Located in the green heart of Amsterdam’s historic Plantage district, ARTIS Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the most beautiful city zoos in Europe. Within walking distance of the city centre, visitors can explore a surprisingly spacious park filled with animals from around the world, impressive historic buildings, and peaceful tree-lined paths.
Home to hundreds of species — from lions and giraffes to butterflies and microscopic life — ARTIS offers much more than a traditional zoo visit. The park combines nature, science, culture, and heritage in one place, making it a perfect destination for families, couples, and curious travellers of all ages.
In addition to the zoo itself, visitors can choose to expand their experience with a combined ticket that includes Micropia, the world’s only museum dedicated to microbes, located next to ARTIS. While Micropia is not included in the standard zoo entrance ticket, the combination ticket offers a great opportunity to explore both nature and science during the same visit.
ARTIS Zoo: Historic City Zoo with Wildlife, Planetarium & Botanical Gardens
The ARTIS Zoo includes:
- Hundreds of animal species from around the world, including lions, giraffes, elephants, monkeys, reptiles, and colourful birds in beautifully designed habitats
- A historic 19th-century city park setting, with monumental buildings, wide walking paths, and one of the most peaceful green environments in central Amsterdam
- The ARTIS Planetarium, where impressive shows take you on a journey through space and the universe (included with your zoo visit)
- Botanical gardens and scenic ponds, perfect for relaxing walks among ancient trees, seasonal flowers, and landscaped park areas
- Special themed zones and animal houses, such as the Butterfly Pavilion, the Savannah area, and the Lemur habitat, offering close-up wildlife experiences
On average, visitors spend 2 to 4 hours exploring the zoo, depending on whether they attend a Planetarium show and how much time they take to enjoy the gardens and animal enclosures.
Central location and calm atmosphere
Thanks to its central location and calm atmosphere, ARTIS is an ideal place to escape the busy city streets for a few hours. Wide walking paths, shaded picnic spots, and beautifully landscaped gardens make it one of the most relaxing attractions in Amsterdam — especially on sunny days. It’s easy to spend half a day here without noticing how quickly time passes.
Prices
Prices are subject to change. Combo deal/ticket prices are based on adult rates, so prices for children may be lower. Enhance your ARTIS visit with a combo deal for Micropia or the Groote Museum. If applicable, please remember to bring your VriendenLoterij VIP card, CJP card, or student ID. Your discount is only valid upon presentation of your (digital) pass at the entrance.
Opening hours
ARTIS Zoo is open daily
| Monday | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 – 18:00 |
The best time to visit ARTIS is on weekdays from Monday through Friday, as these days are significantly quieter than weekends and holidays. Arriving right at opening time or after 3:00 PM allows you to avoid the peak midday crowds and school groups
For the most up-to-date schedule, please visit the ARTIS Zoo website
ARTIS Zoo
Plantage Kerklaan 38–401018 CZ Amsterdam
- +31 (0)20 5233 670
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - ARTIS Zoo
How to get there:
- Walking: about 25 minutes from Central Station
- Bicycle: bike racks in front of the entrance
- Tram: 1 or 14 to stop ARTIS/Holocaustmuseum in front of the main entrance of ARTIS
- Metro: 51, 53, 54 to stop Waterlooplein (± 10-min. walk)
- Bus: 42 to stop Kadijksplein (± 10-min. walk)
- Car: own parking lot at a reduced rate (subject to availability)
Accessibility: ARTIS Zoo is largely wheelchair- and mobility scooter-friendly. Most areas, including the Groote Museum and Micropia, are accessible, with 20 wheelchairs available to borrow (subject to availability, small deposit required), accessible toilets, disabled parking spaces, and service dogs permitted. Only a few spots (like the Japanese Garden entrance) have limited access. Visitors who cannot visit the park independently are entitled to one free admission for a companion.
Hotels near ARTIS Zoo
The Lancaster Hotel Amsterdam
Plantage Middenlaan 48
1018 DH Amsterdam
0,2 km
YAYS Amsterdam Maritime
Oostenburgergracht 73
1018 NC Amsterdam
0,6 km
Hotel Arena
’s-Gravesandestraat 55
1092 AA Amsterdam
0,6 km
Hyatt Regency Amsterdam
Sarphatistraat 104
1018 GV Amsterdam
0,6 km
Zoku Amsterdam
Weesperstraat 105
1018 VN Amsterdam
0,7 km
Monet Garden Hotel
Valkenburgerstraat 76
1011 LZ Amsterdam
0,8 km
Last updated: April 2026