About Hortus Botanicus
Founded in 1638 as a medicinal herb garden for Amsterdam's physicians and apothecaries, the Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Today it covers 1.2 hectares in the Plantage neighbourhood and houses over 6,000 different plant species from every continent.
Despite its central location, the Hortus feels like a secret garden — an oasis of calm among the canals. Its collection includes specimens of extraordinary historical importance: a 300-year-old Eastern Cape cycad (possibly the oldest pot plant in the world) and a coffee plant descended from the tree that introduced coffee cultivation to Europe in 1706.
Highlights
- Monumental greenhouse (1912) — three climate zones in a vast Victorian glass-and-iron structure
- 300-year-old cycad — possibly the oldest pot plant in the world, collected by the VOC in 1686
- Coffee plant — descended from the plant that brought coffee to the Americas
- Butterfly greenhouse — live tropical butterflies flying freely around exotic plants
- Herb garden — the original 17th-century medicinal herb beds, still growing
Getting There
The Hortus is a 20-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal, or take tram 14 to Artis / Plantage Kerklaan. It is next door to ARTIS Zoo and a short walk from the Waterlooplein flea market.
Tips for Visiting
- Visit in spring (April–May) when the garden is in full bloom and the tulip beds are spectacular
- The butterfly greenhouse has specific entry windows — check at the entrance desk on arrival
- Allow 1.5–2 hours to explore properly
- Café Hortus is a lovely spot for lunch — the greenhouse terrace is one of Amsterdam's best-kept secrets
- Combine with ARTIS Zoo, just around the corner