Artis Royal Zoo: Tickets

Home to an aquarium, planetarium, botanic garden and museum, Artis Royal Zoo has something to suit every interest.From lions to lemurs, you can find over 500 species of the world's most magnificent creatures here and learn about their daily habits.

More than a zoo, this facility is a one-stop shop for anything to do with the natural world. If you're looking for a fun-filled family activity right in the heart of Amsterdam, why not purchase Artis Royal Zoo tickets?

Here's everything you need to know about Artis Royal Zoo, one of the most fun options for theme parks in Amsterdam.

How much do Artis Royal Zoo tickets cost?

Artis Royal Zoo tickets are reasonably priced and can provide visitors with an entire day of fun for a relatively low cost.

• Adults: €25
• Children (ages 3-12): €21
• Children under 3: Free

Who is eligible for discounts?

Students benefit from a reduced Artis Royal Zoo entry fee of €12.50 upon presentation of valid identification. Those who are in possession of a CJP museum pass also qualify for this discounted rate on their Artis Royal Zoo tickets.

The park is also included in the I amsterdam City Card, which enables users to access 70 of the city's most iconic attractions for one all-inclusive price.

Should you book Artis Royal Zoo tickets in advance?

It is possible to buy your tickets at the entrance of the park on the day of your choosing. However, by purchasing your Artis Royal Zoo tickets online ahead of time, you'll benefit from a €2.50 discount on your pass. You can also spend more time exploring the zoo and less time queuing, making for a seamless experience.

What will you see and do inside Artis Royal Zoo?

Armed with your Artis Royal Zoo tickets, you can explore the park at your own pace. Wander through the butterfly pavilion, admiring the graceful nature of the colorful winged beasts, or take a stroll through the zoo's tranquil botanic garden.

With your pass valid for the entire day, you can take your time discovering the abundance of animals that call the park home, including regal lions and giggling zebras.  Not just for animal lovers, astronomy fiends can discover the stars at the onsite planetarium, while history buffs can learn about the zoo's almost 200-year history.

Discover the wildlife

Artis Royal Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and originally opened in 1838. It is also among the oldest zoos in the entire world, behind iconic animal parks, such as ZSL London Zoo and Schönbrunn Zoo.

More than 500 species of animals can be found onsite. While this is an impressive number, the zoo has downsized massively from over 1,500 species, as part of its renewal program. You can find every type of creature here, from tiny butterflies to enormous elephants.

The facility is designed to keep everyone entertained with an aquarium and planetarium located within its grounds. Inside the planetarium, you can participate in a number of immersive experiences, which aim to educate visitors on the solar system and what lies beyond. As well as scientific presentations, there is also a children's show available, which is designed to make astronomy accessible to all ages by making use of cartoon characters.

Museums and history

You'll also find the Groote Museum within the grounds of Artis Royal Zoo, which has been developed to satiate the most inquisitive minds. The museum addresses life's big questions, such as "why do humans exist?" and "how are humans different from gorillas?" Walking around this historic museum, you'll feel united with the earth as you discover how the natural world is all interconnected.

Artis Royal Zoo is brimming with local history and was, in fact, a hiding place for almost 300 Jews during WWII. While the zoo remained open throughout the war and was often frequented by German soldiers, these innocent civilians were able to remain undiscovered in the storerooms above the animal dwellings.

Private Artis Royal Zoo photoshoot

One way to create lasting memories on your trip to Amsterdam is to book yourself a private photoshoot while inside Artis Royal Zoo. Here, you can pose with your loved ones against dazzling backdrops of elephants splashing in the water or gorillas swinging from trees.

After 10-15 minutes of showing off to the camera, you'll be free to roam the zoo or return to Amsterdam with your photos sent directly to your smartphone.

How to get to Artis Royal Zoo?

Artis Royal Zoo is located in the center of the city, making it easily accessible by public transport. You can board metro Line 51, 53 or 54 at Amsterdam Central and make your way to Waterlooplein Station. From the station, it is a 10-minute journey on foot to reach the zoo.

Alternatively, you can use tram Line 14, which also departs from Amsterdam Central and stops outside Artis.

Another option is to use bus Line 22 or 43, both of which run from Amsterdam Central and stop approximately 6 minutes walk from the site.

When is the best time to visit Artis Royal Zoo?

When planning your Artis Royal Zoo visit, you should consider heading to the park when it opens at 9 AM. By doing so, you'll stand more chances of seeing the animals at their most active and you'll enjoy a quiet experience without crowds.

Artis Royal Zoo is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day from March to October and 9 AM to 5 PM between November, and February.

Which other theme parks can be visited in Amsterdam?

• Efteling Theme Park in Amsterdam

Travel tips

• The entire site of Artis Royal Zoo is cashless, meaning you'll have to pay by card if you want to purchase souvenirs, buy lunch or enjoy an ice cream as you wander around the facility.
• Artis Royal Zoo tickets are not timed, meaning that you can spend the entire day onsite if you choose.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that will keep you warm and dry, since the weather in Amsterdam can be unpredictable.
• The zoo is quite large, so don't forget to grab a map at the entrance to help you navigate the grounds.