Is the Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo Worth Visiting?
Do you love animals and are curious if you should spend time at the ARTIS Royal Zoo when you visit Amsterdam?
As someone who loves visiting zoos, I was excited to check out ARTIS Zoo in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, also known as the official name of ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo. After spending several hours there, I can confidently say that it’s an excellent destination for families, friends, and animal lovers. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing an ARTIS Zoo review of my thoughts and what first-time visitors can expect when they visit.
Visiting Artis Royal Zoo was an educational and enjoyable experience. The zoo, which originally opened in 1838 makes it the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and the fifth oldest in the world. It is home to over 750 different animal species.
Artis Zoo’s animal collection ranges from monkeys to Asian elephants to tigers to zebras to sea lions. Visitors can learn about the history of the zoo and see some of the animals up close in natural habitats.
Although it was busy when I visited, it didn’t feel overcrowded, and we had enough space to view the animals and read about them. The zoo is spread over 25 acres, and it was easy to move from one area to another comfortably.
🐘 Get tickets online for the Artis Royal Zoo 🐘
Is the Amsterdam Zoo Worth visiting?
Absolutely! Artis Zoo is a must-visit attraction if you are in Amsterdam. It is not just another zoo; it is also an important scientific institution that conducts research and conservation efforts for endangered animal species. As someone who loves animals, I appreciated the efforts made by the zoo to educate visitors on the importance of protecting these creatures.
The exhibits at Artis Zoo were well-maintained, and the animals seemed content in their environments. The zoo also has a planetarium, an aquarium, a bird house, and a butterfly garden, providing visitors with more than just animal exhibits.
I was particularly impressed by the exciting journey through the world’s first microbe museum, which showcases microorganisms that are invisible to the naked eye.
It’s worth noting that Artis Zoo is committed to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. They have implemented various measures such as solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and a strict recycling system. As a visitor, it’s reassuring to know that the zoo is conscious of its impact on the environment.
What Animals Are in the Artis Zoo?
One highlight of the zoo is the impressive butterfly pavilion. The pavilion is filled with different species of butterflies and plants all year round, and it’s fascinating to watch them as they fly around visitors. The butterfly pavilion is also a great spot to cool down from the sun.
Another must-see is the monumental Aquarium, which is one of the oldest aquariums in the world. The Aquarium houses over 300 tropical fish and other species from all over the world and is a fun and interactive experience for both adults and children. It includes a tropical rainforest.
The zoo also has the ARTIS planetarium and several historical buildings, which are also included in the admission price and you don’t need a separate ticket. Lastly, if you’re looking for a bite to eat or drink, there are several cafes with a great selection of food and drinks scattered around the zoo.
We especially enjoyed the Seal Show that is held a couple of times during each day, the gorilla house, and the big cats. The large male lion was putting on quite a show when we visited.
And for something truly unique, check out the microscopic life exhibit at the Museum of Microbes.
Artis Zoo Visitor Information
Opening Hours
November -February 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
March to October 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
How to get to Artis
ARTIS Zoo
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40
1018 CZ Amsterdam
ARTIS Zoo is conveniently located in central Amsterdam, easily accessible by public transport, and provides parking facilities for those coming by car parking fees start at 12.50 Euros (approx $13.50 USD).
Artis Amsterdam Zoo Map
A current map of the Artis Amsterdam Zoo can be found here. This can be downloaded or requested at the entrance upon arrival.
Artis Zoo Reviews
Interested in reading more about what others have to say about their experience at Artis Zoo? Check out ARTIS Zoo reviews from
- Google | 4.5⭐ |
- TripAdvisor | 4.5⭐ |
- Yelp | 4.0⭐ |
TripAdvisor:
This is the second time we have visited Artis Zoo, going 2 years in a row.
The zoo is excellent, with many different animals to see laid out in a spacious, well-kept, and easy-to-get-around.
Managed to see and get up close to animals such as Black Panther, Giraffe, Red Panda, Chimpanzees, Gorilla, Zebra, and many, many more.
The indoor rainforest, Insectarium, and Planetarium are all excellent and very informative.
The staff was very friendly and helpful
The weather was also great both times we went, which helped.
Would 100% recommend it if you are in Amsterdam!!
The Clarks from Scotland – TripAdvisor Review
Google:
Apparently, ARTIS is one of Europe’s oldest zoos and is unique in that it’s situated in the middle of the city. It was very convenient to walk here as it only took us 20 minutes or so.
They have many animals here. The highlight was the elephants. They were walking around and kicking a ball.
There is also a play area for kids. My 6-year-old daughter liked playing on it.
You probably need at least two visits to appreciate everything here.
Jonathan Lau – Google Review
Yelp:
The Artis Zoo in the Netherlands was a nice experience with a few animal exhibits that really stood out as world-class. The most impressive was the elephant exhibit, which featured a large and deep pond where I watched an elephant play and swim for 15 minutes. Rarely do you see that type of joyful behavior from elephants in zoos. The whole herd behaved as closely to a wild herd as I’d ever seen in a zoo.
Some of the exhibits weren’t as modern, and the route to get around the zoo required some backtracking. Definitely a mix of an old historic zoo with more progressive modern exhibits, but you could see and feel that it is headed in the right direction. I look forward to going back next time I’m in Amsterdam!
Sam L. – Yelp Review
Artis Zoo Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for Amsterdam Zoo tickets are 25 Euros (approx $27 USD) for adults and 21 Euros (approx $23 USD) for kids 3-12. Kids under 3 are free.
Artis Royal Zoo is currently included as free admission with the Amsterdam City Card.
🐘 Get tickets online for the Artis Royal Zoo 🐘
Things to do nearby
If you’re planning on spending the whole day at Artis Zoo, there are also plenty of other things to do nearby. The famous Hortus Botanicus botanical garden is just a short walk away and offers a beautiful and tranquil escape from the bustling city center. Additionally, the trendy Oosterpark is located right next to Artis Zoo and is perfect for a picnic or leisurely stroll.
And for those looking to continue their animal-filled day, the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is also close by and showcases various cultures and their respective ecosystems.
Both the Hortus Botanicus and Wereldmuseum are included as free admission with the Amsterdam City Card.
Places to Stay Nearby
If you’re planning on spending the whole day at Artis Zoo, you may want to consider staying in the surrounding area. Here are some recommendations for places to stay nearby:
- Hotel Plantage – This charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of Amsterdam with comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
- The Lancaster Hotel – An Elegant hotel located within walking distance of the Artis Zoo and other popular attractions.
- The Student Hotel Amsterdam City – Modern, budget-friendly accommodation with a unique concept that combines student dorms with hotel rooms. Located close to the zoo and public transportation.
- Conscious Hotel The Toren – This eco-friendly boutique hotel is located in a historic building and offers stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. Overall, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from that are conveniently located near Artis Zoo.
Frequently Ask Questions FAQs – Artis Zoo Amsterdam
Curious about what to expect at Artis Royal Zoo? Take a look at these frequently asked questions to help plan your visit.
On average, visitors spend around 3-4 hours at the zoo. However, this may vary depending on your pace around the zoo grounds and your interest in the different exhibits.
Yes, Artis Zoo has a number of cafes with various food and drink options scattered throughout the park. From quick snacks to sit-down restaurants, you will find something to satisfy your hunger while exploring.
Yes, the seal and bird shows are included in the ticket price. Additional experiences, such as feeding the giraffes or taking a boat tour, may have additional fees.
Yes, Artis Zoo is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs can also be rented at the park for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
It is not necessary to book your visit to Artis Zoo in advance, but it is recommended during peak season and holidays. This will ensure that you have a spot reserved and can save you time waiting in line at the entrance. Same-day tickets can also be purchased online until 1 hour before closing time.
🐘 Get tickets online for the Artis Royal Zoo 🐘
The Wrap-Up: Amsterdam Artis Zoo Review
The Artis Zoo is a wonderful zoo east of the city near the center of Amsterdam and provides an unforgettable experience. It’s an educational, safe, and organized attraction that is perfect for families with young children to spend a relaxing afternoon.
With its historic roots, Artis Zoo is a fascinating and unique place with a great deal of charm and personality. I hope this review encourages you to add Artis Zoo to your travel itinerary next time you’re in Amsterdam.
Be sure to read about other unique experiences in Amsterdam, like the Anne Frank Museum, Canal Cruise, and the NEMO Science Museum.
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