Hortus Botanicus Leiden

About

Hortus Botanicus Leiden is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world, offering a serene retreat in the heart of the historic city. Founded in 1590 as a scientific garden for Leiden University, it has grown into a lush landscape of themed gardens, ancient trees and elegant greenhouses filled with orchids, ferns, carnivorous plants and rare species from across the globe. Visitors can wander through the Japanese Garden, explore Mediterranean plant collections or relax beside tranquil ponds framed by centuries‑old greenery. The garden’s long history of botanical research is still evident today, with ongoing studies into biodiversity and plant conservation. Blending academic heritage with natural beauty, Hortus Botanicus Leiden remains a peaceful and inspiring place to discover the richness of the plant world.

Leiden Netherlands

Location

Hortus Botanicus Leiden is located at Rapenburg 73 in the heart of Leiden's historic city centre, hidden behind the University Academy Building along the picturesque Rapenburg canal, a 10-15 minute walk from Leiden Centraal station. Founded in 1590 as the Netherlands' oldest botanical garden, it spans nearly 4 hectares of lush grounds surrounded by water, with tropical greenhouses and monumental trees amid the university district's elegant gabled houses. Nearby, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and Japanmuseum SieboldHuis sit along the same canal just steps away, Museum De Lakenhal graces Oude Singel a short stroll south, lively Breestraat market street and Pieterskerk lie to the east, plus parking at Morspoort garage and shuttle from Haagweg, blending botanical wonders with Leiden's academic canalside heritage.