Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam – Botanical garden of Amsterdam
Hortus Botanicus in short:
- Age: All ages
- Time needed to visit Hortus: 2-2.5 hours
- Where in Amsterdam:
- Discount possible?: Yes, senior, student and kids discount
- Can you use the iamsterdam pass at Hortus Botanicus?: Yes, you get free access with the I Amsterdam city pass
- Neighborhood: Plantage Area
- Close to: Artis Royal Zoo, National Holocaust Museum, The Portuguese Synagogue, Micropia, Scheepvaartsmuseum (National Maritime Museum).
- Established in: 1638 as a medical garden in Amsterdam
What is Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?
Hortus Botanicus is a beautiful Botanical Garden in the city center of Amsterdam, the Plantage district. This Botanical Garden in Amsterdam is the place to go if you want to explore some new plants and see a beautiful garden in the middle of Amsterdam.
Hortus Amsterdam was founded in 1638 by the city of Amsterdam and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. The garden is home to over 5000 plants of about 4000 species, many of which are rare and endangered.
How long to spend in Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?
The garden is a great place to spend a few hours exploring the beauty of the many special plants. There are plenty of paths to explore and plenty of benches to sit and relax. There is a major tropical greenhouse in this botanical garden. Here you can find among others, many cactuses and tropical plants.
The garden is divided into several sections, each devoted to a particular type of plant or species. You will spend about 2 – 2.5 hours at Hortus Botanicus.
What was the Hortus used for?
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world (already more than 375 years old!).
The history of the Hortus Botanicus dates back to the 17th century. The Amsterdam city council founded the Hortus Botanicus (which was initially called “Hortus Medicus“) in 1638 so that doctors could harvest plants and make botanical extracts to treat sick people.
Hortus Botanicus was also used as an outdoor classroom to teach physisions about plants and botany.
Later, the collection of Hortus expended significantly when the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company brought exotic plants from all around the world back to Hortus.
Since then, the garden has grown to become one of the most important botanical gardens in Europe.
What can you see at Hortus Amsterdam?
The Hortus Botanicus is divided into a number of sections, each with its own unique character. The garden itself is 1.2 hectares, containing plants from several plant families around the worlds. You can find flowers, bushes and many unique trees.
The garden also has a major greenhouse, where many tropical and subtropical plants can be found. The greenhouse complex was built in the late 19th century and in one of the greenhouses is dedicated to cactus. So if you are cactus lover, you should not miss this particular greenhouse!
Hortus Amsterdam: A place to relax en enjoy the green scenary
The Hortus Botanicus is a popular destination for locals and tourist. The peacefulness of the garden and the diverse collection of plants make it a great place to relax and explore the natural world. The garden also provides a good opportunity to see and learn more about plants.
Some practical information about Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam:
The Hortus Botanicus is open daily, and visitors can purchase tickets online or at the ticket office. The garden also has a very nice café, which serves a variety of (hot) drinks, cakes and good lunch.
Who should visit Hortus in Amsterdam?
The Hortus Botanicus is a green paradise for anyone interested in plants or value a peaceful green environment. Here at Hortus, you can explore a variety of different plant species and learn more about plants. With its relaxed setting and a large collection of plants, visiting Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam will definitely be a highlight of your trip in Amsterdam.
5 Reasons why you should visit Hortus Botanicus during your stay in Amsterdam:
1. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and is a unique place to see many unique plants.
2. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam has a vast collection of plants from around the world, many of which are rare and endangered. It is a great place to admire unique plants, which you won’t easily see in nature.
3. If you have an Iamsterdam City Pass, the entrance is free.
4. Hortus Amsterdam is a great place to relax while walking around and taking pictures of plants and special insects.
5. Hortus has a very cute shop where you can buy flower bulbs, seeds and other plant related things. Their café is a wonderful place to enjoy a cup of coffee with a nice piece of typical Dutch Apple Pie.
Buy Amsterdam Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam tickets with Free Cancellation
With millions of people visiting Amsterdam every year, Amsterdam is a very popular travel destination. This means that tickets for popular tourist attractions are quickly sold out and that it is busy at the ticket counter.
It is therefore recommended to purchase your Hortus Botanicus tickets in advance, then you know that you can visit this place for sure when you are in Amsterdam.
🛎️ If you buy your Amsterdam Hortus Botanicus tickets online, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can even get into the building quicker.
This will save you lots of precious time in Amsterdam. With a ticket in your inbox, you have nothing to worry about.
Where is Hortus Amsterdam located on the map?
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is located in the Plantage area, east-side of the city center. Next to Hortus, you will find “ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo”, the historical zoo of Amsterdam.