park
Hortus Botanicus
One of the world's oldest botanical gardens, with historic greenhouses, in the Plantage.
Photo: Synomaji / Google
Founded in 1638, the Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world — a green oasis in the Plantage that began as a medicinal herb garden and grew with plants brought back by Dutch traders from across the globe.
What to see
In the historic glasshouses you can move from humid jungle to desert and the South African Cape within minutes; look out for the year-round butterfly house and the giant Victoria water lily.
It's compact and calm — a welcome change of pace if you've had your fill of museums.
Good to know
It's a short walk from ARTIS, so the two pair well; reckon on about an hour. The I amsterdam City Card includes entry.
Some glasshouses may be closed for renovation from time to time, so check the official site before you go.
What to expect
Historic Victorian glasshouses
A three-climate hothouse and a butterfly greenhouse
Victoria, a giant water lily over 150 years old
A quiet café and an orangery
Tips from locals
Don't miss the three-climate greenhouse, where you walk from subtropics through desert to jungle in minutes.
Seek out the giant water lily and the ancient cycad in the historic 1911 Palm House.
Step into the Butterfly Greenhouse, where hundreds of butterflies fly free around you.
Pause at the café in the old orangery — it's a peaceful spot in the garden.
It's a calm hour's escape near Artis and Waterlooplein; easy to pair with a Plantage day.
Did you know?
Founded in 1638, it's one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
It began as a medicinal herb garden for the city's doctors and apothecaries.
It grew the first coffee plant in Europe, whose descendants seeded coffee culture across the Americas.
Its Palm House dates from 1911 and shelters a giant cycad thought to be around 350 years old.
The garden holds several thousand plant species, many of them rare or endangered.
FAQ
- How much are Hortus Botanicus tickets?
- In 2026, €14.75 for adults, €7.50 for children 5–17 and students, and free for children under 4.
- Is the Hortus included in a city pass?
- Entry is free with the I amsterdam City Card, but the Museumkaart is not valid at the Hortus.
- How old is the Hortus Botanicus?
- It was founded in 1638 as a medicinal herb garden, making it one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD, Amsterdam