Cities
Belgium Antwerp Flanders Garden

Plantentuin

About

Plantentuin is a serene botanical garden in the heart of Antwerp, offering a peaceful escape just steps from the city’s busy streets. Established in 1825, it grew from the former medical herb garden of the nearby Sint‑Elisabeth hospital and today spans just under one hectare, making it compact yet remarkably rich in plant life. The garden features around 2,000 species, from medicinal herbs to exotic specimens, arranged along winding paths that create a calm, intimate atmosphere. Historic elements give the garden its distinctive charm, including the elegant 1826 entrance gate designed by Pierre Bruno Bourla and the 19th‑century gardener’s house that still stands as a reminder of its scientific past. A small greenhouse shelters cacti and tropical plants, while statues and mature trees add character to the landscape. Despite its modest size, Plantentuin feels like a hidden sanctuary where visitors can pause, wander, and reconnect with nature in the middle of Antwerp’s vibrant centre.

Antwerp Belgium
Plantentuin
Location

Plantentuin, also known as Den Botaniek or Antwerp's Botanical Garden, is located in the city center at Leopoldstraat 24, adjacent to St. Elisabeth Hospital. This historic green oasis, established in 1825, sits near the bustling shopping area and Leopold Square, offering a peaceful escape just steps from urban activity. Nearby highlights include the Michelin-starred restaurant in the old gardener's house at the entrance, the Bourla Theater along Leopoldstraat, and the vibrant Mechelsplein square with its cozy pubs. The Museum Mayer van den Bergh and Arenbergschouwburg theater are a short walk away, while weekend markets at Rui and Vreemdelingenmarkt add local flavor. Luxury spots like Botanic Sanctuary hotel enhance the sophisticated surroundings.

Museum aan de Stroom Museum aan de Stroom Museum Rubenshuis Rubenshuis Museum Plantin‑Moretus Museum Plantin‑Moretus Museum Museum Snijders&Rockoxhuis Snijders&Rockoxhuis Museum Red Star Line Museum Red Star Line Museum Museum KMSKA ‑ Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp KMSKA ‑ Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp Museum FOMU ‑ Photo Museum Antwerp FOMU ‑ Photo Museum Antwerp Museum DIVA museum DIVA museum Museum Museum Mayer van den Bergh Museum Mayer van den Bergh Museum M HKA ‑ Museum of Contemporary Art M HKA ‑ Museum of Contemporary Art Museum Museum De Reede Museum De Reede Museum Middelheim Museum Middelheim Museum Theatre MoMu ‑ Fashion Museum Antwerp MoMu ‑ Fashion Museum Antwerp Museum Illusion Antwerpen Illusion Antwerpen Museum Chocolate Nation Chocolate Nation Museum Bunker Museum Antwerpen Bunker Museum Antwerpen Museum Museum Eugeen Van Mieghem Museum Eugeen Van Mieghem Museum Stampe & Vertongen Museum Stampe & Vertongen Museum Museum Tim Van Laere Gallery Tim Van Laere Gallery Museum Keteleer Gallery Keteleer Gallery Gallery De Zwarte Panter De Zwarte Panter Gallery Gallery Sofie Van de Velde Gallery Sofie Van de Velde Gallery Annie Gentils Gallery Annie Gentils Gallery Gallery Base-Alpha Gallery Base-Alpha Gallery Gallery Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen Theatre Bourlaschouwburg Bourlaschouwburg Theatre Elckerlyk Theatre Elckerlyk Theatre Theatre Arenberg Theatre Arenberg Theatre Theatre hetpaleis hetpaleis Theatre Fakkelteater Rode Zaal Fakkelteater Rode Zaal Theatre Toneelhuis Toneelhuis Theatre Theater Klokhuis Theater Klokhuis Theatre Cathedral of Our Lady Cathedral of Our Lady Cathedral St. Andrew’s Church St. Andrew’s Church Church St. Charles Borromeo Church St. Charles Borromeo Church Church St. James’ Church St. James’ Church Church St. Paul’s Church Antwerp St. Paul’s Church Antwerp Church Het Steen Het Steen Castle Couwelaar Castle Couwelaar Castle Castle Sterckshof Castle Sterckshof Castle Castle Sorghvliedt Castle Sorghvliedt Castle Castle Grote Markt Antwerp Grote Markt Antwerp Square Vlaeykensgang Historic Alley Vlaeykensgang Historic Alley Tourist attractions Sint-Annatunnel Sint-Annatunnel Tourist attractions Groenplaats Groenplaats Square Stadspark Stadspark Park Boekenbergpark Boekenbergpark Park Zoo Antwerpen Zoo Antwerpen Zoo Volkssterrenwacht Urania Volkssterrenwacht Urania Planetarium Michiel Coignet Observatorium Michiel Coignet Observatorium Observatory