Amsterdam · Zoo

Artis Royal Zoo Amsterdam: The Netherlands' Oldest Zoo

Artis has welcomed visitors since 1838 — a leafy 19th-century park in the heart of Amsterdam where elephants, giraffes and lions live among historic buildings, an aquarium and a planetarium. Here is its story, the highlights, and how to visit.

By the AllTrips Editorial Team · October 3, 2026

Artis Royal Zoo at a glance

Location: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, in the Plantage district. Allow: 2–3 hours, or a full day with children. Entry: ticketed. Nearby: the Hortus Botanicus, Micropia, the Jewish Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue.

The story of Artis

Artis — short for Natura Artis Magistra, "Nature is the teacher of art" — was founded in 1838, making it the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in mainland Europe. It began as a society of Amsterdam citizens with a small collection of animals, and grew into a grand 19th-century zoological garden with monumental gates, listed buildings and tree-lined avenues that still give the park its character today.

Over the decades Artis added an aquarium (1882), a planetarium and, next door, Micropia — the world's first museum of microbes. The zoo has also played a sobering role in history: during the Second World War it sheltered people in hiding among its grounds. Today Artis combines its heritage setting with modern enclosures and a strong focus on conservation, education and breeding programmes for endangered species.

What you will see

• The elephant enclosure — home to Artis's Asian elephant herd, with a large sandy habitat and a pool where the elephants bathe.
• The savannah — giraffes, zebras and antelopes sharing one sweeping plain, one of the most photogenic spots in the zoo.
• The predators — lions, jaguars and other big cats in planted enclosures along the old avenues.
• The aquarium — the historic 1882 building with coral reefs, tropical fish and a cross-section of Amsterdam canal water.
• The planetarium — regular shows that carry you from the zoo into space, included with entry.
• The small wonders — penguins, sea lions, the butterfly pavilion, the ape house and the petting meadow for younger children.

Tickets

Entry is ticketed, and booking online ahead of time is cheaper and skips the ticket desk — strongly recommended for weekends and school holidays. Note that the Museumkaart is not valid at Artis.

Getting there

Artis is at Plantage Kerklaan 38-40. Tram 14 stops directly outside at the Artis stop, and Waterlooplein metro station (lines 51, 53 and 54) is about a ten-minute walk. From Centraal Station it is roughly 25 minutes on foot or a short tram ride.

Practical tips

• Arrive at opening time — the animals are most active in the morning and the park is quietest.
• Check the daily schedule for feeding times and keeper talks when you arrive.
• Combine Artis with the Hortus Botanicus next door or Micropia for a full Plantage day.
• There are several cafés and picnic spots inside; the park's benches under the old trees are lovely on a sunny day.
• See every stop on our Amsterdam attractions map.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam cost?

Entry is ticketed, with reduced prices for children and free entry for the very young; the Museumkaart is not accepted. Check the official website for current prices, or compare options via the booking link in this guide.

How long should I spend at Artis?

Most visitors spend two to three hours, but with the aquarium, the planetarium and Micropia next door it easily fills a full day, especially with children.

Is Artis Royal Zoo worth visiting?

Yes — it is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in Europe, set in a beautiful 19th-century park in the city centre. The combination of historic buildings, mature gardens and around 700 animal species makes it much more than a standard zoo.

What animals can you see at Artis?

Highlights include the Asian elephant herd, giraffes, lions, gorillas, penguins, sea lions and the butterflies and reptiles of the tropical houses, plus the fish and coral of the historic aquarium.

Where is Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam?

It is at Plantage Kerklaan 38-40 in the Plantage district, next to the Hortus Botanicus botanical garden. Tram 14 stops right outside at Artis, and Waterlooplein metro station is about a ten-minute walk.

Sources

• Artis Royal Zoo — official website
• I amsterdam — official city guide