Enjoy a wild day out in the heart of Rome at Bioparco di Roma, one of Europe's oldest and most beloved zoological gardens, set within the lush grounds of the iconic Villa Borghese park. Come face to face with over 1,200 animals across 200 species, from Asian elephants and Sumatran tigers to California sea lions, Komodo dragons, and Cape penguins. With spacious naturalistic enclosures, dedicated children's areas, and a beautiful botanical setting
Key Highlights
- Discover over 1,200 animals from 200 species, including lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, orangutans, and Komodo dragons
- Explore the only Italian zoo that houses Komodo dragons — the world's largest and most dangerous lizards
- Watch California sea lions glide through the water at multiple underwater viewing points in the dedicated sea lion tank
- Enjoy the spectacular Valley of the Bears — a 3,500 square metre habitat with underwater viewing windows to watch grizzly bears swim
- Spot freely roaming peacocks and enjoy a relaxed stroll through 17 hectares of beautiful botanical gardens and naturalistic animal habitats
About Bioparco Rome Tickets
Set across 17 hectares within the gorgeous Villa Borghese park, Bioparco di Roma is a genuine urban oasis — a place where families can slow down, get close to extraordinary wildlife, and spend a full, rewarding day away from the crowds of Rome's historic centre. The park is home to over 1,200 animals from more than 200 species across five continents, housed in spacious, naturalistic enclosures designed to reflect each animal's natural habitat as closely as possible.
Highlights are plentiful and genuinely impressive. The Sea Lion Enclosure features a large underwater tank with multiple viewing windows — one of the most captivating animal watching experiences in any European zoo. The Valley of the Bears gives grizzly bears 3,500 square metres of space to roam, with two underwater observation windows that allow visitors to watch them swim. The Reptile House doubles as a conservation centre for iguanas, pythons, lizards, and the park's most exclusive residents — Ivan and Richard, two Komodo dragons that make Bioparco the only zoological park in Italy to house this critically endangered species. The Great Aviary with its unique geodesic dome structure allows even the largest birds — white pelicans, crowned cranes, and African storks — to fly freely overhead. The dedicated Children's Bioparco area features interactive displays and activities designed to engage young visitors in wildlife education.
Peacocks roam freely throughout the grounds, the botanical collection includes over 1,000 species of trees from holm oaks to exotic palms, and the park's Oasis of the Lake offers a peaceful picnic area beside the flamingo enclosure. After your visit, the Villa Borghese gardens and Borghese Gallery are right next door — making Bioparco a natural addition to any Villa Borghese day. Book your Bioparco Rome tickets now on Thrillark and save up to 12%.
Highlights are plentiful and genuinely impressive. The Sea Lion Enclosure features a large underwater tank with multiple viewing windows — one of the most captivating animal watching experiences in any European zoo. The Valley of the Bears gives grizzly bears 3,500 square metres of space to roam, with two underwater observation windows that allow visitors to watch them swim. The Reptile House doubles as a conservation centre for iguanas, pythons, lizards, and the park's most exclusive residents — Ivan and Richard, two Komodo dragons that make Bioparco the only zoological park in Italy to house this critically endangered species. The Great Aviary with its unique geodesic dome structure allows even the largest birds — white pelicans, crowned cranes, and African storks — to fly freely overhead. The dedicated Children's Bioparco area features interactive displays and activities designed to engage young visitors in wildlife education.
Peacocks roam freely throughout the grounds, the botanical collection includes over 1,000 species of trees from holm oaks to exotic palms, and the park's Oasis of the Lake offers a peaceful picnic area beside the flamingo enclosure. After your visit, the Villa Borghese gardens and Borghese Gallery are right next door — making Bioparco a natural addition to any Villa Borghese day. Book your Bioparco Rome tickets now on Thrillark and save up to 12%.
Inclusions
- Full-day admission to Bioparco di Roma
- Explore all animal enclosures, aviaries, and botanical gardens
- Access to the Children's Bioparco interactive area
- Access to all scheduled animal feeding sessions and educational activities on the day
Exclusions
- Food and beverages
- Transport
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations are non refundable
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals can I see at Bioparco Rome?
Bioparco di Roma is home to over 1,200 animals from more than 200 species across five continents, including Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions, California sea lions, hippos, giraffes, orangutans, Cape penguins, grizzly bears, flamingos, and freely roaming peacocks. The park is also the only zoological garden in Italy to house Komodo dragons — the world's largest living lizards — making it a genuinely unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Educational display boards in Italian and English are placed at every enclosure, providing detailed information about each species and the conservation challenges they face.
Is Bioparco Rome suitable for families with young children?
Yes — Bioparco di Roma is one of the most family-friendly attractions in Rome, with a dedicated Children's Bioparco interactive area, a picnic zone by the Oasis of the Lake, outdoor play areas, and a botanical garden setting that gives children plenty of space to run and explore between animal enclosures. Children under 1 metre in height enter completely free, and the calm, green atmosphere of the Villa Borghese setting makes it far more relaxed than Rome's busier tourist attractions. Most families with young children typically spend five to six hours at the park, making it a full and genuinely rewarding day out in Rome.
What makes the Bioparco Rome different from other European zoos?
Bioparco di Roma stands apart from many European zoos through its extraordinary setting within the historic Villa Borghese gardens, its status as the only Italian zoo housing Komodo dragons, and its deeply embedded commitment to conservation and environmental education — with 98% of the park's animals originating from police confiscations and rescue operations rather than the wild. The park participates in European and international breeding programmes for endangered species and uses every enclosure as an educational opportunity, with detailed information about habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and conservation actions available throughout the site. The lush botanical collection of over 1,000 tree species woven through the enclosures also gives Bioparco a uniquely immersive and natural atmosphere that feels worlds apart from a traditional concrete zoo.
What is the Valley of the Bears at Bioparco Rome?
The Valley of the Bears is one of Bioparco's most impressive enclosures — a 3,500 square metre naturalistic habitat housing grizzly bears, with seven different viewpoints allowing visitors to observe the animals from multiple angles. The enclosure's most extraordinary feature is a pair of large underwater observation windows that allow visitors to watch the bears swimming through the water at close range — a captivating experience that is unlike anything available at most European zoos. The Valley of the Bears is located in the heart of the park and is consistently cited by visitors as one of the top highlights of any Bioparco Rome visit.
Where is Bioparco Rome located and how do I get there?
Bioparco di Roma is located at Viale del Giardino Zoologico 1 within the Villa Borghese park — one of Rome's largest and most beautiful public gardens, just north of the Spanish Steps and the Borghese Gallery. The most convenient public transport options are Bus lines 3, 52, 53, 217, 360, and 926, or Tram 3 to Viale delle Belle Arti — all stopping close to the park entrance. Visitors staying near the Spanish Steps or Pincian Hill can also reach Bioparco via a pleasant 15 to 20-minute walk through the Villa Borghese gardens.
Can I bring a picnic to Bioparco Rome?
Yes — bringing a picnic to Bioparco Rome is actively encouraged and one of the most popular ways to spend the midday break during your visit. The Oasis of the Lake picnic area beside the flamingo enclosure is one of the park's most scenic and relaxing spots, with tables and open lawn space ideal for families and groups. Food and beverages are also available for purchase at multiple locations inside the park including Bar Ninfeo, Ristorante Mascagni, Chiosco Oasi del Lago, and Bar Voliera — though visitor reviews note that bringing your own food is generally better value.
Are there animal feeding sessions at Bioparco Rome?
Yes — Bioparco Rome hosts scheduled animal feeding sessions and educational demonstrations throughout the day, allowing visitors to observe and in some cases participate in feeding activities alongside the park's expert keepers. Spots at the most popular sessions are limited and must be reserved at the information desk on arrival — heading straight to the desk when you enter the park is strongly recommended, particularly on weekends and during school holiday periods when demand is highest. The exact schedule of feeding sessions and animal encounters varies daily depending on animal welfare requirements and keeper availability, so confirming the day's programme at the desk on arrival is essential.
Is Bioparco Rome open all year round?
Yes — Bioparco di Roma is open every day of the year including Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year's Day (1 January), making it one of the few major Rome attractions with no seasonal closures. Opening hours vary slightly between weekdays and weekends, with Sunday and extended seasonal hours offering longer visiting windows from late March to early October. Some individual enclosures — particularly the Reptile House and big cat areas — close 45 to 60 minutes before the official park closing time due to the specific welfare and routine needs of those animals.
What is the Komodo dragon exhibit at Bioparco Rome?
The Komodo dragon exhibit at Bioparco di Roma is one of the most exclusive animal experiences in Italy — the park is the only zoological institution in the country to house this species, making a visit to Bioparco the only way to see a Komodo dragon in Italy. The resident dragons, Ivan and Richard, are three-year-old individuals of a critically endangered species with an estimated wild population of just 3,000 animals, confined to a handful of Indonesian islands. The exhibit includes comprehensive educational displays about the Komodo dragon's biology, hunting behaviour, and the conservation challenges threatening its survival in the wild.
Do I need to book Bioparco Rome tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended for Bioparco Rome, particularly on weekends, Italian public holidays, and during the peak summer season from June to August when queues at the ticket office can be significant. Booking through Thrillark saves up to 12% on the standard rate with instant confirmation and a fast-track entry e-ticket ready on your phone — allowing you to walk straight through the entrance without joining the ticket queue. Walk-up tickets are available at the gate on the day, but online booking consistently offers better value and ensures your preferred visit date is secured, especially during busy school holiday periods.
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