Is Hortus Botanicus worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, a peaceful green space in the middle of the city with historic greenhouses and rare plants. It suits nature lovers, couples, families and photographers, and it takes only a couple of hours.

How old is Hortus Botanicus?

The garden was founded in 1638, which makes it nearly 400 years old. It began as a medicinal herb garden for doctors and apothecaries and grew into a major botanical collection.

How much are Hortus Botanicus tickets?

Adult tickets are typically in the low to mid teens, with reduced prices for children and young visitors. Prices vary by date and ticket type, so check the current price when you book.

How long do you need at Hortus Botanicus?

Plan 1.5 to 2 hours. Photographers and plant lovers may stay longer, and a stop at the café adds time.

Can children visit Hortus Botanicus?

Yes. Children enjoy the butterfly greenhouse, the tropical plants and the open paths. Younger children may want to move at their own pace, and a pushchair works well on most paths.

What is the best season to visit?

Spring is popular for flowers and fresh growth, summer is lush and green, autumn has rich colours, and winter is quiet. The greenhouses are tropical all year, so the garden is rewarding in any season.

Is photography allowed?

Yes. Photography for personal use is welcome, and the garden is very photogenic. Be considerate of other visitors, and avoid touching or moving the plants.

Is Hortus Botanicus accessible?

Most outdoor paths are paved or level and many areas are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some historic greenhouses and older paths may be more challenging. Contact the garden in advance for specific needs.

Can I combine Hortus Botanicus with ARTIS?

Yes. Hortus and ARTIS Royal Zoo are both in the Plantage district, a few minutes' walk apart. They are separate attractions with their own tickets, so check whether any combination ticket covers both.

Can I combine Hortus Botanicus with Micropia?

Yes. Micropia is also in the Plantage, close to Hortus, and the two pair well for a day about nature and science. They are separate attractions, so verify what your tickets include.

Where is Hortus Botanicus?

It is at Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, in the Plantage district, close to ARTIS, Micropia and the Jewish Cultural Quarter.

Are there greenhouses?

Yes. The garden has several historic and modern greenhouses, including the Palm House, a three-climate greenhouse with tropical, subtropical and desert plants, and a butterfly greenhouse.

What is the oldest plant at Hortus?

The Palm House is home to a large Eastern Cape giant cycad, often described as the oldest potted plant in the world, which has been in the collection for roughly three centuries.

What is the connection to coffee?

In the early 18th century, a coffee plant from Dutch colonial plantations was grown at the Hortus, and cuttings and seeds from it helped spread coffee cultivation to the Americas.

Yes. A café in the historic Orangery offers drinks, light meals and cake, with a terrace in the garden in good weather.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes. The shop sells plants, seeds, books and gifts connected to the garden.

Can I use the Museumkaart or the I amsterdam City Card?

Check the current rules for each pass. Some passes include Hortus Botanicus, but verify before you rely on one.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Often, but popular days such as spring weekends can be busy. Booking online is the safest and most convenient option.

Is Hortus Botanicus good on rainy days?

The greenhouses make it a good option in light rain, because the tropical spaces are warm and dry. Heavy rain makes the outdoor paths less pleasant.

Can I visit on a cruise day or a short layover?

Yes. The garden is close to the centre and takes about two hours. Book a timed ticket and keep a buffer for returning to the port or airport.

Rules for animals can change, and guide dogs are normally welcome. Check the current policy before you bring a pet.

Nearby are ARTIS Royal Zoo, Micropia, the Jewish Cultural Quarter, the NEMO Science Museum and the old city centre.

Are there seasonal events?

The garden hosts seasonal events, such as plant markets, evening openings and special exhibitions. Check the programme for your dates.

Glass greenhouse reflected in the canal at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: The Complete Visitor Guide

Tickets, historic greenhouses, rare plants and practical tips for one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.

Address

Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam

Opening hours

Daily, from 10:00 (closing time varies by season)

Ticket price

Typically low to mid teens

Best for

Nature lovers, couples, photographers, families

Duration

1.5–2 hours

Last updated: November 2026Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Book Hortus Botanicus Tickets

Choose your date, then compare standard admission with combination options. Each listing shows what is included, so check it before you book. Hortus is a separate attraction from ARTIS Royal Zoo and Micropia, which are a short walk away.

Why Book in Advance

Hortus Botanicus is most popular in spring, when the flowers are in bloom, and on sunny weekends, when locals and visitors fill the paths. Booking online lets you choose a day and time with confidence, and usually means smoother entry. It also makes planning easier if you want to combine the garden with ARTIS, Micropia or other stops in the Plantage district.

What is Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, and is it worth visiting?

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is a botanical garden founded in 1638, one of the oldest in the world, with historic greenhouses and thousands of plants. It is worth visiting as a peaceful green escape, particularly for nature lovers, couples and photographers.

Why Visit Hortus Botanicus?

Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Founded in 1638, it has been growing plants in the centre of Amsterdam for almost four hundred years. Few attractions in the city offer such a combination of history, science and beauty, and fewer still are so calm.

It is a peaceful oasis in a busy city. Step through the gate from Plantage Middenlaan and the noise of the street fades, replaced by birdsong, the scent of plants and the rustle of leaves. That makes it a perfect alternative to the crowded centre, particularly on a busy weekend or after a day of museums.

The historic greenhouses are the highlight. The Palm House, the three-climate greenhouse and the butterfly greenhouse offer warm, humid worlds that feel far from the Dutch weather. Inside are rare and unusual plants, some of them centuries old, along with tropical blooms and desert specialists.

It is also a paradise for photographers. Light through glass, bright flowers, textured leaves and elegant architecture give you an endless supply of subjects, in every season. Position it as a calm, green pause in your Amsterdam itinerary, and as a natural partner to the nearby ARTIS Royal Zoo and Micropia.

A Short History of Hortus Botanicus

Founded in 1638

The garden was founded in 1638 by the city of Amsterdam as the Hortus Medicus, a medicinal garden. At the time, Amsterdam was growing fast and becoming one of the richest cities in the world, and the city council wanted a supply of reliable medicinal plants for its doctors and apothecaries. The first garden was small and lay near the Amstel, in the area of the present-day Waterlooplein.

Medicinal Plant Origins

In the 17th century, medicine relied heavily on herbs. Physicians and apothecaries needed to know which plants to use, how to recognise them and how to