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ARTIS Royal Zoo

Family attractions

ARTIS Royal Zoo

An 1838 zoo laid out as a park, with a planetarium and a microbe museum.

Amsterdam4.5 (24000 reviews)3.5h
Last updated June 12, 2026

Continental Europe's oldest surviving zoo, on Plantage Kerklaan, and a half-day that works for adults travelling without children.

The nineteenth-century layout means monumental buildings and mature trees rather than a modern safari circuit, and that is the appeal. The site takes in an aquarium, a planetarium and Micropia, which is a museum of microbes and unlike anything else you will find. Budget longer than you expect; the grounds are large.

Highlights

  • Historic park layout
  • Aquarium and planetarium
  • Micropia microbe museum

Insider tips

  • Half a day, not two hours.
  • Micropia has its own entrance and its own ticket logic.

FAQ

Do I need to book ARTIS Royal Zoo ahead?
For weekends, holidays and spring travel, yes. The Netherlands is easy to navigate, but high-demand tickets and good time slots sell out first.
Is this a good first-time visitor choice?
Yes, if it matches your route. We prioritize listings that solve a real planning problem, have clear visitor logistics and can be booked or verified before arrival.

Where you'll find it

Amsterdam, Netherlands

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