Plizio Visual Lab
Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife
Artis, formally known as Natura Artis Magistra, was founded in 1838, making it the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world. Located in the Plantage district of Amsterdam, it is celebrated for its historic architecture and rich botanical gardens. Artis is more than just a zoo; the complex also features a planetarium, an aquarium, and Micropia, the world's first museum dedicated entirely to microbes. The park contains numerous 19th-century national monuments, which lend a stately and timeless atmosphere to the grounds. Despite its central urban location, Artis is deeply committed to international breeding programs for endangered species and scientific research. By combining nature, culture, and science, Artis remains a vital part of Amsterdam’s cultural heritage and a major center for environmental education.
- Location: North Holland, Netherlands
- Top sights: Kleine panda, Aziatische kleinklauwotter · Goudwanggibbon · Hollandse Polder
- Nearby: Diemen (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 64 | 53 | 40 | 57 | 63 | 81 | 90 | 70 | 78 | 76 | 81 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The zoo is open year-round, but the best time for animal viewing is spring and autumn when temperatures are mild. In summer, outdoor areas can be very crowded, hindering visibility.
Best time of day
Visit the zoo early in the morning when animals are especially active after the night feeding. Late afternoon before closing also sees many species becoming lively again.
Etiquette
Do not feed the animals, as it can harm their health. Keep a proper distance from enclosures and do not throw objects into them.
What to bring
Binoculars help spot details on shy animals or in larger enclosures. Comfortable shoes are recommended as the zoo is extensive and you will walk a lot.
Getting there
Artis Zoo is located in central Amsterdam and is excellently accessible by public transport. Parking is scarce downtown, so taking a bus or tram is recommended.
What to expect
Some animals hide at certain times; plan for several hours to explore all areas. Crowds can be large at times, but the diversity of species makes the visit worthwhile.
Geography
Facts
- Artis was founded on May 1, 1838, by Gerardus Frederik Westerman
- The zoo covers a total area of approximately 14 hectares
- The site contains 27 buildings designated as national monuments
- The planetarium was opened in 1988 to showcase astronomical wonders
- Micropia, the world's first museum for microbes, opened here in 2014
- The historic aquarium, completed in 1882, houses a vast marine collection
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo (10)
Hollandse Polder
Recreated Dutch polder landscape at Artis Zoo, home to typical polder animals.
Dutch Resistance Museum🏛 museum
Museum in Amsterdam documenting the Dutch resistance during World War II.
Hollandse Tuin
Garden at Artis Zoo with traditional Dutch plants and landscaping.
Mahatma Gandhi Plantsoen
Park in Amsterdam named after Mahatma Gandhi, featuring trees and benches.
Artis
Zoo in Amsterdam, one of the oldest zoos in Europe, opened in 1838.
Gallerie Weerdruk
Gallery in Amsterdam exhibiting prints and contemporary artworks.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Artis the oldest zoo in the Netherlands?
Yes, it was founded back in 1838.
Is there an aquarium?
Yes, Artis has a large historical aquarium.
What is Micropia?
It is a globally unique museum for microorganisms located right next to the zoo.
Is the zoo located in the center?
Yes, it is located in the Plantage district, not far from the center.
Is there a planetarium?
Yes, there is a planetarium in the zoo with daily shows.
Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo: where is it located?
Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo is located in North Holland, Netherlands.
Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kleine panda, Aziatische kleinklauwotter, Goudwanggibbon, Hollandse Polder.
Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
Artis, formally known as Natura Artis Magistra, was founded in 1838, making it the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Netherlands →
Nearby cities
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, world-famous for its historic canal network, world-class museums, and its liberal atmosphere.
Haarlem
Haarlem, the capital of the province of North Holland, is a picturesque city with a lot of historic charm, located just a few kilometers …
Zaanstad
Zaanstad is a municipality north of Amsterdam, known for its industrial heritage and distinctive green wooden houses.
Hoofddorp
Hoofddorp is the main town of the Haarlemmermeer municipality, located in a reclaimed polder.
Alkmaar
Alkmaar is a charming historic city in North Holland, known worldwide for its traditional cheese market, which is held weekly in summer.
Purmerend
Purmerend is a city in North Holland that became known as a historic market town.
Hoorn
A historic harbor city on the Markermeer lake, renowned for its rich Dutch Golden Age past and beautifully preserved 17th-century archite…
Den Helder
Den Helder is located at the northern tip of North Holland and is the main naval base of the Netherlands.
Heemskerk
Heemskerk is located in the province of North Holland.
IJmuiden
IJmuiden, the port of Amsterdam, is famous for its huge sea locks, wide North Sea beach, and raw, industrial atmosphere.
Bergen aan Zee
A popular North Sea seaside resort known for its wide beaches, sea aquarium, and proximity to the artists' village of Bergen.
Diemen
A charming town near Amsterdam, offering a peaceful retreat with easy access to the vibrant metropolis.
Heiloo
Heiloo is located in the province of North Holland.
Hillegom
Hillegom is a charming town in the heart of the Dutch Flower-bulb region, famous for its colorful flower fields and proximity to the Keuk…
Zandvoort
Often referred to as Amsterdam Beach, Zandvoort offers wide sandy beaches, impressive dunes, and a famous Formula 1 racing circuit.
History & landmarks
Volendam
A world-famous fishing village on the Markermeer, known for its traditional costumes, picturesque harbor, and smoked eel.
Enkhuizen
A historic port city on the IJsselmeer, famous for its rich maritime heritage and the open-air Zuiderzee Museum.
Monnickendam
A charming small town featuring significant historic buildings and a traditional carillon tower in the heart of North Holland.
Marken
A former island in the Markermeer with characteristic wooden houses on stilts and the iconic 'Paard van Marken' lighthouse.
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Amsterdam Central Station was designed in the Neo-Gothic style.
More places
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
NEMO Science Museum Amsterdam
NEMO is a science museum in Amsterdam.
Oude Kerk Amsterdam
The Oude Kerk is the oldest building in Amsterdam.
Tuschinski Theater Amsterdam
The Tuschinski Theater is a historic cinema in Amsterdam.
St. Nicholas Basilica Amsterdam
St.
Royal Palace Amsterdam
The Royal Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam is one of the official palaces of the Dutch royal family.
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands.