Timeline
13:57
Start with a late lunch at De plantage. This big restaurant has a nice terrace in the summer and is open all day. It is just a short walk from the zoo entrance, giving you time to settle in before the evening rush.
14:57
Walk into Natura Artis Magistra Zoo. The grounds are filled with plants and trees from all over the world. Use the time before golden light to wander the botanical paths and enjoy the quiet atmosphere as the day winds down.
15:57
Find a spot near the zoo's perimeter or a nearby viewing angle to watch the golden light begin. On 15 January, the sun sets toward the SW, casting a warm glow over the zoo's landscape and the nearby windmill.
16:42
Head to Brouwerij 't IJ for a drink. Located in a former bath house beside a windmill, this small-scale brewery is a short walk from the zoo. It is open from 15:00 to 20:00 on Wednesdays through Sundays, so you can catch the last hours of its evening service.
17:27
End the night with dinner at Cafe Kadijk. This small Indonesian restaurant offers good food at a decent price and has a coffee shop vibe. It is open from 17:00 to 01:00, making it a perfect late-night stop after your drinks.
Local tip
The zoo is open until 18:00 in January, so plan your entry to ensure you have enough time to explore before it closes. Brouwerij 't IJ closes at 20:00, so arrive early if you want to stay for a full pint.
Check before you go
- Natura Artis Magistra Zoo hours: 09:00-18:00 in January.
- Brouwerij 't IJ hours: We-Su 15:00-20:00.
- Cafe Kadijk hours: Mo-Su 17:00-01:00.
Worth knowing
- Brouwerij 't IJ is open at 16:42 only on We, Th, Fr, Sa, Su
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Amsterdam (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).