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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.

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

Before you get there

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

Where is ARTIS Zoo located?

How to get there

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.

Where to shop

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

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.

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.