Bioparco di Roma (Rome Zoological Garden) – Tickets, Hours & Visitor Guide

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Visiting the Bioparco di Roma, also known as the Rome Zoological Garden, can be a great addition to your Rome itinerary if you're travelling with children or simply looking for a quieter activity away from the crowds of the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Located inside the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens, the Bioparco is home to more than 200 animal species from around the world, including elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers and chimpanzees. Its central location makes it one of the easiest family-friendly attractions to visit in Rome.

But is the Bioparco di Roma actually worth visiting? How much do tickets cost? Should you book in advance? And how much time should you plan for your visit?

In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know before visiting the Bioparco di Roma, including the latest ticket prices, opening hours, the animals you shouldn't miss, practical tips, and my opinion on whether this Rome zoological garden deserves a place on your itinerary.

Quick Facts About the Bioparco di Roma

What Can You See at the Bioparco di Roma?

Opened in 1911 in the heart of the Villa Borghese Gardens, the Bioparco di Roma is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe. Today, the park is home to more than 200 animal species from around the world and focuses on conservation, education and animal welfare.

While it's smaller than some of Europe's largest zoos, the Bioparco remains a pleasant place to explore thanks to its shaded pathways, compact layout and relaxed atmosphere.

The Animals You Shouldn't Miss

The Bioparco is home to a wide variety of mammals, birds and reptiles, but a few exhibits stand out from the rest.

• Asian elephants : One of the zoo's main attractions. Their enclosure is among the largest in the park, and they're often most active early in the day.
• Giraffes : Easily one of the highlights of the visit. You can observe these impressive animals from surprisingly close range.
• Big cats : The zoo is home to Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers, snow leopards and lynxes. The tiger enclosure is particularly impressive and covers a large landscaped area.
• Chimpanzees : Among the most entertaining animals to watch thanks to their expressive behaviour and constant activity.
• Ring-tailed lemurs : A favourite with many visitors and one of the most photogenic species in the park.
• The Reptile House : Home to crocodiles, snakes, tortoises and chameleons. It offers a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the zoo.
• Hippos and rhinos : Two of the largest residents of the Bioparco and always impressive to see up close.
• Colourful birds : Flamingos, scarlet ibises and macaws add plenty of colour throughout the park.

If you're looking for a short break during your visit, the Bioparco Express train offers a fun way to explore part of the zoo. Tickets cost around €2 per person.

How Long Does It Take to Visit?

Most visitors spend between 2 and 4 hours at the Bioparco, depending on their pace and whether they stop for lunch or breaks along the way.

As a general rule:

• 1.5 to 2 hours is enough to see the main exhibits quickly.
• Around 3 hours allows for a more relaxed visit.
• 4 hours or more is ideal if you're visiting with children or planning to spend additional time in the Villa Borghese Gardens.

Bioparco di Roma Tickets & Prices 2026

The Bioparco di Roma, also known as the Rome Zoological Garden, offers several ticket options depending on the visitor's age and the type of ticket you choose.

You can either buy a standard ticket valid for a specific date or opt for an open ticket, which remains valid for 6 months and gives you more flexibility when planning your trip to Rome.

Official Ticket Prices

Where to Buy Bioparco di Roma Tickets ?

You can purchase your tickets (check availability on this page):

• directly at the ticket office of the Rome Zoological Garden;
• through the official Bioparco di Roma website;
• via authorised ticket partners.

In most cases, I recommend booking online in advance (through this official partner website), especially if you're visiting during weekends, school holidays or public holidays when the park can be busier.

Unlike some of Rome's most popular attractions, there isn't a true skip-the-line ticket for the Rome Zoological Garden. However, booking online means you'll arrive with your ticket already on your phone and can head straight to the entrance without waiting at the ticket counter.

If you prefer using the official website (on this page), keep in mind that the booking process can sometimes feel a little confusing. Many visitors find it easier to use an authorised partner platform for a quicker and smoother reservation experience.

Can You Visit the Bioparco di Roma with a Combo Ticket?

Yes. Several booking platforms offer combo tickets that allow you to visit the Rome Zoological Garden alongside some of Rome's most popular attractions, including:

• the Borghese Gallery (on this page)
• the Colosseum (on this page)
• the Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus (on this page)
• Castel Sant'Angelo (on this page)

These combo tickets can be a convenient option if you're planning to visit several attractions during your stay and want to organise everything in advance.

You can compare the latest Bioparco combo tickets on this page >>

The €9 Last-Minute Ticket

The Bioparco also offers a special €9 last-minute ticket, available exclusively at the ticket office approximately two hours before closing time.

This can be a good option if you're looking for a budget-friendly activity in Rome and want to visit the Rome Zoological Garden at a lower price.

Just keep in mind that some animal enclosures, particularly the big cats and the Reptile House, may close before the official park closing time. As a result, you'll have less time to explore the entire park.

Guided Tours

If you'd like to learn more about the animals and conservation programmes at the Rome Zoological Garden, guided tours are available throughout the year.

These tours provide additional information about the different species, their habitats and the care they receive from the zoo's staff.

Reservations must generally be made at least seven days in advance through the Bioparco's school and group services.

Booking contact details:

• Tel: +39 06 3614015
• Fax: +39 06 90280908

Practical Information for Visiting the Bioparco di Roma

Before visiting the Bioparco di Roma, it's worth checking the opening hours, transport options and a few practical details to make the most of your day.

Opening Hours

The Rome Zoological Garden is open every day of the year except 25 December.

Opening hours vary depending on the season:

• Extended opening hours: From late March to early October, the park remains open until 7:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
• Last entry: Visitors can enter up to 60 minutes before closing time.

Where is the Bioparco Located?

The Villa Borghese Zoo is located inside Rome's largest public park and is only a short walk from the Borghese Gallery.

• 📍 Address: Viale del Giardino Zoologico 1, 00197 Rome, Italy

How to Get There ?

The easiest way to reach the Rome Zoological Garden is usually by public transport.

• By metro: Take Metro Line A and get off at Flaminio or Spagna. From there, it's about a 15 to 20-minute walk through the Villa Borghese Gardens.
• By tram or bus: Tram 19 is one of the most convenient options. Several bus routes also stop near the park depending on where you're staying in Rome.
• On foot: The Bioparco is located only a few minutes from the Borghese Gallery, making it easy to combine both attractions on the same day.
• By car: Driving is possible, but I generally recommend public transport if you're staying in central Rome. Traffic can be heavy and some areas are restricted by Rome's ZTL (limited traffic zone).

Bioparco di Roma Map

The Bioparco is easy to navigate thanks to its compact layout and well-marked pathways.

The official Bioparco di Rome map highlights the main animal enclosures, including:

• the tiger habitat
• the penguin enclosure
• the Reptile House
• restaurants and picnic areas

You'll also find nearby attractions such as the Civic Museum of Zoology, which can be combined with your visit.

Best Time to Visit

In my opinion, the best times to visit the Rome Zoological Garden are spring and early autumn.

During these months:

• temperatures are more comfortable;
• animals tend to be more active;
• the Villa Borghese Gardens are at their most beautiful.

If you're visiting during summer, try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when temperatures are usually more pleasant.

Things to Know Before Your Visit

Before visiting the Rome Zoological Garden, there are a few practical things worth knowing.

The park is generally accessible for wheelchair users and families with strollers. Most pathways are easy to navigate, although some indoor exhibits may be less convenient with larger strollers.

To help protect the animals and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, visitors are also asked to follow a few simple rules:

• feeding the animals is strictly prohibited;
• bicycles, scooters and roller skates are not allowed inside the park;
• pets are not permitted, except for guide dogs;
• some indoor exhibits may not allow strollers.

You'll also find several food outlets, rest areas and restroom facilities throughout the park.

Can You Eat at the Bioparco?

Yes. Several food outlets inside the park sell snacks, sandwiches, drinks and light meals.

If you'd prefer a more enjoyable lunch break, you can also leave the park and eat at one of the cafés or restaurants located around the Villa Borghese Gardens. Caffè delle Arti is a popular option thanks to its peaceful setting and shaded terrace.

What to Do Around the Bioparco di Roma?

One of the advantages of visiting the Rome Zoological Garden is its location inside the Villa Borghese Gardens. Once you've finished exploring the park, you'll find plenty of other attractions within walking distance.

Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your day in this part of Rome:

• Visit the Borghese Gallery : Located just a few minutes from the Bioparco, the Borghese Gallery is one of Rome's most impressive museums. Inside, you'll find masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio and Raphael displayed in a beautiful Renaissance villa surrounded by gardens.
• Explore the Villa Borghese Gardens : If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, spend some time wandering through Rome's most famous public park. The gardens are home to scenic viewpoints, fountains, shaded pathways and several peaceful spots away from the crowds.
• Walk to Piazza del Popolo : A pleasant downhill stroll through the park will take you to one of Rome's most iconic squares. It's a great place to admire the architecture, enjoy a coffee or continue exploring the historic centre.
• Head to the Spanish Steps : Located around a 20-minute walk from the Bioparco, the Spanish Steps are one of Rome's most famous landmarks and can easily be combined with your visit.
• Visit the MAXXI Museum : If you're interested in contemporary art and architecture, the MAXXI Museum is worth considering. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, it showcases modern exhibitions in a striking building just a short tram or taxi ride away.

Is the Bioparco di Roma Worth Visiting? My Opinion

If you're wondering whether the Bioparco di Roma is worth visiting, my short answer is: yes, but it depends on the type of trip you're planning.

I recently visited the Rome Zoological Garden and overall had a positive experience. Here's what stood out to me.

What I liked

• The location inside Villa Borghese makes the visit much more enjoyable than a typical city zoo.
• The giraffes were one of the highlights of my visit.
• The park is easy to explore thanks to its compact layout.
• There are plenty of shaded pathways, which is a big advantage during the warmer months.
• It's a good alternative if you want a break from museums, churches and ancient ruins.

What I liked less

• The food options inside the park are fairly average.
• Some enclosures feel more impressive than others.
• If you're only spending two or three days in Rome, there are probably more iconic attractions to prioritise first.

My verdict

I wouldn't rank the Bioparco alongside the Colosseum, the Roman Forum or the Vatican Museums as an absolute must-see attraction.

However, if you're travelling with children, enjoy seeing animals, or are looking for a relaxing activity away from the busiest tourist areas, I think the Bioparco di Roma is well worth a visit. It combines perfectly with a day exploring the Villa Borghese and offers a pleasant change of pace from traditional sightseeing.

FAQ About the Bioparco di Roma

Is the Bioparco suitable for children?

Yes. The Bioparco di Roma is one of the most family-friendly attractions in Rome. The park is easy to explore, has shaded areas, and gives children the chance to see animals such as giraffes, elephants, big cats and reptiles in a relaxed setting.

Can I visit the Bioparco and the Borghese Gallery on the same day?

Yes, absolutely. The Bioparco di Roma and the Borghese Gallery are located only a few minutes apart inside the Villa Borghese Gardens. You can visit both on the same day, especially if you book your Borghese Gallery time slot in advance.

Do I need to book Bioparco di Roma tickets in advance?

Booking in advance is not mandatory, but I recommend it during weekends, school holidays and public holidays. Buying your tickets online is more convenient and helps you avoid waiting at the ticket office when the park is busy.

How long does it take to visit the Bioparco?

Most visitors spend around 2 to 4 hours at the Rome Zoological Garden. Allow about 2 hours for a quick visit, 3 hours for a relaxed visit, and longer if you're visiting with children or planning to spend more time in the Villa Borghese Gardens.

Is there a zoo in Rome?

Yes. If you're looking for a zoo in Rome, the Bioparco di Roma is the city's main zoological garden. Historically known by many international visitors as the Rome Zoo, it is located inside the Villa Borghese Gardens and is home to more than 200 animal species.

Is the Bioparco di Roma worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you're travelling with children, enjoy seeing animals or want a quieter activity away from Rome's busiest tourist sites. However, if this is your first trip to Rome and you only have two or three days, I would prioritise major landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums first.