Our trip to the Artis Royal Zoo (or Natura Artis Magistra) was nothing short of amazing. It is truly one of the best zoos I have ever been to, and my little family enjoyed spending the day here. I have to say, Carlos and I learned so much about the different kinds of animals (it was my first time to see some of them up close), and it was a great way to introduce them to Tristan! I love that there are so many things to see and do as this zoo also includes a planetarium, insectarium, butterfly pavilion, aquarium, and kitchen (where you can watch Artis staff prepare food for the animals). Carlos and I were so impressed by it, we’ve recommended it to our friends with kids as one of the best family places to visit when in Amsterdam.

Here are some fun facts in case you are interested to visit:

1.) Artis was originally founded in 1838, which makes it the oldest zoo in the Netherlands.

2.) It is home to some 900 animal species and 250 variety of trees, including Amsterdam’s oldest monumental tree: the Heimans Oak, which dates back to 1750.

3.) There are lemurs and sea lions! The sea lions are fed twice daily (at 11:30am and 3:45pm).

4.) There are a lot of animals from the Savannah, like giraffes, zebras, springboks, gnus and ostrich. And they have a Gorilla House, where you can come face-to-face with a family of gorillas.

5.) The grounds are beautifully landscaped and contain some fine listed buildings, particularly the Aquarium, which was built in 1882.

6.) There is a small petting zoo on the right, just after the entrance. Tristan loved this!

7.) There is a number of restaurants and cafes and a poffertje house that sells mini-pancakes.

8.) Their newest addition to the zoo is a must-visit. It is called MICROPIA, a unique museum at Artis that focuses on micro-organisms.

Artis Royal Zoo

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1800 (March-October) and 0900-1700 (November to February). On Saturdays during the summer (June-August) the zoo closes at sundown. Open 365 days of the year.

Admission Prices: Standard admission to Artis Zoo is €21.50 for all aged 10+ and €18 for children aged 3-9. Free entry for children 0-2 and Iamsterdam City Card holders. There is a €1 discount for online tickets.

For a discount of 25% visit during September though you will need to print out a discount voucher from the Artis site. A combined Artis+Micropia tickets costs €28.50 for adults, €24.50 for children 3-9.

Getting There: Artis can easily be reached from the centre of Amsterdam on foot – head towards Waterlooplein and continue further east along the Plantage Middenlaan. By public transport you can take tram 14 from Dam Square or tram 9 from Central Station to stop Plantage Kerklaan.

Canal Bus and Rederij Lovers have canal boat tours which stop at Artis (Entrepotdok pier). There is also a large car park 150m from the entrance gates.

Natura Artis Magistra, Plantage Kerklaan 38-40
T: +31(0)20-5233671