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ARTIS Royal Zoo: Your complete guide to a seamless visit

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.

Navigating your way

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.

Follow the main map

👉 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.

Pause at key attractions

👉 Make sure you spend time at the main highlights throughout the zoo. If you like keeping a checklist, do not miss the elephants, penguins, tropical birds and the planetarium.

Explore indoor attractions

👉Move indoors to explore the planetarium and the aquarium once renovations are complete. These indoor areas are always worth your time and add a lot to the experience.

Explore the world you cannot see with one easy ticket

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.

Leopard exhaling visible breath in a misty jungle setting.

How to make the most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat 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.

Handy tips

  • Reserve at least 2 weeks ahead during weekends, school holidays and peak summer days when ARTIS often reaches its busiest between 11am and 3pm.
  • Arrive early if you want quieter paths and more active animals. The first 90 minutes after the 9am opening are noticeably calmer and easier to navigate.
  • Start with high demand exhibits like the elephants, penguins and the planetarium. These areas fill up fastest and are busiest from late morning onward.
  • Time indoor visits wisely. The aquarium and enclosed habitats get crowded quickly on rainy days. Visit them before noon or after 4pm for shorter lines and better viewing.
  • Save Micropia for later in the afternoon. Crowds peak mid afternoon and the museum becomes much easier to explore after 4pm, especially the interactive sections.

Explore ARTIS Royal Zoo

African Savanna

A wide, open landscape where giraffes, zebras and ostriches roam together, giving you a safari-like feel in the centre of Amsterdam.

What to look out for: Elephant family herd, Giraffe feeding moments

ARTIS Planetarium

A historic dome where stars, planets and galaxies surround you as immersive shows reveal how the universe moves above us.

What to look out for: Live astronomer-led sessions, Seasonal sky shows

Butterfly Pavilion

A warm, tropical haven filled with bright flowers and hundreds of free-flying butterflies drifting across jungle pathways.

What to look out for: Butterfly emergence wall, Blue morpho sightings

ARTIS-Groote Museum

A thought-provoking space that explores how humans, animals and plants are interconnected through biology, behaviour and history.

What to look out for: Curiosity cabinets, “Love and Death” multimedia show

ARTIS-Micropia

An award-winning museum revealing the hidden universe of microbes through live specimens, digital microscopes and playful interactives.

What to look out for: Kiss-o-meter, Yeast and bacteria observation stations

Primate & Big Cat Houses

Dynamic indoor and outdoor habitats home to gorillas, lemurs, macaques and the zoo’s iconic lions.

What to look out for: Monkey Island antics, Gorilla troop interactions

ARTIS Aquarium

A historic aquarium (currently being restored) known for coral tanks, tropical marine life and freshwater worlds worth revisiting when it reopens.

What to look out for: Reef tanks, Seahorses, Amazon river species

Before you get there

About ARTIS

Learn about ARTIS and its importance as the oldest zoo in the country.

Timings

Check the zoo opening hours and plan your visit for calmer times such as early mornings or later in the afternoon.

Directions

See the easiest ways to reach the zoo using public transport, cycling routes, or nearby taxi drop-off points.

Things to know before booking your tickets to ARTIS Royal Zoo

  • Booking window: ARTIS gets busy on weekends, school holidays, and peak vacation periods, so popular time slots fill quickly. For a calmer experience, book at least a week in advance and aim for a weekday around opening time at 9am.
  • What your ticket includes: A standard entry ticket gives full-day access to all main indoor and outdoor areas, including the Butterfly Pavilion, Aquarium, Planetarium, gardens, and most animal enclosures. For a more immersive visit, upgrade to ARTIS-Micropia to explore the world of microbes up close.
  • Workshops and events: ARTIS hosts daily workshops, seasonal programs, and interactive events that bring the animals and exhibits to life. Check the schedule at the entrance to add extra experiences to your day.
  • Micropia timing: If your ticket includes ARTIS-Micropia, your chosen time slot applies to your visit. Micropia is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Holiday hours: December 24–26 from 9am to 5pm, December 31 from 9am to 4pm, and January 1 from 10am to 5pm.

ARTIS Royal Zoo timings

DayTimingsLast entry

Mon – Sun

9 am – 5pm (Nov–Feb) / 9am – 6pm (Mar–Oct)

30 minutes before closing

Best time to visit

Weekday vs Weekend

  • Weekday mornings, especially around 9am, are ideal for a quieter visit. Paths are calmer, lines are shorter, and you can enjoy better views at popular exhibits like the elephants and penguins.
  • Weekends tend to be busier, with heavier crowds mid-morning to early afternoon.

Peak vs Low season

  • Peak season from June to August offers warm days and long daylight for exploring outdoor habitats, but expect more tourists.
  • Winter months, December to February, are quieter with lower visitor numbers and hotel rates, though outdoor areas are colder.
  • Shoulder seasons, April to May and September to November, balance pleasant weather with fewer crowds, but autumn can bring occasional rain.

Where is ARTIS Zoo located?

Address: ARTIS Zoo, Plantage Kerklaan 38–40, Amsterdam

ARTIS Zoo sits in the historic Plantage neighbourhood of Amsterdam, an area famous for its canals, gardens, and cultural landmarks. The zoo is just a short distance from the city centre and is surrounded by charming streets and green spaces, making it easy to combine a visit with a scenic stroll through the neighbourhood.

Closest landmark: The National Holocaust Memorial, approximately 200 meters away

How to get there

Best for: Sightseeing and convenience

Closest stop: ARTIS Zoo entrance Tram 14 stops directly at ARTIS Zoo’s entrance. From Amsterdam Centraal Station, the ride takes around 10 to 15 minutes, offering a quick and scenic route to the zoo.

Best for: Fast connection from the city center

Closest stop: Waterlooplein Metro lines 51, 53, and 54 stop at Waterlooplein. From there, ARTIS Zoo is a 10 to 15-minute walk along pedestrian-friendly streets, making it an easy option from central Amsterdam.

Best for: Budget travel

Closest stop: Kadijksplein (near the zoo). Bus lines 22 and 43 serve the streets near ARTIS Zoo. From the stop, it is a short 10-minute walk to the entrance.

Best for: Convenience and flexible timing

Route: Drive to Plantage Kerklaan 38–40, Amsterdam. Driving to ARTIS Zoo is straightforward and convenient for visitors who prefer exploring at their own pace.

Facilities & Accessibility

  • Restrooms – Accessible toilets are available throughout the zoo, including near major exhibits and pathways.
  • Cafés and kiosks – Main café and smaller kiosks provide meals, snacks, and drinks.
  • Seating areas – Rest spots and benches scattered across the zoo for breaks.
  • Payment options – Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments accepted at all outlets.
  • Luggage storage – Lockers available at the service window next to the Planetarium Café.
  • Stroller access – Paths and entrances are stroller-friendly for families with young children.
  • Wheelchair access – Most areas are accessible, with ramps and smooth walkways. Twenty wheelchairs are available, and a limited number can be reserved in advance.
  • Mobility scooters – Available for rent, must be reserved at least one day before your visit.
  • Parking – Disabled parking spaces are available in the ARTIS parking lot about 150 meters from the entrance.

Rules

  • Pets are not permitted inside the zoo. However, registered service dogs are allowed.
  • Certain areas are restricted for service dogs due to free-roaming animals.
  • You may bring food and drinks, but feeding the animals is prohibited.
  • Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited throughout the zoo.
  • Unaccompanied minors are not allowed inside the zoo.

Where to eat

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.

Café‑Restaurant De Plantage

A relaxed café/restaurant within walking distance, suitable for families or a sit-down lunch.

Local cafes

Eateries in the Plantage area offer light meals, snacks, and coffee breaks, ideal for a pause after exploring the zoo.

Where to shop

ARTIS itself does not have a large dedicated shopping area, so most shopping involves walking to nearby streets or districts.

Market at Waterlooplein

Popular flea-market style venue for quirky souvenirs, second-hand items, and local trinkets.

Local boutiques

Eateries in the Plantage area offer everyday goods, snacks, and small souvenirs.

Where to stay

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.

Hotel Plantage

Right across from the zoo entrance, convenient for early or late visits and minimal commute.

Quentin Zoo Hotel / Hostel

Budget-friendly option within walking distance, ideal for short stays.

Plantage Park Hotel

Mid-range hotel in the Plantage district, balancing comfort, zoo access, and proximity to the city centre.

Frequently asked questions about ARTIS Royal Zoo

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.