The Botanische Tuin Zuidas (Zuidas Botanic Garden) is a small botanical gardens in the Zuid area of Amsterdam. Although located outside the city centre it is a quiet and charming place to visit and offers free entrance to the public during weekdays.
The garden is only 1 hectare (10,000m²) in size and was first established in 1967 as a research facility of the nearby Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam.
Prior to 2014 the garden’s existence was threatened by the expansion of the surrounding VU Medical Centre hospital. However a covenant was signed between the university and city council to improve the gardens and its accessibility.
The gardens changed its name from VU Hortus to Botanische Tuin Zuidas and is currently run by a foundation of around 40 volunteers.
It houses a wide array of plants with over 6,000 species in the collection. Highlights include the largest collection of cactus plants in the Netherlands and a variety of epiphytic orchids, bromelias, clivias, ferns and bamboo plants.
It also features 40 large trees, an orangery, a Penjing and bonsai section and various Australian shrubs.
The organisation works with international seed exchange programs and also helps in the preservation of endangered plant species which have been seized at Schiphol airport.
There is a small cafe with outdoor seating where you can have a drink; the garden shop sells an assortment of plants and seeds, organic heirloom summer vegetables and honey made on-site.
There are numerous benches spread around the garden where you can enjoy the surroundings.
The best time to visit is at the height of summer when the garden is in full bloom, although it is open all year round.
If you like plants and gardens or are looking for a tranquil spot to spend an hour or two then it is certainly worth the trek to the Zuidas area for a visit.
Also of interest: De Hortus – Botanical Gardens in Amsterdam
Or the world renowned Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse which is only open in the springtime.
Botanische Tuin Zuidas Essential Info
| Opening Times | 0900-1700 (Mon-Fri), 1200-1700 (Sat-Sun). Closed at weekends during the winter months (Nov-Mar). |
| Admission Prices (2024) | FREE entrance to the public. |
| Getting There | The Zuidas Botanic Garden is located in the Zuidas district of Amsterdam. It is 10-15 mins walk (south-west) from Amsterdam Zuid train and metro stations (lines 50/51/52). You can also take tram 24 from Amsterdam Central to the ‘VUMC’ stop or tram 5 from Leidseplein to the ‘A.J. Ernststraat’ stop. |
Botanische Tuin Zuidas, Van der Boechorststraat 8, 1081 BT Amsterdam
T: +31 (0)20 598 9390, botanischetuinzuidas.nl
Last updated 23 January 2024, first published 2021.
