Home » City Breaks » Articles » Amsterdam » Amsterdam's Hortus Botanicus

Amsterdam's Hortus Botanicus

The Hortus Botanicus is located on the edge of the bustling city of Amsterdam and is one of the oldest examples of botanical gardens in the world.

Open year round, visitors can enjoy over 6,000 varieties of plants and 4,000 different species in the gardens as well as seven impressive climate controlled greenhouses. The gardens offer a great respite for visitors from the bustle of downtown Amsterdam.

Hortus Botanicus' heritage lies in its roots as a medicinal herb garden, which was set up by the Amsterdam City Council in 1638. It was originally used as a training centre for doctors and pharmacists who trained in herbal remedies in the wake of Europe's epidemic of bubonic plague.

Gardening enthusiasts will experience a resplendent collection of plants at the venue – many of which were brought over to Amsterdam along with herbs and spices by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th and 18th centuries. A plant that proves particularly popular among visitors is the garden's prized 300-year-old Eastern Cape giant cycad.

Visitors can catch a number of trams from the city centre to reach the Hortus Botanicus while the Metro Waterlooplein stop is also close by. There is 200-year-old Orangery in the centre of the gardens, which has an attractive outdoor café serving a range of tasty food and refreshing drinks.

© Adfero Ltd

Recommended Amsterdam Breaks

3* Conscious Vondelpark from £199

The Conscious Vondelpark Amsterdam is a new hotel which opens in October 2010 and has an environmental design concept. This eco-friendly hotel has individually designed rooms which... More Info

3* Conscious Hotel Museum Square from £229

The Conscious Hotel Museum Square in Amsterdam is a cosy hotel with 36 newly renovated spacious rooms, a lounge, a breakfast room and a garden. The hotel is eco-friendly and uses... More Info

3* Superior Mercure Amsterdam Arthur Frommer from £249

The Mercure Amsterdam Arthur Frommer is a recently renovated hotel with 93 rooms. Relax and enjoy a drink in the hotel's "Golden Age" bar after a busy day seeing the sights of... More Info

4* The Park Hotel Amsterdam from £299

The Park Hotel Amsterdam is a stylish hotel, spread over several historical buildings. The hotel has 184 contemporary bedrooms and suites. Superior bedrooms feature a rain shower... More Info

4* The Convent Hotel Amsterdam from £307

The elegant Convent Hotel Amsterdam has 148 modern bedrooms. The hotel has an Orient-Express themed bar and brasserie. The hotel is located in the centre of Amsterdam, and a short... More Info

Send to a Friend

Email Newsletter

Subscribe to the Railbookers newsletter for all our latest special offers and news.

Bookmark with:
Delicious	Digg	reddit	Facebook	StumbleUpon

Amsterdam's Hortus Botanicus

Recommended Amsterdam Breaks

Forthcoming Amsterdam Events

Amsterdam Articles

Amsterdam

Upcoming Events

Latest Articles

Blog Articles

Email Newsletter

Confirm