ARTIS Royal Zoo Amsterdam: The Complete Visitor Guide

Why Visit ARTIS?

ARTIS is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, and one of the oldest in Europe. It has been welcoming visitors since 1838, and its grounds still hold the atmosphere of a Victorian-era garden, with winding paths, old trees and elegant historic buildings. Few zoos are so close to a city centre, and fewer still combine animals with so much architecture and heritage.

It is also a very good family attraction. Younger children can see familiar favourites such as lions, elephants and giraffes, while older children and adults will enjoy the aquarium, the planetarium and the butterfly pavilion. The mix of indoor and outdoor areas keeps a day varied and helps in changing weather.

ARTIS is a historic city zoo rather than a safari park, so it is compact and walkable. You can see a lot in a day, and you can stop for a coffee in a garden setting. For visitors who want a relaxed day away from the canals and museums, it is a welcome change of pace.

The animals, the gardens and the heritage all play a part. The botanical planting is excellent, the buildings are protected monuments, and the zoo runs conservation and education programmes. It is a place where nature, history and family fun sit together.

A Short History of ARTIS

Founded in 1838

ARTIS was founded in 1838 by three men: Gerardus Westerman, a bookseller and amateur naturalist who became the first director, Jean Kerbert and Wilhelmus Wijsmuller. They wanted to create a place where the public could learn about nature, at a time when zoos were still new in Europe. The park opened in the Plantage, then a green, fashionable area on the edge of Amsterdam, and the collection began with a modest number of animals.

The Royal Zoological Society

The park belonged to a society called Natura Artis Magistra, Latin for "Nature is the teacher of art". The society's members funded the zoo, and the name was shortened to ARTIS in everyday use. The society received royal patronage in the mid-19th century, which is why the zoo carries the title Royal. Members were part of a wider cultural life, and the grounds became a social centre where concerts and gatherings took place alongside scientific study.

Historic Significance

Over the 19th century ARTIS grew into a combined zoo, museum, library and scientific institution. Several of its buildings are national monuments. The Aquarium, opened in 1882, was a pioneering building of its time, and the Groote Museum and the library housed natural history collections. The grounds were designed in a landscape style with gardens, ponds and winding paths, and this layout remains one of the park's most attractive features.

The zoo played a role in Amsterdam's social and intellectual history. The Plantage district grew around it, and the neighbourhood became associated with culture and learning. In the 20th century the zoo endured wars, economic difficulty and changing attitudes to animals, and it adapted each time.

Conservation Efforts

Modern ARTIS describes itself as a place for conservation, education and research as well as recreation. Like other responsible zoos, it takes part in international breeding programmes for endangered species and supports conservation projects abroad. It also educates visitors about biodiversity and the challenges that animals face in the wild. When you visit, you are supporting this work.

Modern Development

In recent decades ARTIS has modernised its enclosures to provide more space and a more natural setting for the animals, and it has added new facilities for visitors. The park has also expanded its cultural offer, including the planetarium and the neighbouring Micropia, a museum devoted to microbes that opened in 2014. The result is a zoo that respects its heritage while continuing to evolve.

Top Highlights

Lions

The lions are a favourite with families. Look for them resting in the sun or watching their surroundings from the enclosure. Visit in the morning for the best chance of seeing them active.

Elephants

The elephants are among the most popular residents. Their enclosure gives you a close view of these intelligent animals, and keeper talks explain their behaviour and the conservation challenges they face.

Giraffes

Giraffes are impressive up close. The viewing area lets children and adults appreciate their size, and feeding sessions are a highlight when offered.

The Planetarium

The ARTIS Planetarium is a domed theatre with shows about the stars, planets and the universe. It is a good indoor break, especially on a hot or rainy day, and it brings an astronomy element to the visit.

The Butterfly Pavilion

In this warm, tropical house, butterflies fly freely around you. Move slowly and you may find one landing on your sleeve. It is also one of the best spots for photographs.

Historic Buildings

The park is filled with listed buildings, from the grand museum building to the old library and animal houses. Even if you are not a fan of architecture, the setting adds charm to the visit and makes ARTIS different from a modern safari park.

ARTIS Aquarium

The historic aquarium building houses fish and marine life in a series of tanks, including species from the Amsterdam canals and tropical waters. It is a cool, calm space that suits children and adults.

The Micropia Connection

Across the road from the main entrance stands Micropia, the museum of microbes, and ARTIS and Micropia are closely linked. Combined tickets are often offered, and the two attractions work well together for families with curious children.

What to Expect Inside

The Visitor Journey

You enter through the main gate on Plantage Kerklaan, pick up a map and begin your route. The park is laid out in loops, so you can follow a clockwise or anticlockwise path, or explore freely. Signs show where the animals, cafés and toilets are.

Animal Exhibits

Exhibits include large mammals such as elephants and giraffes, big cats, primates, reptiles, birds and aquatic species. Many have both indoor and outdoor areas. Keeper talks and feeding sessions are scheduled during the day.

The Gardens

The grounds are planted with mature trees, flower beds and ponds. They feel more like a city park than a typical zoo, and they offer shaded places to rest.

The Family Experience

There are playgrounds, a children's area, cafés and picnic spots. Pushchair-friendly paths make it manageable for younger children, and a relaxed pace is easy to keep.

How Much Time You Need

Allow 3 to 5 hours. A focused visit to the main animals and one indoor attraction takes about three hours, while a family with small children can easily spend a full day.

Visitor Information

• Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam.
• Hours: Open daily from 9:00. Closing time is earlier in winter and later in summer. Check the current schedule.
• Ticket prices: Adults typically around €30, with reduced prices for children and free entry for the youngest. Prices vary by date.
• Accessibility: Most paths are paved and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some historic buildings have limits. Contact ARTIS for specific needs.
• Photography: Welcome for personal use. No flash near the animals.
• Food and drink: Cafés and restaurants on site, plus picnic areas. Bringing your own snacks is generally allowed.
• Pushchairs: Welcome throughout most of the park. Bring your own for toddlers, as distances can be long.
• Lockers: Available for coats and bags, which is helpful on warm days.

Best Time to Visit

• Morning: Calmest, and animals are often most active after feeding. The best time for photographs.
• Afternoon: Busier, and many animals rest in the heat. A good time for the aquarium and planetarium.
• Weekdays: Quieter and easier to book at short notice.
• Weekends: Busy with local families. Arrive early.
• School holidays: The busiest periods, with long lines and full cafés. Book ahead and plan for crowds.
• Summer: Long days and pleasant weather, but also higher demand and warmer afternoons.
• Winter: Quieter and atmospheric, with fewer visitors. Some animals stay indoors, so check what is open.

How to Get to ARTIS

• From Amsterdam Centraal: Take tram 14 toward the Plantage area, about 10–15 minutes, or walk for around 20–25 minutes through the old centre.
• From Schiphol Airport: Take a train to Amsterdam Centraal, about 15–20 minutes, then continue by tram or taxi.
• By tram: Lines 7 and 14 stop at Plantage Kerklaan, directly beside the zoo. Check a live planner for current routes.
• By metro: The nearest stations, such as Waterlooplein, are a walk of about 10–15 minutes away.
• By bike: Flat, easy and popular with locals, with bike parking nearby.
• On foot: About 10 minutes from the Jewish Cultural Quarter and 15 minutes from the NEMO Science Museum.

Who Is ARTIS For?

Families

The obvious audience. Playgrounds, feeding sessions and a flexible pace make it ideal for a full family day.

Couples

The historic gardens are lovely for a slow stroll, particularly on a weekday morning in spring or autumn.

Animal Lovers

A broad collection and keeper talks give enthusiasts plenty to enjoy, along with the conservation story.

Children

Children of all ages find something to like, from the butterflies to the big animals and the planetarium.

Weekend Visitors

A relaxed option for a Saturday or Sunday. Book ahead and arrive early to avoid peak times.

Cruise Passengers

Plan about four hours including travel, book a timed ticket and keep a safe buffer for returning to the port.

Local Insider Tips

1. Arrive at opening to see the animals at their most active.
2. Check the daily schedule for feeding sessions and talks, and plan your route around them.
3. Bring your own snacks and water to save money and time.
4. Wear comfortable shoes, as the park involves a lot of walking.
5. Bring a light rain jacket, because Amsterdam weather changes quickly.
6. Use the lockers to leave heavy bags and coats.
7. Visit the butterfly pavilion early, when it is calmer.
8. Do not rush the planetarium. It is a good rest from walking.
9. Combine the visit with Micropia across the road.
10. Use the tram for the return, as little legs get tired.
11. Bring sun protection in summer, as shade is limited in some areas.
12. Pick up a map at the entrance and mark your must-see animals first.

Best Photo Spots

Animal Photography Tips

Be patient and let animals come to you. Keep a respectful distance, avoid flash and look for natural light. Early morning and late afternoon give the softest light. A phone with a zoom function is enough, but a longer lens helps with distant animals. Focus on eyes for engaging portraits, and shoot through the glass at a slight angle to reduce reflections.

Best Viewpoints

The elephant and giraffe viewing areas give clear sightlines, and the historic buildings make a beautiful backdrop. The ponds and the avenues of old trees are perfect for wide shots. The butterfly pavilion is excellent for close-ups.

Family Photos

Use the entrance gate, the historic buildings and the garden paths for relaxed family portraits. Ask a staff member or a fellow visitor to take a group photo. Capture candid moments of children watching the animals, as these are often the best pictures.

Seasonal Photography

Spring brings blossom and baby animals, summer offers lush greenery and long light, autumn adds golden leaves, and winter gives atmospheric mist and frost in the gardens. Each season gives the park a different character.

Choosing the Right Ticket

• Standard entry: Admission to the zoo for a day of your choice. The right choice for most visitors.
• Family tickets: Sometimes offered for groups of parents and children, and worth comparing against individual prices.
• Combination tickets: Bundles with Micropia or another Amsterdam attraction can simplify planning. Compare the listings above.
• Premium experiences: Behind-the-scenes or guided options may be available for those who want something extra.
• Special events: The zoo runs seasonal events, evening openings and holiday activities. Check what is on during your dates.

Compare the options in the ticket section above before you pay. Each listing shows what is included.

Nearby Attractions

• Micropia: The world's first museum of microbes, directly opposite ARTIS. A separate attraction with its own ticket.
• NEMO Science Museum: Hands-on science fun, a short tram ride away.
• Hortus Botanicus: one of the world's oldest botanical gardens, a short walk away.
• Jewish Cultural Quarter: A cluster of museums and memorials about Jewish history in Amsterdam, close to the zoo.
• Anne Frank House: Book well in advance and combine with a canal walk.
• Canal cruises: A relaxing way to rest after a day on your feet.
• Amsterdam Centre: The old city is within walking distance, with the canals, shops and restaurants.

For more ideas, browse our things to do in Amsterdam, the Amsterdam museums guide, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Heineken Experience and the Amsterdam travel guide.

Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day

9:30 main animals, 11:30 planetarium, 12:30 lunch in the park, then leave at 13:30.

Family Day

9:00 arrive at opening, 10:30 feeding session, 12:00 picnic, 13:30 aquarium and butterfly pavilion, 15:30 playground, 16:30 tram to the centre.

Weekend Visitor

Saturday morning at ARTIS, afternoon canal cruise. Sunday: museum and market. Book each slot in advance.

Kids Day Out

ARTIS in the morning, Micropia in the early afternoon and the NEMO Science Museum on another day for a full week of fun.

First-Time Visitor

Morning at ARTIS, lunch in the Plantage, afternoon in the centre. See our 3-day Amsterdam plan for more.

Top 5 Reasons Visitors Love ARTIS

1. The animals. Lions, elephants, giraffes and many more, with keeper talks that add context.
2. The historic atmosphere. Listed buildings and 19th-century design give the park real character.
3. Family friendly. Playgrounds, pushchair-friendly paths and activities for all ages.
4. Central location. Close to the centre, easy to reach by tram and easy to combine with other sights.
5. Beautiful gardens. Mature trees, ponds and flower beds make it a pleasure to walk even between animal houses.