Hortus Botanicus
Hortus Botanicus
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tours & experiences
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centrum
Amsterdam’s buzzing hub, with its sprawling network of tram rails and a seemingly constant flow of tourists and commuters, yields convenient access to some of the best sightseeing, shopping, and street life in Europe. Closest at hand are the Royal Palace, the quaint shops of Haalremmerdijk, the pedestrianized zones Kalverstraat and Dam Square with popular neighborhoods such as the Red Light District, and the Canal Ring hardly more than a moment’s stroll away. With the well-connected Centraal Station as Centrum’s base, it's easy to travel farther afield via one of the city’s iconic trams.
How to get there
- Waterlooplein • 6 min walk
- Weesperplein • 8 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,002 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,001 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,225 reviews
Excellent
475
Very good
464
Average
199
Poor
68
Terrible
19
Popped Popcorn
Dublin, Ireland34 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We visited in Jan and to be honest dont know what we were expecting as it is winter. All outdoor plants were dead so not much to look at and butterfly house only had 3 butterflies. The indoor houses were good but would recommend waiting until summer to go as was expensive enough to not see much
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Isabella
Treviso, Italy203 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
The garden is nice and quiet.
I visited it during summer, so I saw some flowers but it’s probably more beautiful during spring.
The South Africa greenhouse is very nice and interesting to explore.
I expected to see something more in the butterfly greenhouse, while it was quite small and there were only two butterflies’ species to see.
Many plants and flowers are quite common in Mediterranean countries, nevertheless the garden is very relaxing and it’s the right place to go to escape from the city centre.
Length of the visit: 1h30
I visited it during summer, so I saw some flowers but it’s probably more beautiful during spring.
The South Africa greenhouse is very nice and interesting to explore.
I expected to see something more in the butterfly greenhouse, while it was quite small and there were only two butterflies’ species to see.
Many plants and flowers are quite common in Mediterranean countries, nevertheless the garden is very relaxing and it’s the right place to go to escape from the city centre.
Length of the visit: 1h30
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Davor R
Capelle aan den IJssel, The Netherlands730 contributions
Sep 2019
Hortus Botanicus has an amazing collection of plants and an impressive butterfly house. The place is good for group and solo visits, kid and adults, at any time of the year. It is very well organised, you can have a tour and also be your own guide, all is very well documented, also in English.
The butterfly house is intensive, not only due to tropical conditions. The butterflies like posing, see photos attached.
At a (very) mature age, I never actually knew what tequila was made from (I had thought it was grass). Be welcome there: they have a few tequila agave plants at display as well.
The butterfly house is intensive, not only due to tropical conditions. The butterflies like posing, see photos attached.
At a (very) mature age, I never actually knew what tequila was made from (I had thought it was grass). Be welcome there: they have a few tequila agave plants at display as well.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KassDi
23 contributions
Dec 2019
We went during the winter, so understandably the outside was not as lively as it would be during other seasons. However, we were not disappointed as there are (what feels like endless) indoor space with a variety of fascinating climates (tropical, desert etc). You get good value for money and get to see some amazing plants. It also gives a great chance to take some good photos.
The information regarding the naming of specimens was good, however the information for the country of origin was quite confusing and some was a bit inaccurate (it appeared there was not a standardised method for locations). For example some had China : Yunnan (so country and more specific region), but others had Turkey, Greece, Crete. (So Country, Country, Region...Crete is one of the many Greek islands but it was written as if it was a country and it is not). I know this seems like a detail but in any educational setting there has to be a more uniform pattern so people who may not have know certain geographical locations can still understand if it is a country or a region. Also for some select countries occasionally their language was included on the information plaques, but it wasn't for others. Again, this is more to do with the continuity and standardised format of the signage, which was a little lacking here.
Overall though, this did not affect our experience while walking around and enjoying the flora.
The information regarding the naming of specimens was good, however the information for the country of origin was quite confusing and some was a bit inaccurate (it appeared there was not a standardised method for locations). For example some had China : Yunnan (so country and more specific region), but others had Turkey, Greece, Crete. (So Country, Country, Region...Crete is one of the many Greek islands but it was written as if it was a country and it is not). I know this seems like a detail but in any educational setting there has to be a more uniform pattern so people who may not have know certain geographical locations can still understand if it is a country or a region. Also for some select countries occasionally their language was included on the information plaques, but it wasn't for others. Again, this is more to do with the continuity and standardised format of the signage, which was a little lacking here.
Overall though, this did not affect our experience while walking around and enjoying the flora.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Squidhead
Costa Mesa, CA429 contributions
May 2022
I always make it a point to visit botanical gardens in every city I visit. I was happy to learn that Amsterdam had one as well. The gardens were very pretty but I always enjoy the glass houses and this one had the various world regions as you'd expect. My favorite usually is, and was this time, the butterfly garden. There were many varieties and it was great to stand still and just let them settle and land on the various plants and foods left out for them. For all botanical garden fans, this is a good one to visit.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Danie Weideman
Johannesburg, South Africa174 contributions
Dec 2019
We were in Amsterdam in December and as my son loves plants we were compelled to visit. It was disappointing outside but understandable due to winter weather. I am sure in summer it would look completely different. We were very proud of the extensive use of our native plants (we are South Africans) in the indoor exhibitions. It was good to see so much of what we take for granted given the place that it actually deserve and it has had the effect of us now looking at our home environment with different eyes. To that extent it was clearly a successful visit as it made us more aware of our habitat.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard H
Marsden, UK171 contributions
Aug 2022
Very good indeed if you're a bit of a gardener or botanist, otherwise possibly not worth the entrance fee. Not for kids that's for sure. A "reference" garden if you like, a genuine botanical garden.
The QR code references are fascinating, especially if you're interested or doing research. The semi-circular bit is worth paying attention to.
Butterflies - well, only about five different ones I could see, but an added bonus if you like.
Some very old and interesting plants in the glasshouses, worth reading the descriptions.
The QR code references are fascinating, especially if you're interested or doing research. The semi-circular bit is worth paying attention to.
Butterflies - well, only about five different ones I could see, but an added bonus if you like.
Some very old and interesting plants in the glasshouses, worth reading the descriptions.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wydcombe
United Kingdom3,338 contributions
Nov 2022
Every time we visit Amsterdam we discover something new, this time it was Hortus Botanicus. Compact but pretty gardens with a wide range of plants form all over the world, including several green houses with tropical plants and butterflies. A tranquil spot in the heart of the bustling city. Nice cafe and gift shop too. Would love to visit in Spring when more is in full bloom.
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tony M
4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
A fab decision to walk over the Amstel to visit on a hot summer day. The place was small enough to wander around, enjoy and be impressed by without getting overtired for a relaxing visit. Particularly liked the desert and tropical areas. The butterfly house was good fun as my first time in one, it was small. I recommend the place
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chelsea
8 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Most of the garden was dead, perhaps because we were visiting in Feb?
Green houses were ok but nothing special.
The butterfly house was nice but very small and only a few different types of butterflies in there.
Not worth the €9.75 ticket price
Green houses were ok but nothing special.
The butterfly house was nice but very small and only a few different types of butterflies in there.
Not worth the €9.75 ticket price
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
greatgadsby97
Cardiff, UK134 contributions
What is it like to visit in Winter? We are planning to go Amsterdam in early January, would we be better off leaving this attraction for another, warmer visit?
david n
Manchester, UK4,317 contributions
All year round, they have the palm trees and butterflies under cover but a significant part of the gardens are outside so if you are coming back in spring or summer then I'd wait until then. Especially as the entrance fee is the same all year round.
Do they have tulips in May
w r
Treasure Island, FL46 contributions
Perhaps a dozen or so late blooming tulip varieties were in planters (think buckets) along a short walkway, not the fields of plantings that are famously in the vicinity of Keukenhof. My visit to Hortus Botanicus was the last week of April. Early May tulips are possible, but any later would likely show fewer varieties is my guess.
lastlydreaming2017
Chicago, IL
Is there a washroom and is it free?
lesley330
Barcelona, Spain55 contributions
Yes
Garden T
Bromma, Sweden1 contribution
Hi! Is it possible to go to the Botanical garden by ferry/boat from central Amsterdam?
Les cartes étudiantes française sont-elles admissent pour les tarifs étudiants ?
Cappiie
Grenoble, France86 contributions
Je ne pense pas à voir par contre pour une ISIC.
Hortus Botanicus (Amsterdam) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Hortus Botanicus
- Hortus Botanicus is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Hortus Botanicus tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 13 Hortus Botanicus tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Hortus Botanicus:
- Amsterdam Open Boat Tour With Live Guide and Unlimited Drinks (From $24.96)
- All inclusive Canal Tour by Captain Jack (Traveller Choice Award 2022) (From $43.73)
- Anne Frank & the Jewish History of Amsterdam, private tour (3-4 hours) (From $98.52)
- Amsterdam 1-Hour Canal Cruise with Live Guide (From $24.96)
- Amsterdam Jiddisch History + nasch, my parents WW II hiding. 3 hr walking tour (From $409.40)
- Hotels near Hortus Botanicus:
- (0.12 mi) Wittenberg By Cove
- (0.11 mi) Hotel Rembrandt
- (0.05 mi) Hotel Hortus
- (0.09 mi) Amsterdam Hotel Parklane
- (0.16 mi) The Flying Pancake B&B Amsterdam
- Restaurants near Hortus Botanicus:
- (0.03 mi) Orangery
- (0.07 mi) Cafe Smit & Voogt
- (0.18 mi) Restaurant Olijfje
- (0.18 mi) Box Sociaal
- (0.19 mi) De Deli Plantagebuurt