About the Hortus Botanicus
The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, founded in 1638 as a medicinal herb garden (hortus medicus) for Amsterdam's physicians and pharmacists. Today it holds over 6,000 plant species from around the world, spread across outdoor gardens, three glasshouses, and a monumental palm house dating from 1912.
Despite its extraordinary heritage and collection, the Hortus remains one of Amsterdam's best-kept secrets — far less visited than the major museums and significantly more peaceful. On a weekday morning it can feel almost private, which makes it especially appealing as an alternative to the crowded Museumplein attractions.
Highlights
The Butterfly Greenhouse
A tropical butterfly house containing over 500 free-flying butterflies from around the world. The warm, humid atmosphere supports plants from tropical regions and dozens of butterfly species land on visitors. Children love it; adults find it meditative. Open daily and included with general admission.
The Palm House (1912)
The monumental Victorian glasshouse is the visual centrepiece of the Hortus. It holds a collection of cycads (ancient, pre-flowering plants) including a specimen over 300 years old — one of the oldest potted plants in the world. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
The Three-Climate Greenhouse
A modern glasshouse divided into three climate zones: subtropical, tropical, and desert. The desert section contains an extraordinary succulent collection; the tropical section houses carnivorous plants and orchids. Well-labelled and very accessible for non-botanists.
The 350-Year-Old Eastern Cape Cycad
This remarkable specimen was collected in South Africa around 1686 and brought to Amsterdam by the Dutch East India Company. It is arguably the oldest potted plant in the world and is displayed in the main palm house with appropriate ceremony.
The Seed House and Library
The Hortus maintains an active seed bank and research library. The seed house (recently restored) shows the role of the garden in plant conservation and its historical connections to the Dutch spice trade.
Practical Information
- Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam
- Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:00
- Tickets: Adults €12.50 | Ages 5–14 €8 | Under-5 free | Museumkaart accepted
- Duration: 1.5–3 hours
Tips
- The Hortus café (in the glasshouse) serves excellent coffee and homemade cakes — one of Amsterdam's nicest café settings, with tables surrounded by tropical plants.
- The garden is compact (1.2 hectares) but very dense — allow more time than you think you'll need.
- The Hortus is located in the Plantage district alongside ARTIS Zoo — the two make an excellent combined full-day visit, particularly for families.
- Free introductory guided tours run on the first Sunday of each month at 14:00 — included with admission, no booking required.
- The Hortus shop sells seeds, botanical prints, and specialist plant books — one of Amsterdam's better museum shops for unusual gifts.
Nearby Attractions
The Plantage neighbourhood is Amsterdam's science and nature district. Within walking distance: ARTIS Zoo (5 minutes), the Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum, 10 minutes), and the Jewish Historical Museum (10 minutes). The canal cruises at Amsterdam Centraal are 20 minutes by foot or bike.