Amsterdam Zoo (ZOO Amsterdam ARTIS)
A jump into spectacular nature in the heart of the city of Amsterdam
All of us have probably visited a zoo once or twice in our lives, seen the animals locked in small cages and prayed that they would go free one day. The Amsterdam Zoo is a completely different experience, as it is one of the most appreciated zoos in Europe and the world, where the animals move in large green spaces, all in the heart of the vibrant city of Amsterdam.
The Artis Zoo, officially known as Natura Artis Magistra, was founded in 1838, and is considered the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Artis Zoo dominates an area of 140 dunams that houses over 700 species of animals and more than 200 types of trees and shrubs that add to the park and make its visitors feel for a moment in the heart of wild nature.
The zoo perfectly combines history and innovation, as it maintains its heritage as the oldest zoo in the country, alongside modern and innovative facilities.
The main mission of the zoo is to make its visitors love the natural world and to educate them to preserve this world. You will not see poor and sad animals at the zoo, and it seems that even the animals there feel that they have the right to live in one of the funniest cities in the world.
Artis Zoo boasts a wide variety of wild animals, from majestic elephants and graceful giraffes to colorful birds and exotic reptiles. During your visit to the huge zoo, you can explore different ecosystems, including an African savannah, an Asian rainforest and an Amazonian jungle.
Artis Zoo offers various interactive and educational activities for all ages, including:
- Animal feeding - where visitors can watch the zoo guides feed the animals, and maybe even feed yourself.
- The Butterfly Pavilion - a lush tropical oasis where hundreds of diverse and colorful butterflies fly freely among exotic plants.
- Planetarium - a spectacular exhibition that will take you on a fascinating journey through the galaxy. You will find a visual exhibition about the moon and various planets. The place is built in a spectacular modern way.
- The Insectarium - which presents the amazing variety and importance of the various insects in the natural world.
- The Micropia Museum - the first museum in the world dedicated to bacteria, and unique of its kind. This museum offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the microscopic world, where you can learn about different microbes and their role in our world. Please note that the entrance to the bacteria museum is not included in the price of the ticket to the zoo, and in order to enter the museum you will need to buy an additional ticket or a combined ticket that includes entrance to both attractions.
In addition to the special spaces that offer fascinating activities, there are several places that you should not miss when visiting the zoo:
zoo aquarium- The aquarium, built as early as 1882, is home to a variety of special and mysterious sea creatures living in the depths of the sea, and you can find a coral reef that is vibrant and spectacular in its beauty.
The historic birdhouse (The Historic Birdhouse)- Inside a historic building from the 19th century you can find dozens of types of birds flying freely alongside amazing vegetation.
The African Savannah (Savannah) - In the African savannah you can find zebras, giraffes and a host of other spectacular animals with the scenery of the city of Amsterdam in the background. After the savannah continue to the impressive elephant area.
Gorilla House (Gorilla House)- The spectacular Gorilla House will take you to a close encounter with a spectacular family of gorillas.
In addition, you will find several cafes and restaurants that can be delicious and great stopping points while visiting the zoo.
important information:
Address of the zoo: Plantage Kerklaan 38, Amsterdam.
The Amsterdam Zoo is centrally located in the city and can be easily reached by accessible public transportation from the various parts of the city.
Tram - tram number 14 to the ARTIS station or tram number 7 or 19 to the Alexanderplein station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the zoo.
Metro - you can take metro lines 51, 53 or 54 to the Waterlooplein station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the zoo.
You can also take bus lines 22 or 43 to the Kadijksplein stop, which is about a 5-minute walk from the zoo.
For those arriving by car, there is paid parking.
שעות פתיחה: From March 1 to October 31 - every day between 9:00 and 18:00.
From November 1 to February 28, every day from 9:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.
It is recommended to order tickets in advance!
Tips for a successful visit to the zoo:
- arrived in the middle of the week- The zoo is a popular attraction in the city for locals and tourists alike, so the site may be busy on weekends and during European holidays. If possible, try to get to the zoo in the middle of the week. In the summer months, it is recommended to arrive in the morning to ensure pleasant weather for a visit to the zoo.
- Book tickets in advance- You can almost always find a long line at the zoo box office. Be sure to order entrance tickets in advance, which will save you unnecessary standing in the entrance lines.
- Bring snacks and water- The zoo does have several cafes, kiosks and restaurants, but the prices are high and the queues can be long. Buy snacks in advance, and you can sit in one of the great seating areas or have a picnic on the green lawns of the park.
- Arrived on a pleasant day- Most of the zoo is in the open, and requires a lot of walking under the open sky. Try to get to the zoo in pleasant weather - when it's not too hot and when it's not rainy, things that will make it difficult to visit the huge zoo. If you arrived in Amsterdam on a rainy week, open the umbrellas and don't miss a visit to the zoo, which is quiet and peaceful on rainy days. On hot and sunny days, stock up on sunscreen and a hat.
- Combine the visit with a visit to the nearby bacteria museum. The Micropia Museum, which we mentioned in the article, is one of the unique museums in its field, which will provide you with new and fascinating information about the interesting world of microorganisms.
