Hi Friends!
Amsterdam is obviously famous for its canals and all of the history but tucked into the leafy Plantage neighborhood was a really cool stop, the ARTIS Zoo. One of the days that I was in Amsterdam, Dustin had to work so I got to go explore by myself for the day and I decided that I wanted to spend the morning at the ARTIS Zoo which quickly went from me wanting to spend the morning to spending most of my day at there! If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Amsterdam that’s fun, a little educational, and honestly just really cool, you should definitely spend a day at the ARTIS Zoo! While you’re there I would also check out the museum that is right next to it called Micropia which was all about microbes which I will get into more below but they are right next to each other which makes them easy to see and explore both of them in the same day!
All blog posts for this Amsterdam Trip
Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Amsterdam
A Day Exploring ARTIS Zoo and Micropia Museum in Amsterdam
6 Spots Not To Miss In Amsterdam
Wandering Around ARTIS Zoo
After being there I found out that the ARTIS Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands (it was founded all the way back in 1838!!) which didn’t surprise me because you can absolutely feel that history the moment you walk into the zoo! All of the paths are lined with trees, historic buildings, and tons of pockets of greenery that made it feel like more of a peaceful park with animals rather than a busy attraction like some other zoos feel like. There were so many details to take in and even though the zoo is right in the middle of the city it feels like thats exactly where it is supposed to be! I saw so many animals while I was there, things from elephants to lions, so many birds, tons of reptiles, I wasn’t shocked to find out that ARTIS has over 900 species to look at and learn about. The zoo was calm and spacious which made me feel like I could just take my time wandering from enclosure to enclosure, I loved it! The zoo has a planetarium that has daily shows that take a closer look at space! They also have a botanical garden which was filled with plant species from all over the world! You can also spend so much time looking at the gardens and the historic buildings that were scattered throughout the zoo as well.
Micropia: Way Cooler Than It Sounds, Trust Me!
Right next to the zoo is the entrance to Micropia which is a museum that is full of information on microbes and I really feel like this place will absolutely surprise you! Micropia is the world’s only museum dedicated entirely to microbes and it covers everything that has to do with the tiny organisms that live in, on, and all around us. I think it’s important to note that instead of this museum being boring or overly scientific, it’s really interactive and actually kind of mind blowing! Some of the areas that stuck out to me were the area where they have live microscopes where you can actually watch microbes moving around! They also had interactive displays that show how many microbes live on your body and a “kiss-o-meter” that shows how many microbes are shared when you kiss someone (equal parts fascinating and slightly gross) haha. They also have real and living microbes that were grown in a lab inside the museum for you to check out. I would say that you will probably spend about 1 to 2 hours here learning and exploring! It was crazy to go to a museum and see things that you usually wouldn’t be able to see!
Connect with Nature at the Groote Museum
I was sad that I missed the Groote Museum, I found out about it after I got back to the hotel that afternoon but this museum is also a part of the ARTIS complex. It is a natural history and interactive science museum that focuses on art, biology, philosophy to make the person visiting think deeply about life and the connection that we have to other species. I wish I would have gotten a ticket to this museum as well because they had so many things to check out! They have an interactive zone where you can learn how a baby’s movement can resemble a crocodile’s movements or how plant roots can mirror human intestines! They also have hands on installations to explore senses. Their exhibits seem to focus on evolution, biodiversity, ecosystems, and our shared journey with all living beings. I will absolutely be going to the Groote Museum next time I am in Amsterdam visiting!
What to Know Before You Go:
Here are some helpful pointers to make the most of your day:
Buy tickets in advance online. You don’t have to do this for the aspect of it selling out but if you plan to combine tickets and go to the ARTIS Zoo as well as Micropia or Groote Museum, the tickets purchased together are usually cheaper and will guarantee an entry time. I didn’t buy them in advance and I was just fine but just to have it check off your to do list, getting it online can be helpful!
Give yourself plenty of time. I think that ARTIS Zoo on its own can easily take half a day, if you are wanting to add in Micropia and the Groote Museum it could absolutely fill a full day of exploring!
Easy access by public transport. ARTIS/Micropia/Groote Museum are easy to get to by taking a tram and metro from central Amsterdam!
Take breaks. There are cafes and picnic areas on site in the zoo and good to stop in for lunch or a cup of coffee between the zoo and going to one of the other museums! You can absolutely do just the zoo or just the museums, but together they create a really special experience.
I really loved visiting the ARTIS Zoo, Micropia so much and wish that I had known about the Groote Museum earlier than I did! You will see and learn so much while your’e there! So many animals to see and things to learn about microbes you didn’t know you wanted to know! I think if you are looking for something outside of the norm to do while you are visiting, this is a good destination to add to the list! This is also a good stop whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, this combination of museums delivers on things like education, inspiration for thinking on topics you might not usually think on, and really just a deeper appreciation for the web of life that is around us. If you end up visiting the zoo or either of the museums, I would love to hear about it. If you have any questions you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!
Much Love,
Emma
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