What is a hortus

• What is a hortus botanicus?

  

  The Latin term hortus botanicus literally means “botanical garden” – a garden dedicated to plants and plant species. Botanical gardens bring together plants from different parts of the world and collect, grow, manage and display them for scientific, educational and conservation purposes.

  A botanical garden is more than just a beautiful garden. It is a living collection of plant species, including rare, unique and historically important plants, as well as species that are valuable for scientific research. Botanical gardens help us learn more about plants, their origins and their role in nature and society.

• What is the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?

  

  Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is a historic botanical garden in the centre of Amsterdam, founded in 1638. Originally established as a medicinal herb garden, Hortus is now home to more than 4,000 plant species from around the world. Visitors can explore historic gardens and monumental greenhouses, including the Palm House, Butterfly House and Climate House. Hortus combines botanical collections, living heritage, education, plant conservation and a peaceful green environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

• Where is Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam located?

  

  Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is located at Plantage Middenlaan 2A, in the Plantage neighbourhood of central Amsterdam. The botanical garden is close to other tourist attractions in the eastern part of Amsterdam’s historic city centre and is easily accessible by public transport.

• Why is Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam worth visiting?

  

  Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam offers a different way to experience Amsterdam, combining nature, history, architecture and botanical knowledge in one place. Visitors can explore historic outdoor gardens and discover tropical plants, butterflies and extraordinary plant species in the greenhouses. The Palm House is a protected historic monument, while the Butterfly House offers the chance to see tropical butterflies flying freely among the plants.

• What can I see at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?

  

  At Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, you can explore historic gardens and more than 4,000 plant species from around the world. Highlights include the Palm House, with palms and ancient cycads; the Butterfly House, where tropical butterflies fly freely; and the Climate House, with different climate zones including jungle, desert and Cape flora. The garden also includes special collections such as carnivorous plants and the historic medicinal plants garden.

• Is the Hortus a hidden gem in Amsterdam?

  

  Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam can be described as a hidden green gem in the heart of Amsterdam, especially for visitors looking for a quieter experience away from the city’s busiest streets. Despite its central location and almost 400-year history, the botanical garden offers historic gardens, tropical greenhouses and peaceful places to slow down. It is particularly relevant for travellers looking for nature, unusual places and lesser-known things to do in Amsterdam. Find out more about hidden gems in Amsterdam. 

• What makes Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam different from other attractions in Amsterdam?

  

  Hortus Botanicus combines almost 400 years of botanical history with a living collection of plants in the middle of Amsterdam. Rather than simply displaying objects, Hortus is a living botanical garden where plants grow, change with the seasons and are cared for as part of a documented collection. Its historic gardens, monumental greenhouses, botanical collections and role in plant conservation make it different from many of Amsterdam’s more traditional tourist attractions

Plan your visit

• How long does a visit at the Hortus take?

  

  A visit takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, making Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam an easy addition to a day of sightseeing in the city. Explore the historic outdoor gardens and step inside the greenhouses, where you can discover tropical plants and fascinating species whatever the weather. Why not round off your visit with a relaxing break at café de Oranjerie? Enjoy lunch on the terrace, or simply sit back with a good cup of coffee and a slice of cake surrounded by greenery.

• Is the Hortus a good place to visit during a city trip to Amsterdam?

  

  Yes. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is an easy addition to the many other activities a city trip to Amsterdam has to offer. The Hortus is only a walking distance away from the famous Rembrandt Square and Waterloo Square, and is surrounded by the many museums of the Plantage area, like Rembrandt House, H’art Musuem and the Jewish Cultural Quarter. The Hortus is a perfect break of your itinerary and  offers a quiet green experience in the middel of the city.

• What are the opening hours of Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?

  

  Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is generally open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Opening hours can vary on special days or during events, so check the current opening hours before your visit.

• Can I have lunch at the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?

  

  Yes. café de Oranjerie is located within the Hortus and is a lovely place to take a break during your visit.

  You can enjoy lunch, coffee or cake surrounded by greenery. The cafe is open from 10.00 to 17.00. There is a large outdoor terrace overlooking the garden.

• Do I have to buy a ticket online?

  

  It is certainly an easy way to buy your tickest ahead in the online ticket shop of the Hortus Botancius Amsterdam. But you can alos just buy your ticket at the entrance gate of the garden.
  Buy your online ticket here.

Weather

• Can I visit the Hortus on a rainy day?

  

  The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam has a few large greenhouses, like the monumental Palm House with towering palms and the Butterfly House in which you can meet the butterflies up close. The large Climate House has climate zones which offer three different landscapes to wander through; a jungle, a desert and the South African Fynbos. The greenhouses make Hortus an appealing option when the Amsterdam weather is rainy or cold.

• Is the Hortus interesting in winter?

  

  Nature changes with every season, making Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam an interesting place to visit throughout the year. Also in winter season the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam offers a lot to explore. The plant collections in the greenhouses show lush greenery in every season and will surprise you with fascinating flowers and fluttering butterflies.

• What is the best time to visit Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?

  

  Hortus is worth visiting throughout the year, as the garden and its plant collections change with the seasons. April is the tulip season in which you definitely will find some special tulip species blooming in the garden, including the original, botanic variants from the mountains of Kazachstan.In winter time the greenhouses at the Hortus offer a warm retreat with their tropical climates and lush greenery.

  If you prefer a quieter experience, weekdays and the periods between 10:00–11:00 and 16:00–17:00 are generally calmer. Weekends, school holidays and events can be busier.

Families

• Is the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam suitable for children?

  

  Yes. The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is a great place to visit with children. Kids can explore the gardens and greenhouses and discover fascinating plants from around the world. Kids can spot colourful butterflies in the Butterfly Greenhouse, while the tropical greenhouses offer an adventurous indoor world to explore with giant plants and fascinating species along the way. There is plenty to explore for curious young adventurers.

  There is always at least one free brochure with a special children’s trail available, giving young visitors a fun way to explore the gardens and discover more about the plants and animals along the way. During school holidays, we also organise extra activities for children, so there is often something new to discover.

• Is the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam suitable for families?

  

  Absolutely. The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is a welcoming place for families looking for something different to do in Amsterdam. Children can explore the historic gardens, discover unusual plants and experience the tropical greenhouses, where colourful butterflies and giant trpopical plants create an adventurous atmosphere.

  The free children’s Superplants guide is a free walking tour for the whole family to enjoy. Together you can discover how plants grow in different climates.

  A family visit can also be combined with lunch, coffee or cake at café de Oranjerie, making Hortus an enjoyable stop during a day out in Amsterdam.

• Are children free at the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?

  

  Children up to 4 years old can visit Hortus free of charge. Children aged 5 to 17 can visit with a reduced-price ticket.

• Is the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam accessible for visitors with disabilities?

  

  Yes. The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam welcomes visitors with different accessibility needs. Much of the garden and the greenhouses can be visited by wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. The Climate House is fully wheelchair accessible, with automatic and push-button doors. Some of the other greenhouses have thresholds and manually operated doors, so assistance may sometimes be needed.

  The garden paths are covered with gravel, and some paths in the garden and greenhouses can be narrow. A wheelchair is available free of charge for visitors who need one, and can be reserved in advance. Mobility scooters are also welcome, although some areas may be more difficult to access.

  Visitors who need a companion can bring one free of charge, and assistance dogs are welcome on a lead. There is also an accessible restroom in the Café de Oranjerie.

  For visitors who are sensitive to noise, crowds or other sensory stimuli, quieter visiting times are usually between 10:00–11:00 and 16:00–17:00. Weekends and school holidays tend to be busier.

  You can read more about accessibility here.

For nature lovers

• What makes Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam different from other attractions in Amsterdam?

  

  The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam offers a different way to experience Amsterdam. Instead of a traditional museum collection, you explore a living collection of plants that changes with the seasons and continues to grow.

  The combination of almost 400 years of botanical history, historic gardens, monumental greenhouses, tropical plants and living collections makes Hortus a distinctive place to visit in Amsterdam. The landscaping allows you to travel through the garden at your own pace and offers a relaxing way to take in information, or not if you just want a quiet break from the busy city.

• Where can I find a nature experience in Amsterdam?

  

  Although Amsterdam is a busy capital city, there are many places where you can experience nature. Parks, gardens, canals and green spaces can be found throughout the city.

  For a more botanical experience, visit Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, where you can discover more than 4,000 plant species from around the world in historic gardens and greenhouses. Besides the tropical greenhouses, the outdoor gardens gives you a good insight on the Dutch flora and shows you the different landscapes and ecosystems that exist. All the areas and plant groups in the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam are supported by extensive botanical information.

  Find out more about nature experiences in Amsterdam here.

• What is the Palm House at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?

  

  The Palm House is one of Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam’s monumental historic greenhouses. It was build in 1912 and is known for its central Victorian lantern roof. Inside, you can discover towering palms and ancient cycads in a warm, green environment.

  The Palm House is a protected historic monument and is one of the most recognisable buildings in the Hortus.

• What is the Butterfly House at the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?

  

  The Butterfly Greenhouse is a tropical greenhouse where colourful butterflies fly freely among the plants. The Butterfly House is a small greenhouse that enables the unique opportunity to visitors to see tropical butterflies up close while they fly and visit the flowers.
  The butterfly collection is maintained by the Hortus team year-round, consisting of a group of volunteers that take daily care of the butterflies, the caterpillars and the pupas.

• What is the Climate House at the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?

  

  The Climate House is a the largest greenhouse at the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam where you can experience three different climate zones and landscapes.
  Multiple walkways and routes allow you to wander around the different scenery in your own pace. The greenhouse includes a jungle, desert and South African Fynbos, showing visitors how plants adapt to very different climates.

• What is the medicinal plants garden at the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?

  

  The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam was founded in 1638. Originally established as a medicinal herb garden, the Hortus was a place where doctors and apothecaries learned about making recipes for medicines. The orginal medicinal plants collection can still be seen at the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam. It shows their usage in the 17th century.