👉 The zoo is divided into zones including animal enclosures, botanical gardens, museum pavilions and the planetarium. There is no specific one-way route, but it is easiest to follow a clockwise loop so you can cover all areas without backtracking.
ARTIS Royal Zoo is the fifth oldest zoo in the world and the oldest and largest in the Netherlands. As the most iconic wildlife landscape in the country, ARTIS combines animal exhibits, botanical gardens and interactive attractions in beautifully themed settings, and is home to 900 animal species.
Start at the main entrance on Plantage Kerklaan to have your tickets checked. Do not forget to pick up a physical map at the entrance to plan your route and track your progress through the zoo.
If you are curious about microbes, bacteria and everything that exists beyond the naked eye, consider upgrading your standard ARTIS entry ticket to include ARTIS Micropia. This combo lets you explore the Royal Zoo, enjoy a full Planetarium session and step into the award winning Micropia museum in a single visit.
| Visit type | Duration | Route | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
Snapshot visit | 2 to 3 hrs | Main entrance → Elephants → Penguins → Butterfly pavilion → Planetarium (if timing aligns) | A focused highlights loop that covers ARTIS’s most iconic animals and one indoor experience without feeling rushed. |
Balanced visit | 4 to 5 hrs | Main entrance → Savannah animals → Aquarium (post renovation) → Tropical birds → Planetarium → Botanical garden | A well rounded circuit that blends outdoor habitats with indoor exhibits, with time to pause and enjoy the landscaped gardens. |
Full day experience | 6+ hrs | Main entrance → Elephants and big cats → Aquarium → Planetarium → Insectarium → Micropia (with upgrade) | The most complete ARTIS experience, covering major zones, immersive indoor spaces and the optional Micropia upgrade for deeper exploration. |
Visit the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, located in the heart of Amsterdam.
Inclusions
Entry to ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
Access to ARTIS Planetarium
Admission to ARTIS-Micropia (as per option selected)
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
| Day | Timings | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
Mon – Sun | 9 am – 5pm (Nov–Feb) / 9am – 6pm (Mar–Oct) | 30 minutes before closing |
Dining in this area tends to be quieter and less touristy than central Amsterdam, providing a calm environment for a meal or snack during your visit.
ARTIS itself does not have a large dedicated shopping area, so most shopping involves walking to nearby streets or districts.
The Plantage neighbourhood is quiet, leafy, and residential — less tourist-heavy than the city centre, yet still within easy reach of public transport, making it a calm and convenient base for your visit.
A typical visit takes 2–3 hours, including highlights like the African Savanna, Planetarium, and Butterfly Pavilion. Full-day visits allow extra time for keeper talks and shows.
ARTIS is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Hours may vary on certain public holidays, so check the official schedule in advance.
Weekday mornings, around 9am, are the calmest. Visiting before 11am ensures shorter lines at popular exhibits like elephants, penguins, and the Planetarium.
Yes. The zoo provides 20 wheelchairs (some reservable in advance) and mobility scooters (reserve one day prior). Accessible toilets are available, and most paths are flat and easy to navigate.
Yes, outside food and drinks are allowed, but feeding animals is strictly prohibited.
Yes, but popular time slots can sell out, especially on weekends, holidays, and school breaks. Pre-booking online is recommended for skip-the-line access.
Tickets are non-refundable. Changes to date or time may be possible depending on the vendor or booking platform policies.
