Founded in 1838, Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam is home to 750 species of animals, including zebras, giraffes, elephants and chimpanzees in recreated natural habitats. Beautiful gardens house hundreds of species of trees and endless plants and flowers that blossom every spring and summer. A visit here is a fantastic day out for young and old alike.
- Artis Royal Zoo is a green oasis close to the heart of Amsterdam.
- Open every day of the year.
- An exciting day out for children and a superb learning experience for all ages.
Uncover the wonders of nature at Artis Royal Zoo
Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam is many things: an idyllic park, an exciting zoo, a museum, a planetarium, an aquarium, a beautiful garden interspersed with grand 19th-century architecture and, above all, a place for discovering the wonders of nature. It’s home to 750 animal species including zebras, giraffes, elephants and chimpanzees, 300 species of trees and endless plants and flowers that blossom every spring and summer.
An exciting day out for young and old
Explore the many facets of Artis: from the smallest organisms in the neighbouring Micropia museum to large exotic mammals, and from colourful butterflies from the other side of the world to the wildlife found in the local canals. Because Artis recreates the animals’ natural habitats, visitors go from African savanna with wildebeest and gazelles to marvelling at coral reefs and sharks. It’s always an exciting (and educational) outing for children, but really, visitors of all ages can find something to discover here.
A modern zoo
Artis might be a time-honoured institution – after all, it was founded in 1838 – but it’s not afraid to change with the times. Its latest addition, Micropia, is a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the marvels of micro-organisms (book a special combi ticket to enjoy both attractions). Many events also make sure Artis’ visitors keep coming back. The most popular are the ZOOmeravonden (Summer Nights): on every Saturday during the summer, Artis stays open till the sun sets, with picnics, tours, talks and even concerts taking place.
Things to do in the area
The leafy, yet central Plantage neighbourhood has much to offer. Its combination of grand avenues and museums with a vibrant culinary and cultural scene means it’s just a skip and a hop between Artis and other major Amsterdam attractions, such as the Hermitage, the Tropenmuseum, the National Maritime Museum. The Royal Theatre Carré and the Hortus Botanicus are just around the corner too. Reward yourself with a drink and a snack at the buzzing Nieuwmarkt square or the many cafés around Linnaeusstraat. Or take levels of Dutchness to the extreme by stopping for a beer at Brouwerij ’t IJ: a brewery in a windmill.
