Artis Royal Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in continental Europe and the oldest in the Netherlands, opened in 1838. It sits in the middle of Amsterdam, a short walk from the canals, which makes Amsterdam Artis an easy addition to any family trip.
What makes Artis different
Unlike newer zoos built on open land, Artis is a city garden with old trees, ponds and historic buildings. Walking through it feels more like a park visit than a safari, and the animals are spread across a compact area that is easy to cover with children.
What to see
- Animals: lions, elephants, primates, birds and a large aquarium.
- Micropia: a museum about microbes, the only one of its kind in the world, located next to the zoo. You can look at bacteria through microscopes and a “kissing booth” that shows what microbes pass between mouths.
- Planetarium: shows about space in a historic building.
- Historic buildings: the old library and the Groote Museum.
Tickets and opening hours
Buy tickets online ahead of time for shorter queues, and check the current prices and opening hours on the official Artis website. Combination tickets for Micropia and the zoo exist. Opening hours differ by season, and the zoo closes earlier in winter.
How long to stay
Plan three to four hours for the zoo, plus time for Micropia and the planetarium. If you have small children, pack snacks and plan a break in the cafes.
Getting there
Artis is in the Plantage district, east of the old centre. Tram lines 7 and 14 stop nearby, and you can walk from Amsterdam Centraal in around 25 minutes or take a short bike ride.
Tips for a good visit
- Arrive at opening time for quieter paths and active animals.
- Check feeding times at the entrance.
- Bring a rain jacket; many animals have indoor areas for wet days.
- Think about visiting in the afternoon in summer when the heat peaks.
Artis is a gentle, history-filled day out. Pair it with a stroll through the Plantage and the nearby Hortus Botanicus. For more Amsterdam ideas, see invisionfree.com.
Featured image: Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).
