Artis Royal Zoo

Artis is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, founded in 1838 in the Plantage district of Amsterdam, and it combines a zoo, a botanical garden and several museums in one historic park. The name comes from the Latin motto of its society, Natura Artis Magistra, which means nature is the teacher of art, and the zoo was set up by three men who wanted to promote knowledge of natural history among the people of the city. It is among the oldest zoos in Europe, and it has been a favourite place for generations of Amsterdammers and visitors, with the right to call itself royal.

The park is a pleasure to walk in. It is laid out in the nineteenth-century landscape style, with winding paths, old trees, ponds and gardens, and many of the original buildings survive, including some elegant listed structures, so it is a good place for architecture and history as well as animals. The animal collection is large and varied, covering many hundreds of species, from big animals such as giraffes, elephants, lions and gorillas to small creatures in the insect, reptile and aquarium houses. A tropical rainforest pavilion, a butterfly house and a large aquarium offer indoor attractions, which is useful in wet weather.

A special feature is the range of other attractions on the same site. Micropia is a museum of microbes, opened in 2014, and it is the only one of its kind in the world, showing the invisible organisms that surround us and live in and on us, with microscopes and displays that make the topic accessible and surprising. The planetarium shows the night sky, and the historic Groote Museum, the old zoological museum, contains specimens and displays on natural history. Educational programmes, feeding times and activities for children run throughout the day, making it a good family destination.

Artis lies at Plantage Kerklaan, a short walk from the Hortus Botanicus and the Dutch Resistance Museum, and the area is quiet and green compared with the centre. Visitors usually spend three to five hours here, so it is worth setting aside much of a day, and it is a good idea to check the opening hours, prices and feeding times online, and to book tickets in advance for busy days. There are cafes and restaurants in the park, and picnics are allowed in some areas.

The zoo suits families with children, animal lovers and anyone who enjoys historic parks. Go early in the day, wear comfortable shoes and plan a route based on the animals you most want to see.