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Artis Review

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Artis

Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, East of the Amstel, Amsterdam
Phone: 020/523-3400
www.artis.nl

Amsterdam Zoo

Category: Zoos/Aquariums
Location: East of the Amstel

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Fodor's Review:

Short for Natura Artis Magistra (Nature Is the Teacher of the Arts), Artis was continental Europe's first zoo and is the world's third oldest. Built in the mid-19th century, the 37-acre park is home to a natural-history museum, a zoo with an aviary, a superb planetarium, and an aquarium with 500 species of freshwater and saltwater fish; the best is a cross section of an Amsterdam canal complete with eels and sunken bicycles. Although many animal cages in the zoo are cramped, others are delightful, including the monkey island and a toy ruin with owls peering out at you from the towers. A modern expansion, including a glassed-in gorilla area and a mini desert for camels and the like, as well as a family-style restaurant, makes this a great stop for kids. The zoo and all its museums are accessible on a single ticket. The Artis Express canal boat from Centraal Station is an easy way to get there, and Artis has ample parking if you come by car.

Cost: EUR 14.00-17.50
Open: Zoo Oct.-May, daily 9-5; June-Sept., daily 9-6; planetarium times vary depending on program

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