De Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, located just east of Amsterdam’s city centre in the leafy Plantage district near Artis Zoo.
With historic greenhouses, rare plant collections and peaceful garden paths, it’s an ideal escape from the busy city streets. Book Hortus Amsterdam tickets here
De Hortus was opened by the city council in 1638 – originally as a medicinal herb garden to help combat plague-type illnesses which gripped Europe at the time.
Its collection then expanded as Dutch traders bought back exotic plants from all over the world, particularly from South Africa and Asia.
Today De Hortus organisation does important work ranging from education to the preservation of plant species.
It specialises in the care of cycads and other rare plants from the African Cape region. You will also find an excellent collection of medicinal plants, carnivorous plants and palms.
De Hortus is spread over 1.2 hectares and has a collection of 4,000 plant species.
There are 7 greenhouses on site – including:
- the monumental Palm House built in 1912
- the small Butterfly House with tropical butterflies
- the recently renovated Climate House which has desert, sub-tropical and tropical climates. Walking from outside into the hot and humid tropical section is certainly an experience!
- the compact Glassroom space used for exhibits and lectures
There are leaflets at the entrance (Dutch and English) with info and maps – including the Tree Route which highlights 24 trees in the garden, some over 200 years old.
Alternatively, the Hortus app offers walking routes and info through your smartphone.
Guided tours of De Hortus can be arranged on request for groups of up to 8 people. This costs €60 plus entrance fees.
The Orangery (built in 1875 as a lecture hall) hosts the Hortus cafe inside the grounds – this is a great spot for a drink / snack with outdoor terrace – products served are organically and locally sourced.
There is a large Hortus store onsite located in the former director’s chalet-style home which was rebuilt in 1862. It sells plants, garden-related products, books, fair-trade food and various gifts. The store is also accessible to the public without an entry ticket.
If you wish to visit the gardens during a quieter moment then the hours 10:00-11:00 and 16:00-17:00 are normally the least busy.
De Hortus is especially popular with visitors looking for a quieter, less touristy attraction in Amsterdam.
Other gardens of interest: the small Zuidas Botanic Garden (Amsterdam Zuid) offers free entrance; the Utrecht University Botanic Gardens is the largest in the Netherlands.
Or the world renowned Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse which is only open in the springtime.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam Essential Info
Opening HoursDaily 10:00-17:00. Open 10:00-20:00 on Sundays in June, July and August. |
Hortus Amsterdam Tickets & Admission€14.75 for adults, €7.50 for children 5-17, students and CJP cultural youth pass holders. FREE entry for children 0-4 and I Amsterdam City Card holders. Note, the Museumkaart is NOT valid. Reserve your Hortus Amsterdam entry tickets here An annual ‘friends’ 2026 membership costs €47.50 (one person) or €95.00 (family) which allows unlimited entry. You can order the I Amsterdam City Card online here which gives free entrance to the Hortus. |
How to Get to Hortus AmsterdamDe Hortus can easily be reached from the centre of Amsterdam on foot – head towards Waterlooplein and continue further east along the Plantage Middenlaan. From Amsterdam Central take tram 14 to the Mr. Visserplein stop. Metro lines 51, 53 and 54 serve Waterlooplein. |
Address / ContactDe Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, Plantage Middenlaan 2A, 1018 DD Amsterdam |
Last updated 16 April 2026. This article was first published in 2010 and has been regularly updated.
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