Rotterdam Zoo, Rotterdam
Situated in the northwestern part of Rotterdam, the Rotterdam Zoo stands as one of the Netherlands' oldest zoos. Operating under the Royal Rotterdam Zoo Foundation, it encompasses a spacious 26-hectare (64.25-acre) expanse, hosting an impressive array of over 180 species. Complementing its diverse wildlife, the zoo features a shop, several cafes, and an information center.
In the year 1855, a garden was established near Kruiskade in Rotterdam, initially designed for pheasants and waterfowl. This endeavor flourished, leading to the inauguration of the Rotterdam Zoo on May 18, 1857. The zoo's inception was guided by the expertise of animal trainer Henri Martin. A significant reorganization occurred in 1932, followed by a relocation to the Blijdorp district in 1937 due to the previous location being damaged by wartime bombings. Architect Sybold van Ravesteyn spearheaded the design of the new Blijdorp Zoo, which officially opened its gates on December 7, 1940. Notably, the zoo underwent further expansion in 2001 with the introduction of the Oceanium aquarium.
The expansive Oceanium complex, constituting a pivotal phase of the zoo's growth, resides within the expanded area of the establishment. This expansion encompasses a fresh entrance, and a parking zone, and serves as a significant milestone in the zoo's history. Surrounding the Oceanium, visitors encounter thematic displays highlighting the Americas.
Within the grounds of the zoo, visitors can explore not only the vibrant animal habitats but also a botanical garden. The management of both the Dutch National Bromelia Collection and the Dutch National Primula Collection further emphasizes the zoo's commitment to conservation and horticultural diversity.
Tip:
It is helpful to book tickets online as you get a bit of discount and will be able to skip the ticket queue at the entrance.
If you go on a warm day, take enough water or drinks (also a hat and sunblock!), as you do walk far and it does get very hot.
Try to visit all the feedings and demos – they're great!
In the year 1855, a garden was established near Kruiskade in Rotterdam, initially designed for pheasants and waterfowl. This endeavor flourished, leading to the inauguration of the Rotterdam Zoo on May 18, 1857. The zoo's inception was guided by the expertise of animal trainer Henri Martin. A significant reorganization occurred in 1932, followed by a relocation to the Blijdorp district in 1937 due to the previous location being damaged by wartime bombings. Architect Sybold van Ravesteyn spearheaded the design of the new Blijdorp Zoo, which officially opened its gates on December 7, 1940. Notably, the zoo underwent further expansion in 2001 with the introduction of the Oceanium aquarium.
The expansive Oceanium complex, constituting a pivotal phase of the zoo's growth, resides within the expanded area of the establishment. This expansion encompasses a fresh entrance, and a parking zone, and serves as a significant milestone in the zoo's history. Surrounding the Oceanium, visitors encounter thematic displays highlighting the Americas.
Within the grounds of the zoo, visitors can explore not only the vibrant animal habitats but also a botanical garden. The management of both the Dutch National Bromelia Collection and the Dutch National Primula Collection further emphasizes the zoo's commitment to conservation and horticultural diversity.
Tip:
It is helpful to book tickets online as you get a bit of discount and will be able to skip the ticket queue at the entrance.
If you go on a warm day, take enough water or drinks (also a hat and sunblock!), as you do walk far and it does get very hot.
Try to visit all the feedings and demos – they're great!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rotterdam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Rotterdam Zoo on Map
Sight Name: Rotterdam Zoo
Sight Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Rotterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Rotterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Rotterdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rotterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Delfshaven District Walking Tour
Part of the old city of Rotterdam, the borough of Delfshaven – situated on the right bank of the river Nieuwe Maas, is rich in history. Prior to 1886 it had been a separate municipality which grew around the port of the city of Delft.
Delft itself was not located on a major river, so in 1389 a Voorhaven (outer harbor) to the south, along with the Aelbrechtskolk waterpass, had to be created to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Delft itself was not located on a major river, so in 1389 a Voorhaven (outer harbor) to the south, along with the Aelbrechtskolk waterpass, had to be created to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Cheese Shops in Rotterdam
Although many countries claim cheese to be their unique product, Dutch cheeses are indeed an iconic, standalone thing. Amid a cornucopia of different cheeses made in The Netherlands, there are quite a few internationally-famed ones originated in Rotterdam.
It is therefore only natural to find a plethora of specialty shops in the city fit to warm the heart of any cheese lover, be it a finder, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
It is therefore only natural to find a plethora of specialty shops in the city fit to warm the heart of any cheese lover, be it a finder, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Rotterdam Introduction Walking Tour
Dutch poet Rien Vroegindeweij once captured the city’s essence with a simple line: “If everybody comes from somewhere else, nobody is a stranger.”
The name Rotterdam comes from a straightforward origin: the river Rotte and a dam built across it. The river name “Rotte” is thought to mean “muddy water” or perhaps “hurrying stream”, while the suffix “-dam” refers to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The name Rotterdam comes from a straightforward origin: the river Rotte and a dam built across it. The river name “Rotte” is thought to mean “muddy water” or perhaps “hurrying stream”, while the suffix “-dam” refers to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenirs Shopping: 16 Genuine Dutch Things to Buy in Rotterdam
Just as any other major Dutch destination, Rotterdam is associated with sea, excellent cheeses, marvelous beer, good food and, generally speaking, good taste. A set of gifts from Rotterdam will duly reflect any, if not all, of these qualities. Listed here are some of the items that might prove well...