Botanical Amsterdam: Hortus, Hermitage Gardens & Hidden Courtyards: walking tour

About this tour

A nature-infused walking tour through secret gardens, lush courtyards, and Amsterdam’s greenest gems

Escape the city crowds and step into the serene, green heart of Amsterdam. This slow-paced walking tour blends botany, beauty, and history in some of the city’s most charming hidden corners. You’ll begin at the legendary Hortus Botanicus — one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world — where rare tropical plants and centuries-old trees whisper stories of exploration and science. From there, follow a leafy path past the tranquil gardens of the Hermitage Amsterdam and into secluded hofjes (inner courtyards) once reserved for monks and the elderly. Along the way, your guide will share stories about herbal medicine, 17th-century garden design, and the role of green space in city life. This is Amsterdam at its calmest and most refined — ideal for aesthetes, couples, and garden lovers.

Best for: Couples, garden lovers, architecture and history enthusiasts