On safari in the city

You don’t necessarily need to board a plane to see elephants, sea lions and penguins.

Because in the heart of Amsterdam you can visit them at Artis, the oldest zoo in the Netherlands.

From bucking zebras to the most magnificent live specimens fluttering around in the Butterfly Garden: there is so much to see at Artis.

Once your tour of Artis starts, you’ll understand why Amsterdam families take out subscriptions to this zoo. You just don’t have enough time for your eyes to take in so many animals. There’s everything from bucking zebras to the magnificent residents of the Butterfly Pavilion. Then there is the Micropia too, where you can discover the smallest organisms in the world. If you need refreshments, drop in at the Twee Cheetahs restaurant with its island playground and view over the Savannah.

Hey, did you know?

Artis was founded in 1838 to foster a knowledge of nature. The park’s first occupants were parrots, apes and a Surinamese forest cat. A year later, they were joined by newcomers including an elephant, a tiger, a panther and a pair of lions.

Photography: Ronald van Weeren & Maarten van der Wal

  Artis
address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam
online: artis.nl

Artis

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