Artis Royal Zoo: Amsterdam's Historic Gem

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, the Artis Royal Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, opening its doors in 1838. This remarkable sanctuary is not just a home to over 750 animal species, but also offers an enriching journey through history and culture. Visitors can explore stunning attractions such as the Aquarium, where vibrant tropical fish reside, and the captivating Planetarium, which promises a mesmerizing voyage through the stars. The Bird House showcases a plethora of avian species, while the Forest House allows guests to observe animals in their naturalistic habitats. A visit to the Butterfly Pavilion reveals a breathtaking array of butterfly species. With over 300 varieties of trees throughout its historical park, the Artis Royal Zoo harmonizes nature with history, providing an educational experience for all ages. For those seeking adventure on the waterways, the zoo also offers enjoyable express cruises, making it a perfect day out in Amsterdam.

Photo of Artis Royal Zoo
Photo of Artis Royal Zoo
Photo of Artis Royal Zoo
Opening hours
  • Sunday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • AddressPlantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Phone+31 20 523 3670

Reviews

Andreas van Dijk
Greece
5
My visit was fantastic! The staff were really friendly and keen to answer all our inquiries. This zoo features a wide variety of animal species in a clean and spacious environment. Many of the birds were able to fly freely outside the zoo.
Liam Johnson
United Kingdom
5
Incredible zoo with fantastic enclosures for the animals. The staff were very courteous and welcoming. It was wonderful to see how many areas you can explore and be close to the animals. A highlight was seeing the 3-month-old baby jaguar, a rare sight! I will share a short video for everyone to enjoy :)
Jessica Vandenberg
Netherlands
4
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Amsterdam had a zoo, and they even have elephants! I have always had mixed emotions about zoos, but this one felt acceptable with well-cared-for animals. I highly recommend a visit, just make sure to set aside at least three hours. The park is quite compact, but watching the animals takes time ❤️ I particularly enjoyed the butterfly and monkey houses.
Sophie Thompson
United Kingdom
5
What a remarkable zoo! It was such a refreshing experience compared to zoos in the UK. All the animals appeared happy and well-cared-for. We had a meal at one of the restaurants, and it was fresh and delicious! We visited in late July and were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to navigate the zoo during the busy season. We still rave about how wonderful this zoo is and would absolutely return.
Marie Schneider
France
5
Great zoo, although a bit outdated and in need of some TLC in certain areas. I couldn’t find the meerkats, which are my favorite animal; does anyone know where they are? It was a bit frustrating that only card payments were accepted throughout the site, as I’m a tourist and prefer using cash. Despite that, it’s a wonderful place. I would definitely return!