Yesterday I had an unusual Monday morning. Instead of starting the week at my usual busy tempo, I went to the Hortus Botanicus, a green oasis in the heart of Amsterdam.
Last updated: 27 October 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
🌿 Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam at a glance
- What: a hidden gem and one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world, with a Butterfly House and a Climate House
- Where: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, next to Artis zoo (how to get there)
- Open: daily 10:00 to 17:00, closed 25 December and 1 January
- Tickets: adults € 14,75, free with the I amsterdam City Card, Museumkaart not valid (all prices)
- Plan: at least 2 hours, more if you stay for lunch
In this guide
About the Hortus Botanicus
A few words about the Hortus: it’s one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world, founded in 1638, and yet it’s still a real hidden gem. Many visitors walk right past it on their way to the zoo! It’s located in the Plantage neighbourhood, not far from Artis Royal Zoo, the Jewish Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue, in case you want to combine a visit.
It’s a place where you can find peace and let all the stress of the outside world go. You can easily spend hours here: there’s an app called Garden Explorer, so you can scan the QR code next to a plant and read all about it. But even a short visit is enough to slow down and breathe.
What to see at the Hortus Botanicus
The Butterfly House
Step into the greenhouse full of butterflies. The Butterfly House is my favourite place in the Hortus! It’s a true immersive experience, and it has been one since long before that word even existed.
Tropical butterflies fly freely here all year round, often landing right next to you. Keep an eye out for the chrysalis cabinet, where you can sometimes watch a new butterfly come out. The plants around you are useful crops too, such as coffee, cocoa, tea, rice, pepper and sugar cane.
The Climate House: jungle, desert and South Africa
Take a walk through the Climate House and see the jungle, the desert and the South African landscape, three climate zones under one roof. The greenhouse was fully renovated in 2025, and the Hortus app has a special Climate House tour in 10 languages.
The garden and its birds
Spot the birds, who seem to be the lucky local residents.
What a life!
Check more things to do at Hortus. You’ll leave this beautiful place relaxed and recharged.
Hortus Botanicus tickets and prices
Tickets are for sale at the entrance and online. Good to know: you can only pay by card, cash is not accepted at the Hortus.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | € 14,75 |
| Students (with student card) | € 8,50 |
| Children 5 to 17 | € 8,50 |
| Children under 5 | Free |
| I amsterdam City Card | Free |
| Museumkaart | Not valid, regular price |
The Museumkaart is not valid at the Hortus, but the I amsterdam City Card gives you free entry. If you also plan to visit Artis, the Jewish Museum or the Rembrandt House, check my Museumkaart vs I amsterdam City Card comparison to see which card saves you more.
Hortus Botanicus opening hours
| Day | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 10:00 to 17:00 |
| 25 December (Christmas Day) | Closed |
| 1 January (New Year’s Day) | Closed |
Visiting in winter? The Hortus usually has special evening events, like Museum Night on 7 November and the Winter Evenings from 21 December to 3 January. These need a separate ticket, so check the programme on the official site.
Address and how to get there
The Hortus Botanicus is at Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, a short walk from Waterlooplein.
- By metro: take metro 51, 53 or 54 to Waterlooplein, then walk about 5 minutes. This is the easiest option from Amsterdam Central Station (2 stops). More tips in my Amsterdam metro guide.
- By tram: tram 14 stops at Mr. Visserplein, about 3 minutes on foot. See my guide to trams in Amsterdam.
- On foot: from Central Station it’s a pleasant walk of about 20 to 25 minutes.
- By car: there is no parking at the Hortus, you can only briefly drop off at the gate (coming from Nieuwe Herengracht). The nearest disabled parking spaces are on Muiderstraat, opposite number 30.
Not sure which ticket to use? Read which public transport ticket to buy in Amsterdam.
Café and shop
Hortus Café
Visit the café in the Oranjerie for a late breakfast, lunch or coffee (the cakes are great!). The menu is vegetarian, with soups, quiches, salads and bread. The café is only open to garden visitors, so you’ll need an entrance ticket.
Hortus Store
Buy a souvenir to take home. The Hortus Store sells plants, seeds, botanical prints, books and gifts, and right now also lovely Christmas decorations. It’s open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, and you don’t need a ticket to pop in.
Combine your visit: Plantage and the Jewish Quarter
The Hortus is in one of my favourite parts of Amsterdam, so it’s easy to make a whole day of it:
- Artis Royal Zoo is a 5 minute walk down Plantage Middenlaan. Read my tips in Amsterdam with kids or book Artis tickets.
- Jewish Museum and Portuguese Synagogue are just across Mr. Visserplein, and one Jewish Cultural Quarter ticket covers both.
- Rembrandt House Museum is near Waterlooplein, on your way back to the centre.
Looking for more ideas? Here are my best things to do in Amsterdam and a complete list of Amsterdam museums.
🟡 On now until 17 January 2027
Loved the butterflies? Kusama’s colourful world at the Stedelijk is the perfect next stop
Enjoy your day at the Hortus!
Photo: me at the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam wearing my latest finds from vintage shops in Haarlem
FAQ about the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
How much is a ticket to the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam?
An adult ticket costs € 14,75. Students and children aged 5 to 17 pay € 8,50, and young children go free. Entry is free with the I amsterdam City Card. You can only pay by card, not cash.
Is the Museumkaart valid at the Hortus Botanicus?
No, the Museumkaart is not valid at the Hortus, so you pay the regular price. The I amsterdam City Card does give free entry. Not sure which card fits your trip? Read my Museumkaart vs I amsterdam City Card comparison.
What are the opening hours of the Hortus Botanicus?
The Hortus is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00. It is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
How do I get to the Hortus Botanicus by public transport?
Take metro 51, 53 or 54 to Waterlooplein (about 5 minutes on foot) or tram 14 to Mr. Visserplein (about 3 minutes on foot). The address is Plantage Middenlaan 2a.
Can I visit the Hortus café or shop without a ticket?
The café is only open to garden visitors, so you need an entrance ticket. The Hortus Store is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 and you can visit it without a ticket.
Is the Hortus Botanicus wheelchair accessible?
Yes, although the garden paths are gravel. The Climate House is fully step-free, a free wheelchair can be reserved, and there is an accessible toilet at the café. Metro station Waterlooplein is wheelchair accessible, the Mr. Visserplein tram stop is not.
Can I leave my luggage at the Hortus?
No, there are no lockers or storage space for suitcases or backpacks, so drop your bags at your hotel first.
Written by a local
Anastasia Dudina
I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2013 and exploring it ever since. I write and update all articles on Amsterdam Explorer and Holland Explorer myself: real tips, not tourist traps. All of them are kept regularly updated, and if you find this guide helpful, sharing it is the best way to support the project.