A green oasis in the middle of the city

Originally, the Hortus was a medicinal herb garden, founded in 1638 by the Amsterdam City Council.

In the 17th century, medicinal herbs were vital to the city's health care. Therefore, when the Hortus was founded in 1638, medicinal plants made up the core of the plant collection. The plants were used for the education of doctors and pharmacists in the 17th century.

Collection

The botanical collection of Amsterdam counts up to 5,000 individual plants of some 4,000 species. All of these are registered in the botanical database with detailed information about each plant, when it was originally collected, and by whom it was identified.

Botanical database

Search online via the Hortus' Garden Explorer  to find your favourite plant in the botanic garden, which species are present and where they can be found.

Guided tours

The Hortus is pretty enough to stroll through on your own. However, if you want to learn more about the plants and their history or want be sure that you have not missed the most beautiful spots, take a guided tour  of the garden and greenhouses.

The guided tours are given at fixed times or on request. Whichever you choose, experts and experienced guides will show you the most interesting sites of the Hortus.

Location

Hortus Botanicus is situated in the stately Plantagebuurt, the green neighbourhood of Amsterdam Centre and the Old Jewish Quarter, between Waterlooplein Square and Artis Zoo.

Other nearby attractions are Portuguese Synagogue, Jewish Historical Museum, Hollandsche Schouwburg, Hermitage Amsterdam and Magere Brug.