Bioparco di Roma

Why Visit Bioparco di Roma?

Bioparco is one of the easiest wins for families in Rome: wide paths, shaded areas, plenty of stops for snacks, and animals that keep kids engaged for hours. It's also conveniently located inside Villa Borghese, so you can pair it with nearby viewpoints like Pincio Terrace or a relaxing picnic in the park.

• •~150 species: Lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, hippos, reptiles, and more (around 1,200 animals total)
• •Kid-friendly design: Playgrounds, interactive exhibits, and wide stroller-friendly paths
• •Shaded walkways: Perfect for hot Roman summers
• •Feeding times: Check the schedule for seal and penguin feeding shows

Animal Highlights & Exhibits

Star Attractions

• African Savanna with lions, giraffes, and elephants
• Big Cats Territory with tigers and leopards
• Sea Lion Pool with daily feeding shows

Natural Habitats

• Rainforest House with tropical birds and reptiles
• Bear Valley with brown bears
• Primate Island with monkeys and lemurs

Family Favorites

• Penguin area with underwater viewing
• Reptile House with snakes and lizards
• Check the official site for current children's farm/petting area availability

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August)

• • Open until 7:00 PM for longer visits
• • Go early morning (9:30 AM) to beat the heat
• • Animals may be less active midday
• • Shaded paths and misting stations help

Spring & Autumn

• • Ideal weather for zoo visits
• • Animals most active throughout the day
• • Fewer crowds than summer months
• • Beautiful Villa Borghese foliage

Winter (November–February)

• • Closes earlier (5:00 PM)
• • Fewest crowds of the year
• • Some tropical animals may be indoors
• • Bundle up—paths can be chilly

Weekdays vs Weekends

• • Weekday mornings are least crowded
• • Avoid Italian school holidays
• • Weekends busiest 11 AM – 3 PM
• • Sunday afternoons often quieter

Insider Tips for Families

Download the Map

Grab a map at the entrance or download it beforehand—the zoo is larger than it looks and easy to miss sections.

Time Your Visit to Feeding Times

Scheduled feedings include sea lions around 15:30 and penguins around 16:00, but activities can change or be cancelled—check the daily programme.

Start with Big Cats

Lions and tigers are most active in the cooler morning hours. By midday, they're often sleeping in the shade.

Use the Tram Entrance

Tram 3 or 19 stops right at the Bioparco entrance—much easier than walking from the metro with kids.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Visiting at midday in summer

Consequence: Animals retreat to shade and sleep, kids overheat, and queues peak.

Solution: Arrive at 9:30 AM opening — big cats are active and the paths are still cool.

Buying tickets at the gate on weekends

Consequence: You can wait 30+ minutes in line with restless children before even entering.

Solution: Book online via Tiqets or the official site the night before to save time at the gate.

Walking from Spagna metro with a stroller

Consequence: It's a 15-minute uphill walk through gravel paths, exhausting kids before the visit even starts.

Solution: Consider Tram 3 or 19, which generally serve the Bioparco stop — check ATAC for current routes.

Trying to see everything in one visit

Consequence: Kids melt down by hour 2 and you miss the best parts at the end.

Solution: Pick 6–8 must-see exhibits in advance and accept skipping the rest. 1.5–2 hours is the sweet spot for under-8s.

Missing the daily feeding schedule

Consequence: You wander past the sea lion pool when it's quiet and miss the highlight of the day.

Solution: Photograph the schedule board at the entrance and plan your route around feeding times, which are subject to change.

Eating only at the in-park café

Consequence: Limited menu, tourist prices, and long queues at lunchtime.

Solution: Bring a picnic — there are dedicated picnic areas with tables under the trees in Villa Borghese.

More Insider Tips

Combine with Villa Borghese rowing

After the zoo, walk 10 minutes to the laghetto and rent a rowboat (€3.50/person, 20 min) — perfect way to wind down.

Look for the Carlo Bilotti Museum on the way

Free, air-conditioned, with de Chirico paintings — a calm 20-minute pause if the kids need a break from the sun.

Check for family ticket options

Ask at the ticket office or check the official site for family ticket bundles, which may offer savings over individual tickets.

Visit on Italian school days, not holidays

Weekday mornings during school term are eerily quiet. Avoid Italian school vacations (Christmas, Easter, June–early Sept) for the calmest experience.

Bring binoculars

The naturalistic enclosures put some animals at distance — small binoculars turn distant giraffes and birds into unforgettable close-ups for kids.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

• •Go early: Arrive at opening (9:30 AM) for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
• •Bring snacks: Pack water and treats, especially with younger kids
• •Plan your time: 1.5–2 hours is ideal to avoid exhaustion
• •Book online: Skip the ticket queue by purchasing in advance
• •Start with big cats: Lions and tigers are most active in the morning
• •Bring sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sunny days
• •Pack a change of clothes: Useful for toddlers in case of any water play areas (check availability)

How to Get There

By Metro

Line A to Flaminio or Spagna, then 10–15 min walk through Villa Borghese gardens

By Tram

Tram 3 or 19 to Bioparco stop (directly at entrance)

By Taxi

Drop-off at Piazzale del Giardino Zoologico entrance

On Foot

Pleasant 20 min walk from Piazza del Popolo through the gardens

Bioparco Through History

Zoo Founded

The Giardino Zoologico di Roma opens as part of Italy's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Major Expansion

The zoo expands significantly with new enclosures and becomes a popular Roman attraction.

Conservation Focus

The zoo begins shifting from entertainment to conservation and animal welfare.

Rebranded as Bioparco

Major renovation transforms the old zoo into a modern biopark focused on education and conservation.

Modern Habitats

New naturalistic enclosures are built to better simulate animals' native environments.

Family Favorite

The Bioparco hosts around 1,200 animals across about 150 species and remains one of Rome's top family attractions.

Where to Stay Near Bioparco di Roma

Looking for convenient accommodation near Bioparco di Roma? Stay within walking distance to make the most of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are tickets to Bioparco?

The adult Open ticket is €20 and the reduced Open ticket is €16. Children under one metre in height enter free. Check the official website for current pricing and family ticket options.

What are the opening hours?

Bioparco is open daily except December 25. Closing times vary seasonally, and last entry is one hour before closing. Check the official website for current hours.

Is Bioparco stroller-friendly?

Most paths are wide and paved, making them generally stroller and wheelchair friendly, though some historic terrain in Villa Borghese may present challenges. Check with the park for stroller rental availability and pricing.

How long should we spend at Bioparco?

1.5-2 hours is ideal for families with young kids to avoid exhaustion. Animal lovers and photographers may want 3+ hours to see everything.

Can we bring our own food?

Yes, you can bring snacks and picnic items. There are designated picnic areas with tables. The zoo also has cafés and kiosks selling food and drinks.

Are there feeding times we can watch?

Yes! Scheduled feedings typically include giraffes around 11:00, lemurs around 11:30, elephants around 12:00, bears around 12:30 (seasonal), chimpanzees around 14:30, sea lions around 15:30, and penguins around 16:00. Times are subject to change, so check the schedule board at the entrance.

What animals are at Bioparco?

Bioparco is home to roughly 1,200 animals across about 150 species, including African elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes, hippos, bears, wolves, reptiles, and tropical birds.

Is the Bioparco suitable for toddlers?

Yes, there are playground areas, wide shaded paths, and many animals at toddler-friendly viewing heights. Check with the park for current facilities such as a children's farm area.

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