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Zoos & aquariums

Diergaarde Blijdorp

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Diergaarde Blijdorp

What It Is

Diergaarde Blijdorp is a zoological garden and aquarium located in northwest Rotterdam. Spanning 34 hectares divided into distinct continental zones, it houses over 560 animal species. Visitors go to explore extensive indoor and outdoor habitats organized by geographic region, including large walk-through indoor facilities.

Getting There

From Rotterdam Centraal station in the city centre, the grounds can be reached on foot in approximately 15 minutes by heading out through the northern exit. Local public transit, including city buses and trams, connects the central station area to the entrance in roughly 10 minutes.

Time to Allow

Plan to spend between 3 to 5 hours on-site. The grounds are extensive, and walking between the different regional zones and indoor pavilions takes a substantial amount of time.

When to Visit

The site gets crowded on weekends, school holidays, and sunny days. Arriving early in the morning on a weekday offers a less congested visit. Because several large exhibit areas are indoors, it is also practical to visit during rainy or cold weather.

Nearby Attractions

You can combine a visit with other sights in the surrounding area:

  • Mevlana Mosque: 1 km away
  • Rotterdam-Noord: 1.4 km away
  • St. Laurentius: 1.4 km away
  • De Doelen: 1.5 km away

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Diergaarde Blijdorp

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Rotterdam 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Rotterdam grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Rotterdam 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Rotterdam grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Mevlana Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Mevlana Mosque

The Mevlana Mosque, located in northwestern Rotterdam, is named after the poet Rumi. Its two striking minarets helped it earn the title of Rotterdam's most beautiful building in 2006.

1.0 km away
Rotterdam-Noord

Shopping & districts

Rotterdam-Noord

A borough bordering central Rotterdam, delimited by the Delfshavense Schie canal and the Rotte river, among others. Its down-to-earth neighborhood atmosphere offers a glimpse of everyday life in Rotterdam.

1.4 km away
St. Laurentius

Temples & religious sites

St. Laurentius

A Roman Catholic church in central Rotterdam, built in the Neo-Romanesque style in the early 20th century. It has served as the diocese's cathedral since 1968, making it a peaceful spot to admire the architecture.

1.4 km away
De Doelen

Culture & venues

De Doelen

De Doelen is Rotterdam's leading performance and convention venue, rebuilt after being destroyed in the war to become what it is today. Its multiple halls host a wide range of performances and events, making it the city's cultural hub.

1.5 km away
Schouwburgplein

Parks & gardens

Schouwburgplein

Schouwburgplein is a square in central Rotterdam, surrounded by the municipal theater, a concert hall, and various restaurants and cafés. It's a pleasant place to stroll before or after a show.

1.5 km away
Netherlands Architecture Institute

Museums & galleries

Netherlands Architecture Institute

A cultural institute in Rotterdam dedicated to architecture, with a museum, archive, and library that hosted lectures and debates. Founded in 1988, it merged into Het Nieuwe Instituut in 2013, where its collection can still be found today.

1.8 km away