Amsterdam: Artis Royal Zoo & ARTIS-Micropia Combo Ticket

If you’re visiting Amsterdam and looking for a day filled with both natural wonders and scientific curiosity, the ARTIS Royal Zoo & Micropia combo ticket offers a compelling way to spend your time. This package gives you access to one of the oldest zoos in the world, right in the city center, combined with a visit to the world’s only microbe museum. Whether you’re traveling with family, a science buff, or someone who just loves seeing animals and microbes up close, this experience aims to deliver a memorable and educational day.

Two things we really appreciate about this combo are the openness and natural beauty of the zoo, which makes it a relaxed place for exploration, and the interactive, eye-opening exhibits at Micropia that transform microbes from invisible threats into fascinating life forms. A possible drawback is that it’s a full-day commitment—spending many hours wandering around the zoo and then diving into the microscopic world. But for those who love discovery and want to see both the animal kingdom and tiny microbes, this is a terrific value. Perfect for families, science enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see a different side of Amsterdam’s rich cultural offerings.

Key Points

• Historical Significance: The zoo is among the five oldest in the world, offering visitors a glimpse into historic and modern zoo practices.
• Educational Value: Micropia makes the invisible world visible, offering interactive exhibits and mini-lectures.
• Variety of Encounters: From Asian elephants and giraffes to microbes that glow, the experience covers both large animals and microscopic life.
• Convenient Combined Ticket: Entry to both attractions with one purchase simplifies planning.
• Location & Accessibility: Situated in central Amsterdam with easy access via tram or metro.
• Full-Day Experience: Expect to spend several hours at each site, making it ideal for a leisurely, educational outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect at ARTIS Royal Zoo & Micropia

The Historic Zoo in the Heart of Amsterdam

Walking into ARTIS Royal Zoo, you’re stepping into a place with centuries of history, but it’s far from a dusty relic. The zoo’s charm lies in its open, landscaped grounds, which feel more like a lush park than a typical zoo. You’ll find centuries-old trees and beautifully maintained flower beds that create a peaceful backdrop for animal viewing.

We loved how the zoo manages to balance modern conservation efforts with traditional charm. The new lion enclosure, opened in October, signals ongoing development, and it’s impressive to see such a historic site continue to evolve. Expect to see Asian elephants, jaguars, Western lowland gorillas, and Chilean flamingos. The habitat designs are thoughtful, aiming to mimic their natural environments as much as possible, which benefits the animals and enhances your viewing experience.

The zoo’s layout includes various themed areas, like the Forest House and Bird House, where multiple species coexist peacefully, offering a panoramic view of animal diversity. The Savannah section with giraffes, zebras, and kudus is particularly photogenic and lively. We found that the zoo’s cleanliness and water refill stations made a difference—refilling your water bottles is easy and eco-friendly, a small but appreciated detail.

The zoo also features a planetarium, where the included admission lets you explore space themes in a dark, immersive setting. It’s perfect for adding a cosmic dimension to your day, especially if you’re traveling with kids or space buffs.

The Microbe Museum: Micropia

Just as fascinating is Micropia, a museum dedicated entirely to microbes. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, it’s the only museum of its kind in the world, and it offers a refreshing perspective on microbes—these tiny creatures are often misunderstood as only harmful, but Micropia shows their vital roles in our planet’s ecosystems and human health.

The exhibits are interactive and hands-on, with 40 types of microbes on display through stunning images and microscopes. You’ll see microbes that glow in the dark and learn about their incredible diversity. The Lab Talks—mini-lectures held in front of lab stations—are engaging and accessible, making complex microbiological concepts understandable.

We appreciated how Micropia makes the invisible world visible—a compelling reminder of how microbes impact our daily lives, from oxygen production by microalgae to the bacteria in our gut that help digestion and influence our moods. The Magnified exhibition, featuring advanced microscopes and historic instruments, provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of microscopic technology.

Practical Aspects and Tips for Visiting

Your booking time slot for Micropia is key—you’ll select this during the booking process, and it’s the only timed element of your visit. You’re free to enter the zoo during its regular opening hours, making it flexible to structure your day.

The price of $40 per person is quite reasonable considering access to both attractions and the planetarium. The reviews suggest that many visitors feel they get excellent value, especially given the interactive nature and the chance to see both large animals and microscopic life.

The location is accessible via tram from Amsterdam Central Station, with stops close to ARTIS (Tram 14, nearby stops 7 and 19, or Waterlooplein metro station). The zoo is open daily, with hours extending until 6 pm from March to October, perfect for a full day of exploration.

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What the Reviews Say

Visitors consistently praise Micropia as “fascinating and eye-opening,” with friendly staff and engaging exhibits. One reviewer mentioned, “The zoo is amazing and spent many hours walking around,” noting its cleanliness and the relaxing atmosphere, which encourages slow, thoughtful exploration. Another remarked, “It was more open than any zoo I’ve seen,” emphasizing how the zoo’s design makes the experience feel less like an animal jail and more like a natural park.

People also point out how the full-day experience is worth it, with some spending up to seven hours roaming the grounds and exploring Micropia. Visitors especially love the interactive and educational aspects, making complex microbiology accessible and fun for all ages.

The Sum Up

This ARTIS combo ticket offers a well-rounded, high-value day in Amsterdam, blending the historical charm and diverse animal exhibits of one of the world’s oldest zoos with the cutting-edge science of Micropia. It’s especially suited for families, science lovers, or anyone curious about the invisible world around us.

You’ll find the experience both relaxing and stimulating, with opportunities to learn about nature and microbes in a beautifully maintained setting. The accessibility and reasonable price point make it a smart choice for a full, enriching day without breaking the bank.

If you enjoy seeing animals in thoughtfully designed habitats and are intrigued by the tiny microbes that influence all life on Earth, this tour is a must. Expect to leave with a new appreciation for the diversity of life, both big and tiny, and the smart way the zoo and museum combine education with fun.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome. Infants (age 0-2) can enter for free, and Micropia offers a highly interactive experience that children from 0-12 will enjoy.

How long does the visit typically take?
Expect to spend several hours between the zoo and Micropia. Many visitors say a full day is ideal to see everything comfortably.

Can I visit the zoo and Micropia on the same day?
Absolutely. Your ticket allows entry to both attractions on the same day, with the Micropia time slot reserved during booking.

Is the price of $40 per person good value?
Compared to separate tickets, this package offers great value, especially considering the inclusion of a planetarium and access to both large animals and microscopic exhibits.

Are the facilities accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and there are water refill stations and vegetarian restaurants available.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, for Micropia, you select a specific time slot during booking. The zoo itself is open during regular hours, so no advance reservation is needed for general entry.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, water bottles (refill stations are available), and curiosity about microbes and animals.

Is the experience suitable for solo travelers?
Definitely. The exhibits are engaging enough that solo visitors will find plenty to see and learn.

Can I combine this with other attractions?
Yes, its central location makes it easy to integrate into a broader Amsterdam itinerary.

What makes Micropia special?
It’s the only microbe museum in the world, celebrating its 10th anniversary, and making the invisible world visible through interactive and stunning exhibits.

This combo ticket for ARTIS Royal Zoo and Micropia offers a unique, educational, and fun way to spend a day in Amsterdam. Whether you’re here to enjoy the animals, learn about microbes, or both, it’s a worthwhile experience that blends history, science, and natural beauty seamlessly.

You can check availability for your dates here: