Barcelona Zoo

On a sunny day there’s no better place to be than Barcelona Zoo. Wander around the 13-hectare site in the Parc de la Ciutadella and see some of the wonders of the natural world while enjoying the green spaces of this popular park.

The zoo has grown from a small private collection of animals gifted to the city of Barcelona by a local banker in 1892 to today’s pioneering centre for research and conservation, housing over 400 native and endangered species in specially created environments.

One of the zoo’s proudest achievements is in the field of gorilla conservation, and in the gorilla enclosure you can read about the impressive work of scientists such as Dian Fossey, as well as learn about the life of Snowflake, the first recorded albino gorilla, who died in 2003. The zoo also houses the world’s smallest primate, the South American Titi Monkey.

Huge African elephants, lumbering hippos and flamboyant flamingos are just some of the other attractions which draw the crowds, especially at weekends and during holiday periods. Catch the dolphin show which takes place three times daily, or book a pony ride for the younger ones at The Farm, where you can make friends with farm animals and enjoy petting some of the smaller residents.

The zoo is served by a miniature train which makes regular stops at all the enclosures timetables and maps are available from the ticket booth at the entrance. There are also small electric cars for hire. You should allow a minimum of two hours to get a flavour of the main attractions but it’s quite easy to while away a whole day exploring.

Barcelona Zoo is open every day, but exact opening times vary throughout the year. The park can be reached on foot from Las Ramblas – a pleasant 20-minute walk – as well as by bus, tram or metro.