Amsterdam: Artis Royal Zoo & ARTIS-Micropia Combo Ticket

Discover Amsterdam’s Unique Wildlife and Microbes with the Artis Royal Zoo & Micropia Combo

If you’re visiting Amsterdam and want a blend of wildlife, science, and a bit of fun, the Artis Royal Zoo & Micropia combo ticket offers a compelling day out. Priced at around $40 per person, this ticket grants you access to the fifth oldest zoo in the world, right in the city’s center, along with a visit to Micropia, the only museum in the world dedicated to microbes.

What we love most about this experience is how seamlessly it combines up-close animal encounters with fascinating microbiology, making it ideal for families, science buffs, or anyone curious about the tiny universe that impacts life on Earth. Plus, the inclusion of the planetarium adds a fun, space-themed touch to the visit.

One thing to consider is that the schedule is flexible, but the entry to Micropia is based on a pre-selected time slot. This means you’ll need to plan your day around that, especially if you want to maximize your zoo experience.

This tour suits those who appreciate hands-on learning, enjoy nature and wildlife, and want a cost-effective, full-day outing. The reviews show that visitors often stay longer than planned, so pack your curiosity and comfortable shoes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Historic Setting: Visit one of the oldest zoos in the world, located centrally in Amsterdam.
• Interactive Microbe Exhibit: Discover the unseen world with engaging, educational displays at Micropia.
• Diverse Animal Encounters: See elephants, giraffes, jaguars, and flamingos in well-designed habitats.
• Educational & Entertaining: The combination offers fun for kids and adults alike.
• Flexible & Convenient: Valid for one day with options to visit at your preferred time.
• Value for Money: For about $40, enjoy access to both attractions and the planetarium.

The Full Experience: What to Expect at the Artis Royal Zoo & Micropia

A Historic Setting in the Heart of Amsterdam

Walking into the Artis Royal Zoo feels like stepping into a living museum. Established in 1838, it’s one of the oldest zoos globally, and that history shows in its architecture and layout. The zoo isn’t just about the animals; it’s a beautifully maintained green space, full of old trees, flowering beds, and historic monuments. This makes for a peaceful stroll amid the buzz of a vibrant city.

You can expect to see a wide array of animals living in habitats designed to mimic their natural environments. The latest addition, the new lion enclosure, opened in October, is a highlight—allowing you to get closer than ever to these majestic creatures. Other notable residents include Asian elephants, jaguars, Western lowland gorillas, and Chilean flamingos.

Engaging Animal Exhibits and Environments

The zoo’s Forest House and Bird House provide immersive spaces where animals are seen in environments that resemble their natural habitats. Visitors often comment on how well-kept and clean the zoo is, with reviewers noting the abundance of water fill stations that make staying hydrated easy.

A particularly appealing feature is the Savannah area, where giraffes, zebras, and kudus roam freely, creating a lively and authentic scene. The chance to catch these animals in a setting that feels less like a cage and more like their true home is appreciated.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Space and Butterfly Pavilion

The Planetarium included in the ticket adds a cosmic dimension to your visit. We found that the planetarium’s shows are a fun, educational break from walking around. Reviewers mention the stunning views of space, and the inclusion of this feature makes the ticket more than just a zoo visit—it’s a mini science adventure.

In the Butterfly Pavilion, you can stand among fluttering butterflies, offering a delightful sensory experience. The mix of sights and sounds makes it a favorite among families and nature lovers.

Discover Microbes at Micropia

After enjoying the animals, you can head to Micropia, the world’s only museum dedicated to microbes—those tiny organisms that are invisible to the naked eye but vital for life. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Micropia provides a rare chance to see microbes in action through interactive exhibits that make microbiology approachable and fun.

The museum’s “Magnified” exhibition features stunning images of microbes, taken with advanced microscopes, and shows how technology has transformed what we can see. You’ll learn that microbes produce half the oxygen we breathe and recycle organic material into raw materials—fascinating facts that change how we view these tiny organisms.

Interactive and Educational Experience

Staffled Lab Talks and interactive setups help demystify microbes, emphasizing that most are harmless or even beneficial. That’s a shift from the common view that microbes only cause disease—here, microbes are heroes of life on Earth.

We loved the way guides and staff answered questions, making complex ideas easy to understand. Visitor Leslie called Micropia “a wonderful, interesting experience” and appreciated its interactive nature.

Planning Your Day

Timing is flexible—you can enter the zoo during its open hours (9 am to 6 pm in high season, slightly earlier in winter). The Micropia time slot you select during booking determines your visit to the microbe museum, but you can explore the zoo before or after that.

The combined ticket makes it easy to switch between exhibits; just remember to ask for a stamp on your hand if you want to leave and return later.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• The price is reasonable for the full-day experience, especially considering the inclusion of the planetarium.
• The zoo is wheelchair accessible, and reservations are not necessary for wheelchairs or water refill stations.
• Kids age 0-12 enter free, making this a great family outing.
• For visitors aiming to maximize time, plan to arrive early and allocate at least 4-5 hours to enjoy both the zoo and Micropia fully.
• If you’re interested in seeing the latest lion enclosure, check the schedule for October openings.
• Remember that pets and smoking are not allowed, maintaining a safe environment for animals and visitors.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness and well-maintained habitats, emphasizing that the animals seem to enjoy spacious, thoughtfully designed environments. One visitor noted, “It comes across as clean and animals seem well kept.”

The interactive aspect of Micropia is highly valued: “Micropia was fascinating and eye-opening,” said Jason, highlighting how staff are available to answer questions, and exhibits make complex microbiology accessible.

Many visitors stayed longer than expected, with Leslie mentioning they spent seven hours exploring due to the zoo’s variety and the engaging exhibits. For families or anyone looking for a full-day activity, this combo ticket hits the mark.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This combo is perfect for families with children, science enthusiasts, and travelers who enjoy outdoor exploration mixed with interactive learning. It’s ideal if you want a relaxing, educational day without leaving the city, yet feeling as if you’ve visited two different worlds—the animal kingdom and the microscopic universe.

Those interested in space and biology will find the planetarium a captivating addition. Because of the reasonably priced ticket and the wide range of exhibits, it offers excellent value for your money.

The Sum Up

The Amsterdam Artis Royal Zoo & Micropia combo combines historic charm, exciting animal encounters, and mind-expanding science. It’s a well-rounded experience that appeals to a broad audience, offering both relaxing nature walks and thought-provoking exhibits. The inclusion of the planetarium and the interactive microbiology displays make this a memorable, educational outing, especially if you appreciate hands-on learning and family-friendly activities.

While a full day comfortably fits this itinerary, even a half-day provides a meaningful glimpse into the diversity of life, from the majestic animals to the unseen microbes that sustain us all. It’s a great choice for travelers looking for value, authenticity, and a bit of everything—nature, science, and history—all in one accessible location.

FAQ

Is the ticket valid for the entire day?
Yes, your ticket is valid for one day, and you can enter the zoo during its open hours and select your preferred time slot for Micropia.

Can I visit the zoo and Micropia on the same day?
Absolutely. You can explore the zoo first and then head to Micropia at your scheduled time, or vice versa, depending on your plans.

Are children free?
Yes, children aged 0-12 enter free, making it a great choice for families.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, both the zoo and Micropia are wheelchair accessible, and reservations are not required for wheelchairs.

How long should I plan to spend there?
Most visitors find they need at least 4-5 hours, especially if they want to see everything comfortably, including the planetarium and interactive exhibits.

What are the opening hours?
The zoo is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm in high season, with slightly shorter hours from November to February. Micropia is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.

Can I leave and re-enter the zoo?
Yes, just ask for a stamp on your hand when you leave, and you can re-enter during the same day.

What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket grants access to the Royal Zoo, Micropia, and the Planetarium.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted in the zoo or museum.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll be walking quite a bit. Bring a hat and water if the weather is warm, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Exploring Amsterdam’s wildlife and microbial wonders with this combo ticket offers a fantastic way to combine education, entertainment, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re traveling with kids or flying solo, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the invisible helpers and majestic animals that make our world special.

You can check availability for your dates here: