Is ARTIS Zoo worth it?
Worth it if…Lives up to the hype · +4Leafy 19th-century city-centre zoo in the Plantage with an aquarium and planetarium
Worth it, with conditions. 4.5 on Google from 37k reviews; visitors call it a calm, well-kept oasis, with complaints limited to signage and the kid-oriented aquarium.
Hype60How famous and hyped it is
Reality64Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.5 ★ Google · 37,389 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to ARTIS Zoo? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 families with kids vote
The most consistent praise: playgrounds, cafés, penguins and elephants, and under-3s go free.
Why Reality is 64
Lives up to its fame4/54.5 on Google from 37k reviews; visitors call it a calm, well-kept oasis, with complaints limited to signage and the kid-oriented aquarium.
Value for money3/5~€30 adult includes aquarium and planetarium, which is fair for a half day, but museums cost extra and it's not a world-class collection.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5One of Europe's oldest zoos with historic buildings, but the animals are typical of any major European zoo.
Easy to do4/5Central, on tram 14, no timed entry and open 9–18 daily; only weekend crowds and Dutch-only signage detract.
What people loved
Green, park-like grounds right in the city; calm 'oasis' atmosphere with 19th-century buildingsAquarium and planetarium are included, so one ticket fills most of a dayElephants, gorillas, giraffes, lions and penguins in roomy enclosures; butterfly house is a highlightVery family-friendly, with playgrounds and plenty of cafésWhat wore them down
Pricey for a mid-size zoo: about €30 per adult, and the museums cost extraMany signs and audio talks are only in DutchDense planting can hide animals; lots of bird enclosures relative to big mammalsRenovated aquarium is tech-heavy and aimed at children, which some adults dislikeKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Walk-up tickets sold at the counter, but online tickets are €2–3 cheaper and prices vary by day.
EntryZoo: from €29.50 online / €32.50 at the counter (13+); from €25.50 / €27.50 ages 3–12; under 3 free; students €16.25. Prices vary by daySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
What's includedAquarium and Planetarium included; Groote Museum and Micropia cost extra (combo from €35.50 online, 13+). Museumkaart covers the museums but not the zooSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Late Afternoon ticketFrom September, entry from 16:00 for €15 (3+)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursZoo daily 9:00–18:00; Micropia 10:00–17:00; Groote Museum 10:00–17:00 (Thu to 22:00)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationNo timed slot required; booking online is cheaper than the counterSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time neededAbout 3 hours; a full day with the museumsSource: Google reviews · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereTram 14 to the 'Artis' stop by the gate, or ~25 min walk (about 1.8 km) east of Dam Square via the PlantageSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
In their words
“It’s not a world-class zoo, but the combination of animals, playgrounds, and central location makes it worth visiting if you’re in Amsterdam with children.”
“I’m not very happy with the new aquarium since everything is with technology and more likely for children’s.”
“The penguins completely stole my heart—they were ridiculously cute!”
“We had a great time exploring we were there for around 3 hours so plenty to look at and signs everywhere to keep track.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How much is ARTIS Zoo?
From €29.50 online or €32.50 at the counter for ages 13+, from €25.50 online for ages 3–12; under 3 free. Prices vary by day.
Is the aquarium included in the ARTIS ticket?
Yes, the Aquarium and Planetarium are included. The Groote Museum and Micropia are separate, or available as a combo ticket.
Does the Museumkaart work at ARTIS?
It gives free entry to the Groote Museum and Micropia, but not to the zoo itself.
What are ARTIS opening hours?
The zoo is open daily 9:00–18:00; from September there's a cheaper Late Afternoon ticket from 16:00.
How long do you need at ARTIS?
Reviewers typically spend about 3 hours; add time if you also visit Micropia or the Groote Museum.
