Hortus Botanicus Leiden is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world. It was founded in 1590 by the University of Leiden and has been a source of scientific and cultural inspiration ever since. Here you can admire a rich collection of plants from all over the world, including rare and endangered species.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden’s ticket price for Hortus Botanicus Leiden is 9 euros for adults, 5 euros for students and children (4-17 years old), and free for children under 4 years old. You can also buy a combination ticket with the Naturalis Biodiversity Center for 22 euros for adults and 15 euros for students and children. The ticket gives you access to the garden, the greenhouses, the Clusius Garden, the Von Siebold Memorial Museum, and the Hortus Grand Café.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 from April to October, and from 10:00 to 16:00 from November to March. The garden is closed on January 1st, December 25th, and December 31st. The Hortus Grand Café is open from 10:00 to 17:00 from April to October, and from 10:00 to 15:30 from November to March.
You can get to Hortus Botanicus Leiden by public transport or by car. The nearest bus stop is Rapenburg, which is a 5-minute walk from the garden. The nearest train station is Leiden Centraal, which is a 15-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride from the garden. If you come by car, you can park at the Haagweg car park or the Morspoort car park, which are both a 10-minute walk from the garden. You can also rent a bike at the train station or at several locations in the city center.
Some tips for visiting Hortus Botanicus Leiden are:
- Check the website for the latest information on events, exhibitions, and activities.
- Bring your own water bottle and refill it at the tap in the greenhouses or at the café.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are suitable for the weather and the greenhouses.
- Respect the plants and animals and do not touch or pick them.
- Enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature!
You can also join one of the guided tours that are offered regularly by the garden staff or volunteers. The tours last about an hour and cover different themes and areas of the garden. You can find out more about the tours on the website or at the reception desk. The tours are free with your entrance ticket, but you need to register in advance.
Some of the attractions of Hortus Botanicus Leiden are:
- The Clusius Garden, which is a reconstruction of the original garden from 1594 that was designed by Carolus Clusius, a famous botanist who introduced many exotic plants to Europe.
- The Von Siebold Memorial Museum, which displays a collection of plants and objects that were brought back from Japan by Philipp Franz von Siebold, a German physician who worked for the Dutch East India Company in the 19th century.
- The Victoria Amazonica greenhouse, which houses a giant water lily that blooms at night with white flowers that turn pink in the morning.
- The Winter Garden, which showcases tropical plants that thrive in low light and high humidity conditions.
- The System Garden, which arranges plants according to their evolutionary relationships and shows how they have adapted to different environments.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden’s Prohibitions:
- Smoking is not allowed in any part of the garden or the buildings.
- Pets are not allowed in the garden, except for guide dogs or assistance dogs.
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, or other vehicles are not allowed in the garden.
- Picnicking is not allowed in the garden, except in designated areas or with permission from the staff.
- Photography and filming are allowed for personal use only. For commercial or professional purposes, you need to request permission from the management.
