Hortus Botanicus Leiden — Attraction in Leiden

Yesterday I visited the botanical garden in Leiden for the first time, and I was genuinely excited, my expectations were high. Sadly, the experience didn’t live up to them.

Many of the plants in the garden looked neglected. I noticed several with brown or dying leaves, signs of pests, and overall poor health. It felt like a lot of the collection needs more attention and care.

One of the main reasons I went was to see their Hoya collection, which I had heard great things about. To my surprise, there was no sign of it. When I asked a staff member, they told me the Hoyas are now kept in a non-public area because some visitors had previously stolen cuttings. If anyone wants to see them, they need to email in advance and explain why.

While I understand the need for protection, I personally don’t think this is fair to genuine plant lovers. There are better ways to manage this issue without disappointing visitors who travel a long way to visit, especially when nothing about this is mentioned on their website or during the online booking process.

It was a letdown, to say the least. Hopefully, they’ll consider making changes, because the potential of this place is huge, it just needs more transparency...

Hortus Botanicus Leiden is truly a hidden gem in the heart of the city! As a tourist, I found this botanical garden to be an absolute highlight of my trip. The gardens are breathtakingly beautiful, with a rich variety of plants from all over the world. Walking along the peaceful paths, I admired colorful flowers, exotic trees, and tranquil ponds teeming with wildlife.

The greenhouses are especially impressive, featuring incredible tropical plants and rare species you rarely get to see elsewhere. There is also a fascinating collection of carnivorous plants and beautiful water lilies. I also enjoyed learning about the garden’s history—it's one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, and you can really feel the sense of tradition and discovery.

The staff was very welcoming and happy to answer questions, and there are plenty of informative signs in English to guide you along the way. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or just looking for a quiet escape from the city, Hortus Botanicus is the perfect destination.

I highly recommend visiting this peaceful oasis—it's a wonderful place to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy the beauty and serenity that Leiden...

Great place to spend an afternoon (or more)! Amazing history dating back to 1590, very cosy and informal atmosphere. The staff is super nice and knowledgeable. Eg when my daughter was collecting leaves from different trees for school the staff really took pride in showing her what was what and where she needed to go to find certain leaves.

Also nice here: Small children love to 'adventure' in the small winding paths in the middle of the Hortus. The big fish in the pond are also a kid magnet. The restaurant serves good food and is a very nice place for coffee or lunch. In summer the Orangerie is also open. The giftshop has some unique gifts, often with a botanical twist. The entrance of the Sterrewacht (Observatory) can also be reached from the Hortus. It has a great exhibition on our galaxy on the first floor. If you can catch a tour of the old telescope domes, don't hesitate! This is where the brightest minds did some of their work, including Einstein. Personal favorite: almost tucked away are some bee hives dating all the way back to medieval times. the grass near the water of the Singel is a great place to relax on a sunny day (and many (international)...