If you're looking for an oasis of peace and tranquility in Amsterdam where the kids will have the time of their lives, the Artis Zoo is waiting for you. Considered to be one of the world's finest city zoos, Artis is located in the Plantage region of Amsterdam. Artis is short for Natura Artis Magistra, which means 'Nature is the teacher of art.'

Flora and Fauna

The impressive fauna collection (over 900 species!) is complemented by over 200 species of plants, and spring and summer make it a green haven for visitors. The zoo was founded in 1838, and the 19th century architecture of the buildings is still intact. The first public visitors were allowed inside in 1920, and since then millions of people have visited this world-renowned zoo. Unlike conventional cages that separate you from the animals in other zoos, there is a water channel separating you from the animals at Artis, which not only enriches your viewing experience and makes you feel closer and connected to them, but also gives the animals a more natural habitat to live in.

Animal Worlds Aplenty

Animals at Artis include giraffes, lions, elephants, gorillas, hippos, and some more unusual characters like the giant tortoise or the red panda. The zoo area is divided into 'worlds,' and you can be among the wildebeests and the zebras of the Savannah one moment, and in an aquarium among coral reefs and mighty sharks the next! If you're curious about the animals that live in the canals, you can learn more about them here. Artis Zoo is also home to a Planetarium (the largest one in the Netherlands), a Zoological Museum, a colorful Butterfly Pavilion, and an Insectarium.

Planning your visit

In 2013, Artis celebrates its 175th birthday, and special events are planned for the occasion. If you're planning a visit, here are some helpful tips:

There are plenty of places to go to toilet and get refreshments too, and the map available at the zoo will help you locate these.

Artis Zoo is extremely child friendly with highchairs provided in restaurants, facilities to heat up baby food and baby changing stations in the lavatories. Children of all ages will love Artis Zoo, and there is always something exciting happening and the children's playgrounds provide the perfect space for kids to run off any extra energy.

Most areas of Artis Zoo have wheelchair access and wheelchairs are available at the entrance. Other facilities include the Artis Zoo shop.

Click here to see the event calendar.

Opening Times and Prices

The zoo is open daily between 9am and 5pm in the winters (1 Nov-31 Mar), and 9-6 in the summers (1-Apr-31Oct). 'Summer nights: are on every Saturday June through August, when the zoo is open till sundown. Ticket prices range from € 19.95 for adults to €15.95 for kids aged 3-9 years and €17.95 for seniors over 65. Opening times and prices vary over time, so we advise you check the Artis Zoo website (link top right) for the most up-to-date information.

Opening Times

1 November to 31 March: 9:00am - 5:00pm

22 December - 6 January: 9:00am - 8:00pm

December 31: 9:00am -4:00pm

1 January: 10:00am - 8:00pm

1 April - 31 October: 9.00am - 6:00pm