Artis Zoo Amsterdam
The oldest zoo on the European continent - and largest in the Netherlands - houses more than 6,000 animals. Established in 1838, the zoo not only includes the typical collections of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds; but some outstanding additional features. An aquarium was added in 1882 and recently remodeled. Over 500 freshwater and saltwater species are on view, but the cross section of an Amsterdam Canal (complete with eels and sunken bicycles and household items) steals the show.

The admission price also includes access to the planetarium and botanical gardens that nearly rival the Hortus Botanicus. The 37-acre park also contains a reptile house, aviary, geological museum and natural history museum. Of course, the main attraction is the wide variety of animals that call the zoo home: big cats, monkeys, chimps, rhinos and much more all reside in this historic zoo. Children who want to get a closer look can do so in the Children's Farm area.

Click here for the Artis Zoo Amsterdam website