are Barcelona Zoo’s opening hours?
The Zoo opens every day of the year at 10:00, but the closing time varies by month (roughly between 16:30 in winter and 20:00 in summer). Last entry is usually about 2 hours before closing, so it’s worth checking the official calendar before your visit.
What animals are there at Barcelona Zoo?
The Zoo is home to around 2,000 animals of some 300 species. Its most notable areas include the Land of Dragons, with the Komodo dragon; the Primate Gallery, with gorillas and chimpanzees; the Tamarin Gallery; the aviary and the free-flight bird dome; the terrariums; the flamingo pond and the children’s Farm.
Who was Snowflake?
Snowflake (Floquet de Neu) was the only known albino gorilla in the world. He came from Equatorial Guinea and lived at Barcelona Zoo between 1966 and 2003, becoming a popular symbol of the city and the best-loved resident in its history.
How do you get to Barcelona Zoo?
The Zoo is inside Parc de la Ciutadella and has two entrances: one from the park and one on Carrer Wellington. The nearest metro stops are Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica and Barceloneta (Line 4) and Arc de Triomf and Marina (Line 1). The T4 tram, several bus lines (D20, H14, H16, V21, V27) and Rodalies trains (Arc de Triomf or Estació de França) also serve it.
