Fodor's Expert Review ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo

The name of this zoo, which was the first of its kind in the Netherlands, is short for Natura Artis Magistra (Nature Is the Teacher of the Arts). Founded in 1838, the park has more than 900 species of animals, more than 200 species of trees, a butterfly pavilion, an insectarium, and beautiful 19th-century architecture, of which the aquarium is a fine example. The Micropia, the world's first museum dedicated to microbes, has lots of interactive exhibits. Open 365 days a year.