How to Visit the Villa Borghese Rome Zoo : Ethic and Tickets

Looking for a fun and unforgettable day in Rome? The Rome Zoo, known as the Bioparco, is a must-visit for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a unique escape in the heart of the city.

Nestled in the stunning Villa Borghese gardens, the Bioparco offers a chance to see exotic animals, explore lush greenery, and learn about wildlife conservation. Wondering how to get your Bioparco tickets or what to expect during your visit?

This guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit at the Bioparco in Villa Borghese—from ticket options, Bioparco hours to must-see exhibits. Let’s dive in!

Rome zoo prices and tickets 2025

There are several options for buying tickets for the Villa Borghese zoo in Rome. However, children under 1 meter tall get in for free.

As for the Rome zoo prices, standard adult tickets cost €19 each (check availability here). There are children’s tickets available for those under 10 (and over 1 meter tall) for €14.

Discounted tickets are also available for senior citizens and groups. These discounted tickets cost €14 per person, but on Wednesday’s senior citizens can get even cheaper tickets for only €9! Also, tickets purchased at the counter, known as “last-minute” tickets, are available for just 9 euros each for both adults and children.

🎫 To get an instant ticket and reserve your time slot for the Rome Zoo Bioparco, make sure to book through one of the official providers.

If you prefer, you can book your Rome zoo tickets directly on the official Bioparco website (on this page). However, the process isn’t always the smoothest – the interface can be a bit confusing, and occasional glitches may occur.

Another option is to purchase your Bioparco tickets at the zoo entrance, but be aware that this can mean waiting in line, especially during weekends, holidays, or peak hours.

To save time and ensure a hassle-free experience, we highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets online in advance. This way, you can head straight into the Rome zoo and make the most of your visit!

Bioparco Rome Combo Tickets: Save Time and Money

If you want to maximize your time and budget while exploring Rome, Bioparco Rome Combo Tickets are an excellent option. These special bundles combine entry to the Bioparco with Rome’s most iconic attractions, offering up to 11% savings and skip-the-line access for many sites.

Here are the top combo options to consider:

• Borghese Gallery + Bioparco (Save 5% on this page >>): Combine art and nature with one ticket! Explore masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael at the Borghese Gallery before heading to the Bioparco to admire exotic animals like tigers and giraffes.
• Colosseum + Bioparco (Save 11% on this page >>): A must for history and wildlife lovers. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, then relax at the Bioparco and discover over 200 animal species.
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bioparco (Save 5% on this page >>): See the best of Rome at your own pace with a 48-hour bus tour. Hop off to visit Bioparco and meet fascinating creatures like grizzly bears, reptiles, and great apes.
• Castel Sant’Angelo + Bioparco (Save 5% on this page >>): Combine history and nature in one ticket! Skip the line to explore the ancient Castel Sant’Angelo, its stunning architecture, and panoramic views. Then head to the Bioparco to meet exotic animals like tigers, giraffes, and grizzly bears while learning about global conservation efforts.
• Leonardo da Vinci Museum + Bioparco (Save 5% on this page >>): Perfect for curious minds and animal lovers. Dive into the genius of Leonardo da Vinci with over 65 full-scale models of his inventions, from flying machines to bicycles, then visit the Bioparco to see fascinating wildlife like leopards, great apes, and rare reptiles (don't forget to visit Reptile house).
• Palazzo Barberini + Bioparco (Save 5% on this page >>): Enjoy a mix of art and wildlife with this combo! Explore the Baroque beauty of Palazzo Barberini and admire masterpieces by Caravaggio and Raphael. Then stroll through the Bioparco to discover animals from around the world, including flamingos, lemurs, and Komodo dragons.

With these Bioparco combo tickets, you’ll save money, skip long queues, and enjoy a hassle-free visit. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or family traveler, there’s a combo ticket tailored for you.

Book online in advance (check availability on this website) to secure your spot and enjoy the ultimate Rome experience!

How to Buy Tickets to the Villa Borghese Zoo ?

Purchasing tickets to the Villa Borghese Zoo (Bioparco di Roma) is easy, and you have several options to choose from.

Wondering how to book tickets for the Rome Zoo?

Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit an authorized online ticket platform: Head to a trusted website like Tiqets (check here) or Headout (on this page) to purchase your Bioparco tickets conveniently online.
2. Select your visit date: Choose the date you want to visit the zoo and the number of tickets needed. You can also select discounted tickets for children, seniors, or groups.
3. Book online in a few clicks: Complete your purchase by following the simple step-by-step process (on this page). The advantage of buying online is skipping long queues at the counter on busy days.
4. Receive your tickets instantly: Once booked, your tickets will be sent directly to your email within minutes. They come as digital e-tickets with a QR code that you can scan at the entrance—no need to print!
5. Activate and enjoy your visit: Your tickets are valid for the date selected. Just show your digital ticket at the zoo entrance, and you're all set to explore.

👉 Click the image to open it in full size.

Getting to the Villa Borghese zoo

You will find the zoo essentially right in the center of the city. The official address is: Viale del Giardino Zoologico, 1, 00197 Roma RM, Italy.

If you’re coming by car, there is a large free parking area in front of the zoo. If you’re coming by bus, you can get the 61, 160 or 53 buses from Via Vittorio Venetto and then it’s a short walk from the bus stop.

If you’re walking, the villa Borghese zoo is only about 200 meters from the Borghese Gallery. You can walk up the steps, or there is a lift for disabled persons.

You can see the exact location of the zoo on the map below:

The Map of Rome Zoo Bioparco

Here’s everything you need to explore the Bioparco di Roma with ease!

This detailed map highlights key sections like Recinto delle Tigri (Tiger Enclosure), Recinto dei Pinguini (Penguin Enclosure), and dining areas.

Plus, nearby attractions like the Museo Civico di Zoologia are tagged to make your visit seamless and enjoyable.

Rome Bioparco hours 2025

It’s open every single day of the year even the 25th december and 1st january, however there are some things to note about their closing times.

It’s usually open 9.30AM until 5PM but certain animal enclosures can close sooner or later than that. Some for example close 45 minutes BEFORE the official zoo closing time due to the individual needs of the animals.

The last entrance to the zoo is 60 minutes before the closing time so make sure you get there with plenty of time to see all the animals and exhibits.

The exact Bioparco hours in 2025 are:

We’d suggest allowing about 2-3 hours to see the entire zoo properly. Some people can do it faster or slower, but that’s the average time.

Rome Zoo Visiting Rules and Bioparco Shop

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for both guests and animals, the Bioparco in Rome has set clear rules. These guidelines help protect the animals' welfare and maintain a peaceful environment for visitors.

Here are the key rules to keep in mind when visiting:

• You’re not allowed to feed the animals: Animals at the Bioparco di Roma have a carefully balanced diet, so feeding them is strictly prohibited. This ensures their health and safety, and avoids giving them anything harmful.
• Stay behind fences: Jumping over fences can be dangerous for both you and the animals. Always respect their space.
• Keep noise to a minimum: Shouting, screaming, or banging on exhibit glass can stress or disturb the animals. Please keep quiet while observing.
• No wheeled equipment: Items like skateboards, scooters, bicycles, balloons, and roller skates are not allowed in the park for safety reasons.
• Baby strollers: Strollers are not permitted inside certain areas like the Reptile House or on the Bioparco Express train. Use the designated stroller parking areas.
• Guide dogs only: Pets are not allowed inside the zoo, with the exception of guide dogs for visually impaired visitors.

Bioparco Shop

Don’t forget to stop by the Bioparco Shop to find unique gifts, toys, books, and souvenirs featuring the animals of the park.

The shop is committed to sustainability, phasing out all plastic from its products and packaging. By purchasing select items, you also support international animal conservation projects—making your visit even more impactful.

What are you waiting for? Bring home a special Bioparco souvenir while supporting a great cause!

Villa Borghese Zoo: Things to do

There are many different things to do at the Rome zoo, and it’s not even all about seeing animals. There are events, guided tours, a train going around the site and more.

The zoo contains many different birds, big cat enclosures, a reptile center, lemurs, giraffes, flamingos and more.

There is also a lovely little train that goes around the whole site, and you can buy tickets for the train for about 2 Euros on the day.

Animals to Spot at Zoo Villa Borghese

The Rome Bioparco is home to a diverse range of exotic animals, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. Spread across themed enclosures, you’ll encounter over 200 species of mammals, birds, reptiles (be sure to visit Reptile House), and amphibians from all over the world.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Lion Enclosure: See the majestic Asiatic lions, one of the rarest big cat species, in a habitat designed for their comfort and safety.
• Grizzly Bears: Watch these powerful animals roam and relax in their spacious, naturalistic enclosure.
• Reptile House: Explore a variety of reptiles, including Komodo dragons, green anacondas, dwarf crocodiles, and giant tortoises like the Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
• Primate Area: Discover playful primates, including chimpanzees, mandrills, and ring-tailed lemurs.
• African Penguin Enclosure: Observe these charming penguins swimming and waddling around their lively habitat.
• Giraffes and Zebras: Don’t miss the towering giraffes and endangered Grevy’s zebras grazing in the open spaces.
• Asian Elephants: Get up close to these gentle giants, a highlight for many visitors.
• Colorful Birds: Spot vibrant species like flamingos, scarlet ibises, and blue-and-yellow macaws in the aviaries.

The Bioparco’s carefully designed habitats ensure the animals’ welfare while offering visitors a chance to learn more about conservation efforts and enjoy an unforgettable wildlife experience in the heart of Rome.

Plants at Villa Borghese Zoo

The Bioparco di Roma covers 17 hectares and boasts a rich botanical collection that enhances the experience for both animals and visitors.

The park's vegetation combines Mediterranean and exotic plants to recreate natural habitats and improve animal well-being.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Mediterranean Species: Discover native plants like holm oaks, stone pines, and cork trees, which have been part of the park since its opening in 1911.
• Exotic Plants: The garden features magnolias, palms, camphor trees, and various cedar species, adding a unique touch to the landscape.
• Reconstructed Habitats: Areas like the lion enclosure and tiger habitat are designed with vegetation similar to their natural ecosystems, creating a comfortable and natural environment for all the animals.
• Seasonal Beauty: Different plants bloom throughout the year, providing a colorful and ever-changing backdrop to your visit.

Guided tours of the zoo

You can find many guided tours in the zoo, but you’ll need to book them 7 days in advance. Tour guides will be able to tell you all about the animals and how they need to be looked after. You can arrange booking for tours through the Bioparco’s School and Groups

Call Centre:

• Tel.: +39 06.3614015
• Fax: +39 06.90280908

Bioparco events

There are also Halloween and Christmas events at the zoo, although the zoo itself isn’t open on Christmas day (25th December). You need to book those events in advance as they tend to sell out fast.

Bioparco di Roma hosts exciting seasonal events like Halloween adventures, Easter egg hunts, and summer educational workshops.

During Christmas, themed activities enchant families (note: closed on December 25th). Events often sell out quickly, so book in advance. Discover the full event calendar here.

Facilities at the Zoo

There are several facilities in the Villa Borghese zoo, including coffee shops and restaurants, picnic areas, restrooms and children’s play parks. So there’s everything you need to be able to spend a full day there.

You can buy snacks, drinks or a full lunch at the zoo. And little ones can break up the day by unleashing their energy in the play parks. There’s also a bookshop and gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.

Train: Discover Bioparco aboard the Bioparco Express

Explore the zoo in a unique and relaxing way aboard the Bioparco Express! This charming little train takes you around the park, offering a fun ride for both kids and adults. Tickets cost just €2, and babies under 12 months ride for free.

Bioparco di Roma: Useful things to know

Our top tip would be to make sure to see the restored aviary. It’s home to several species of bird and it looks fantastic since it’s been restored.

The other thing you probably won’t want to miss (and children certainly won’t want to miss) is the reptile house! Note that the reptile house is an extra couple of Euros on the door though.

And one thing to remember when walking around the zoo is not to throw peanuts or other food at the animals! As much as you think the animals might like to share your snacks, it’s not good for them.

Try not to throw any sort of food into the enclosures. The zoo staff make it very clear that it could be dangerous to the animals and could even be fatal!

Quick 5 Tips for Visiting with Small Kids

Planning a family visit to the Bioparco di Roma? Here are 5 practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience with little ones, from play areas to rest stops and dining options.

• Play Areas: The Bioparco has two small playgrounds with swings and slides where kids can have fun and take a break.
• Petting Zoo: Don’t miss the “farm” area where little ones can pet friendly donkeys and sheep—always a hit with children.
• Family-Friendly Toilets: The best restroom is near the farm. It has a baby-changing table conveniently located in the common area.
• Dining Options: At the food point, the children’s menu (€12) includes pasta, chicken cutlet, fries, and water—great for hungry little explorers.
• Walking Distance: Be prepared for a fair bit of walking. Pack snacks, water, and a stroller to make the visit smoother for small kids.

The Gallery of the Rome zoo in Villa Borghese

Here’s the gallery of the Rome Zoo in Villa Borghese. Take a look to see how it looks and get a sense of what you can expect during your visit.

Bioparco conservation and ethics

The villa Borghese zoo makes a big effort to treat their animals properly. Here are some of their policies designed to keep all the animals safe and happy.

The animals aren’t expected to perform

They don’t offer any humiliating shows or public ‘showing off’ events for the animals. Instead the creatures and critters are free to go about daily life as they please, without any stress or pressure to perform.

You’re not allowed to feed the animals

They also don’t let the public feed the animals, because just like us, animals need a healthy diet too. So there’s no risk of them eating anything that could be harmful.

The animals have privacy

One thing they do slightly differently to other zoos, is they’ve constructed the enclosures to give the animals the option of hiding.

This means if an animal is stressed or unwell, it can hide away from tourists, until it feels better or wants to come out.

A lot of zoos don’t do this, and build enclosures to always have the animals on show, even if they’re stressed and just want to be left alone. Flash photography is also banned in the zoo, to avoid scaring or annoying the animals.

So if you’re an animal lover, but don’t want to condone animal cruelty, you can rest assured that this is one of the most ethical zoos you can visit. So you can enjoy animal sightseeing without feeling guilty. The animals are looked after and loved by their keepers.

Best Place to Eat When Visiting Rome Zoo

If you're looking for a quick snack or a place to rest inside the zoo, Bar Ninfeo and other refreshment points offer fast food like sandwiches, croissants, and drinks. While convenient, they often receive mixed reviews, so keep your expectations realistic.

If you're looking for Villa Borghese restaurants with more class—places where you can sit down and enjoy a proper meal—Caffè delle Arti is a top choice. With its beautiful garden setting and refined menu featuring homemade pastries, fresh pasta, and natural wines, it’s perfect for a relaxing lunch or coffee break. Stepping outside might just be worth it!

The Short History of Rome Zoo Bioparco

The Bioparco Zoo in Villa Borghese opened in 1911 as a zoological garden designed for public entertainment rather than scientific study.

• Inspired by Carl Hagenbeck’s innovative concept, it featured moats and ditches instead of traditional cages.
• By the mid-20th century, the zoo deteriorated, especially after World War II. In 1998, it was transformed into the Bioparco di Roma, focusing on conservation, education, and animal welfare.
• Today, it’s a modern biopark spanning 17 hectares, home to over 1,200 animals and 150 species, offering visitors a thoughtful blend of history, nature, and animal care.

Bioparco di Roma FAQs

Last word on Villa Borghese Zoo

The Villa Borghese zoo is a lovely day out for the whole family. There’s lot of things to see and do there, and you can buy tickets online, right now!

We’d suggest buying skip the line zoo tickets (Check availability and compare the latest prices on Tiqets and Headout). This is because you never know how busy it’s going to be, and you’ll want to avoid a massive queue if you can!