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Tickets

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo Entry Ticket

Visit the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, located in the heart of Amsterdam.

Everything you get: Entry to ARTIS Royal Zoo, the most famous zoo in the Netherlands, including access to the renowned ARTIS Planetarium.
Why choose this: Explore the 5th oldest zoo in the world and a unique science museum in a single day while discovering a wide variety of species at your own pace.
Upgrades: Upgrade your visit to get access to ARTIS Micropia, the world’s first microbe museum, for an even richer experience.

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Explore at your pace

Zoo only or Zoo + Micropia?

Not sure which option to choose? Standard ARTIS entry covers all main exhibits, the Planetarium, and the Butterfly Pavilion, letting you explore everything in a few hours. Upgrade to a combo with ARTIS-Micropia and you get all of that and more! Dive into the fascinating world of microbes, with full access to the Planetarium and the Royal Zoo in just one day.

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Overview: ARTIS Royal Zoo

Access included: Your Standard entry ticket gets you into the Royal Zoo, the Planetarium, and the Butterfly Pavilion, so you can explore everything at your own easy pace.
Zones and highlights: Say hello to elephants, jaguars, flamingos, and leafy botanical paths, plus more than 5,600 fascinating animal specimens waiting around every corner.
Micropia timing: Combo tickets include a fixed Micropia slot between 10am and 5pm, so just plan your zoo wanderings around that little window.
Best upgrade: Go for the ARTIS + Micropia combo if you want a full day that mixes big wildlife moments with a fun deep dive into the tiny, hidden world of microbes.

Female wreathed hornbill with distinctive casque and colorful plumage.

What to expect at ARTIS Royal Zoo?

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A leafy city oasis

Your visit begins the moment you walk through the grand 19th century gate. Suddenly the city noise fades and you are surrounded by garden-style enclosures that transport you to another world. It feels like stepping into a green pocket hidden in the middle of the city.

Diverse animal exhibits

As you wander in, you start spotting a huge variety of animals. ARTIS houses nearly 5,600 specimens from around 1,350 species, so there’s plenty to explore even if you have never visited a zoo before. Be prepared to spot a giraffe, a lion, or the latest addition, a jaguar cub!

Exotic species

If you thought ARTIS only had elephants and giraffes, you are in for a surprise! Step indoors into warm, humid air and you enter a dreamy greenhouse filled with bright tropical butterflies. Pause, as they drift past you, land on leaves, and float above small waterfalls in a soft cloud of colour.

Shifting zones

The zoo stretches across a spacious 14 hectare park divided into four zones that flow naturally into each other. You might begin in the leafy front garden, drift into the middle and back garden, then follow into the indoor planetarium without even noticing the transitions.

Meet and learn with the keepers

Keeper talks and feeding sessions pop up throughout the day when you are at ARTIS. You’ll hear stories, pick up little behavioural insights, and discover fun facts you won’t find on any display board.

Kid-friendly touches everywhere

ARTIS is easy for families. There are playgrounds, wide walking paths, grassy spaces to burn off energy and plenty of snack stops. Kids can move around freely, explore safely and enjoy the zoo without the day feeling rushed.

A historic setting

The charm of ARTIS isn’t just in its animals but in its setting. Many enclosures sit beside old brick buildings, stone archways, and historic landscaping, giving the zoo a nostalgic, storybook feel.

Things to know before booking your tickets to ARTIS Royal Zoo

Booking window: ARTIS gets busy on weekends, holidays, and school breaks, so popular time slots disappear fast. For a quieter visit, book at least a week in advance and aim for a weekday around opening time (9am).
What your ticket includes: A Standard entry ticket gives you full-day access to all main indoor and outdoor areas, including the Butterfly Pavilion, Aquarium, Planetarium, gardens, and most animal enclosures. For a deeper dive, upgrade to ARTIS-Micropia and explore the fascinating world of microbes up close.
How to explore: ARTIS is extremely visitor-friendly. Smooth, shaded, stroller-friendly paths make it easy to wander at your own pace. Plan 2–4 hours to see the highlights, catch a couple of keeper talks, and enjoy a Planetarium show.
Workshops and events: The zoo also hosts daily workshops, seasonal programs, and interactive events that bring the animals and exhibits to life. Check the schedule at the entrance so you can join in and add a little extra magic to your day.
Micropia timing: If your ticket includes ARTIS-Micropia, your selected time slot applies to your Micropia visit. It’s open daily from 10am to 5pm, with holiday hours: December 24–26 from 9am to 5pm, December 31 from 9am to 4pm, and January 1 from 10am to 5pm.

Zones or exhibits at the ARTIS Royal Zoo

African Savanna & Elephants

Walking into the African Savanna feels like stepping onto a real safari in the heart of Amsterdam. Giraffes, zebras and even ostriches roam a spacious grassland while Asian elephants graze nearby. The open walls make it easy to watch the animals up close.

ARTIS Planetarium

Step inside the 19th-century Planetarium and look up at stars, planets, and galaxies projected all around you. Live shows take you on a journey through space that makes you feel like you are truly floating through the universe.

Butterfly Pavilion

The Butterfly Pavilion is a magical tropical escape. Wander along jungle paths filled with flowers while over a thousand free-flying butterflies flit all around you. On chilly days this warm glasshouse is a perfect hideaway that’s worth every single photo you take.

ARTIS-Groote Museum

The Groote Museum explores how humans are part of nature. Old skeletons, dioramas, and curiosity cabinets show the links between humans, animals, plants, and microbes. Don’t miss Tanja the hippo’s memorial!

Micropia is the world’s first museum dedicated to microbes. See live bacteria and fungi under real microscopes and try interactive exhibits like the “Kissiameter” that measures bacteria transfer.

ARTIS is famous for its primates. Monkey Island is a multi-level home for red-ruffed lemurs, while The Gorilla House showcases western lowland gorillas in a rainforest-like enclosure. Don’t forget to stop by the Lions’ Cave and the Reptile Pavilion!

The Aquarium at ARTIS is a hidden gem. Currently under renovation, it features coral tanks, tropical fish, and exotic freshwater species. Visit once it reopens to explore the aquatic ecosystems and spot shy seahorses darting among the plants!

Other events at ARTIS Royal Zoo

Animals to look out for in ARTIS Royal Zoo

Spotted jaguar mother with her melanistic cub in a forest setting.

Baby Jaguar

The jaguar cub at ARTIS is a rare delight. You can watch this little predator explore its enclosure, pounce, and play, giving a glimpse into the life of one of the most elusive big cats. It’s impossible not to smile at its curiosity.

African penguins on rocks at Gapyeong Begonia Bird Park enclosure.

Stingrays swimming in Livorno Aquarium exhibit.

Young reticulated giraffe standing beside an adult in a zoo enclosure.

Asiatic elephants spraying water with trunks in a playful interaction.

Visiting ARTIS with kids?

Visiting ARTIS with kids is simple, smooth, and genuinely enjoyable. The park’s wide, stroller-friendly paths make it easy to get around, and you’ll find plenty of baby-changing areas and accessible toilets to keep things hassle-free.

ARTIS also has playgrounds and green corners where kids can run around, unwind, or take a quick break, making the entire space a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor activities.

When it’s time to refuel, the onsite cafés offer kid-friendly meals and snacks. If you prefer a slower moment, you can relax on shaded benches or settle into a picnic spot while the kids recharge.

Plan your visit to ARTIS Royal Zoo

Zebra grazing in a zoo enclosure with trees and rocks.

ARTIS is open every day of the year. However, it might be closed on some public holidays so make sure you check the official website before you visit.

Opening hours: The zoo is open from 9am to 6pm every day.
Duration: Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours at the zoo for a comfortable visit.

Weekday mornings during the winter season, around 9am, are the best time to visit if you prefer fewer people and quieter walking paths. During these hours, you will find shorter lines and better views at the most popular exhibits.

Peak Season (June to August): Warm days and long daylight hours make this a good time to enjoy the outdoor habitats. However, this is when Amsterdam is usually crowded, so you may encounter more tourists.
Low Season (December to February): Fewer visitors make for a calmer experience, and you may find lower prices for hotels and activities. Winter scenery can be beautiful, but the cold temperatures make outdoor areas less comfortable.
Shoulder Seasons (April to May and September to November): You will enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds. However, be aware that autumn can be rainy, and the weather may change quickly.

Restroom sign with symbols for men, women, and wheelchair accessibility.

There are toilets available throughout the zoo.
You can use shaded picnic areas and green spaces to take breaks or enjoy meals.
The zoo accepts credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment methods, making it easy for you to pay.
You will find food options across the site, including a main café and smaller kiosks.
Luggage storage lockers are available at the service window next to the Planetarium Café.
There are rest areas and seating zones throughout the zoo where you can relax.

Wheelchair in a museum setting highlighting accessibility features.

There are 20 wheelchairs available and a limited number can be reserved in advance.
There are mobility scooters available by they must be reserved at least one day before your visit.
There are five disabled parking spaces in the ARTIS parking lot located about 150 meters from the entrance.
Accessible toilets are available throughout the zoo.
The zoo paths are mostly flat and easy to navigate for visitors with limited mobility.

Service dog on a leash standing on a paved path in a park.

You cannot bring your own pets into the zoo.
Service dogs are allowed but you must register them at the ticket office.
Some areas are not accessible for service dogs because free roaming animals are present.
You can bring your own food and drinks but you cannot feed the animals.
Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the zoo.
Unaccompanied minors are not allowed inside the zoo.

Burger with fries on a plate at a restaurant near Niagara Falls, Canada.

ARTIS has a main restaurant and several kiosks that offer meals, snacks and drinks. You will find kid friendly options and many shaded seating areas where you can enjoy your food.

Cafe: De Plantage café serves full meals with mostly vegetarian choices.
Smaller outlets: Kiosks around the zoo offer drinks and snacks which are convenient to munch on as you walk around.

Visitor tips

Arrive at 9 am right when the gates open for the best animal activity and smaller crowds.
Start with the most popular areas first. Head straight to the savannah (giraffes, zebras, elephants), the gorilla house, or the Butterfly Pavilion. These zones get busy later, so visiting them first ensures better views and more active animals.
Take breaks in shaded picnic areas or the botanical gardens to rest and recharge during your visit.
If you drive, aim for early parking. The on-site lot fills quickly on busy days, so consider nearby garages as backup.

Frequently asked questions about ARTIS Zoo tickets

Yes. You can buy tickets at the entrance if you prefer not to book online. However, be prepared for long lines on busy days. Pre-booking is optional but helps you save time.

Zookeeper talks

Get up close with the keepers as they share stories about their daily routines, feeding, and training the animals. Learn fascinating facts about your favourite species and discover how the team cares for them behind the scenes.

Planetarium shows

Step into the ARTIS Planetarium and journey through the universe through engaging shows often held here. These shows bring stars, planets, and constellations to life above you, making astronomy fun and immersive.

Weekend guided tours

Every weekend, a guide takes visitors on a journey through the zoo, sharing fun facts, animal stories, and conservation insights. It’s a perfect way for families or first-time visitors to explore the zoo and make sure no must-see exhibit is missed.