Hortus Botanicus

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, founded in 1638 as a medicinal herb garden for the city's physicians and apothecaries. Originally known as the Hortus Medicus, it was established during the Dutch Golden Age and grew into a centre for plant collection as Amsterdam's trading ships brought specimens back from across the globe. The garden is credited with introducing coffee plants to Europe, and its historic palm house remains one of its most recognisable structures.

Today the garden occupies a compact but richly planted site in the Plantage neighbourhood, home to more than 6,000 plant species and varieties. Glasshouses shelter tropical, subtropical, and desert collections, while outdoor beds trace the history of botanical science and cultivation. Entry tickets give access to the full garden, including the monumental three-climate glasshouse and the butterfly greenhouse, making it a rewarding visit for those interested in natural history, horticulture, or the broader story of Amsterdam's scientific and colonial past.