Delft Botanical Garden
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Delft Botanical Garden

4.2
·1k reviews·Delft, Netherlands

A living laboratory at TU Delft, showcasing plants' technological uses, from medicine to innovation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Delft Botanical Garden

Delft Botanical Garden

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A living laboratory at TU Delft, showcasing plants' technological uses, from medicine to innovation.

4.2
(1k reviews)

"It's meant to share the different plants and their use in different technologies which is very interesting!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🏷️ Plant Labels are Informative

Most plants have name plates in Dutch and Latin, aiding identification and learning.

☕ Grab a Coffee Break

Tybacoffee on-site offers fresh roasts and a lovely spot to relax.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tropical Greenhouse

Tropical Greenhouse

Inside the main building

Step into a humid, vibrant world of exotic plants, including fascinating insectivorous species.

Medicinal & Apothecary Garden

Medicinal & Apothecary Garden

Themed garden sections

Discover historical uses of plants in medicine, with detailed explanations of medieval remedies.

Cactus Greenhouse

Cactus Greenhouse

Separate greenhouse

Marvel at a diverse collection of succulents and cacti, showcasing desert plant adaptations.

Tybacoffee Roastery

Tybacoffee Roastery

Near the entrance

Enjoy freshly roasted coffee in a unique setting, a perfect stop for a break.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit

While the Delft Botanical Garden is generally calm, visiting during weekdays outside of peak summer hours can offer a more serene experience. Weekends can see a slight uptick in visitors, especially families.

Embrace the Educational Aspect

This isn't just a pretty garden; it's a living laboratory. Many plants highlight their technological uses, offering a unique perspective beyond typical botanical gardens. Look for informative plant labels.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Beautiful fall colors, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Vibrant studio culture at TU Delft in The Netherlands. Sorely missing at Australian universities. At least we have Archimarathon STUDIO for students in Melbourne. #archimarathonstudio
@archimarathon
18.1K likes • 170.1K views

🏷️ Plant Labels are Informative

Most plants have name plates in Dutch and Latin, aiding identification and learning. Reddit

☕ Grab a Coffee Break

Tybacoffee on-site offers fresh roasts and a lovely spot to relax. Instagram

Have you ever been here? #netherlands #delft #amsterdam #tourist #dutch #amsterdamtravel #amsterdamtrip #lifeinthenetherlands #amsterdamtourist #amsterdamguide
@whereiswanda
15.4K likes • 346.5K views
🌳🐝🌼 For over 100 years, TU Delft's Hortus Botanicus has been a source for botanical research and education. It is great place for biodiversity, innovations and education that drives our sustainability ambitions. 🌳A high biodiversity on the TU Delft Campus is important for a healthy ecosystem. In the coming years, we are working towards an ‘EcoCampus’, a campus where people and nature live side b...
tudelft
382 likes • 22.6K views

🚶‍♀️ Allow an Hour or Two

The garden is compact, perfect for a leisurely stroll and exploration within 1.5 hours. Reddit

🧺 Consider a Picnic

Bring your own food and find a quiet spot or use the gazebo for a relaxing break. Reddit

Створюю іншу реальність і магію, тут і зараз 📷🌸✨ I create another reality and magic, here and now 📷🌸✨ Model @prostogaevskaya 📷✨ #photographerroterdam#phptographerdenhaag#photoshoot#botanicalgarden#delft#portrait#likeamovie#creation#myart
anna.kuznetsova_13
21 likes • 482 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🏷️ Plant Labels are Informative

Most plants have name plates in Dutch and Latin, aiding identification and learning. Reddit

☕ Grab a Coffee Break

Tybacoffee on-site offers fresh roasts and a lovely spot to relax. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Allow an Hour or Two

The garden is compact, perfect for a leisurely stroll and exploration within 1.5 hours. Reddit

🧺 Consider a Picnic

Bring your own food and find a quiet spot or use the gazebo for a relaxing break. Reddit

💡 Look for Temporary Exhibits

Check for current exhibitions, like those on plant-based dyes or refugee housing prototypes. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Delft Botanical Garden for its unique educational focus on the technological uses of plants and its peaceful atmosphere. While some wish for more easily digestible information, the affordable entry, pleasant strolls, and on-site coffee shop make it a worthwhile and inspiring visit.

"Walking through the Hortus Botanicus Delft felt like stepping into a living museum of plants. I wandered among themed sections—from medicinal herbs to exotic species—each carefully curated to reflect centuries of botanical study. Beyond its educational value, the garden is also a peaceful retreat, perfect for slow exploration and quiet reflection. My visit left me inspired by how thoughtfully the garden balances research, conservation, and public enjoyment."

Fadly Rahman

"The TU Delft botanical garden is something different from what I’m used to, it’s not there to show the most exotic plants and be the most beautiful, but instead, as it’s a technical university, it’s meant to share the different plants and their use in different technologies which is very interesting!

It’s a nice stroll, not very big, with some genuinely nice places to sit and be calm, I wish it was a bit more informative in an easy way to learn."

Jonathan

"Fairly cheap, nice and calm, good coffee. We liked it"

Sasja Gels

What People Like

Educational focus on plant technology
Peaceful and calm atmosphere
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

Could be more informative
Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Delft Botanical Garden is located on the TU Delft campus. It's accessible by public transport, with bus stops nearby. If driving, there is parking available on campus. TikTok

Yes, it's situated within the TU Delft campus, which is quite extensive. Follow signs for the botanical garden or the Hortus Botanicus. TikTok

Cycling is a popular mode of transport in Delft and the Netherlands. There are bike racks available at the garden. TikTok

You can take a bus from Delft's city center directly to the TU Delft campus. The journey is relatively short. TikTok

No, Delft is conveniently located between Rotterdam and The Hague, and is less than an hour away from Amsterdam by train, making it an easy day trip. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is generally affordable, with reviews mentioning it as 'fairly cheap'. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Advance booking is usually not required for general entry, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially during peak seasons or for special events. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official TU Delft Hortus Botanicus website for the most up-to-date information on opening times. Instagram

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is typically available on the garden's official website. TikTok

Yes, there is a shop near the entrance where you can purchase themed souvenirs and sometimes even flowers. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

You'll find a diverse collection including themed sections like medicinal herbs, exotic species in the tropical greenhouse, cacti, and historical plant uses. Reddit+1

Absolutely! It's described as a nice, calm stroll, perfect for slow exploration and quiet reflection. Reddit+1

Yes, the garden often hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on topics like plant-based dyes, cloth production, or even innovative prototypes. Reddit

There is a coffee point on the territory, Tybacoffee, which also has its own roasting machine and is a lovely place for a break. InstagramReddit

Most visitors find that an hour and a half is sufficient to explore the garden thoroughly at a relaxed pace. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture the beauty of the plants and greenhouses. Instagram

The tropical greenhouse, the themed gardens, and the unique architecture of the greenhouses offer great photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

While generally permitted, it's always wise to be respectful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially in quieter areas. Instagram

For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact the garden administration in advance to inquire about permits and guidelines. Instagram

Visitors often share photos of vibrant plant life, macro shots of flowers, and atmospheric shots of the greenhouses. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Delft Botanical Garden offers a gentle introduction to the plant world for families. While not a large amusement park, the tropical greenhouse with its exotic plants and the cactus greenhouse can be particularly captivating for children. The informative plant labels, though in Dutch and Latin, can spark curiosity, and the garden's manageable size means little legs won't get too tired. Reddit

Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated spots, making the visit more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone. The presence of Tybacoffee also provides a convenient spot for parents to grab a coffee while the kids explore or rest. Look out for any temporary exhibits that might be more engaging for younger visitors. InstagramReddit

🎓 Students and Academics

As a garden affiliated with TU Delft, this botanical garden is a valuable resource for students and academics. Its focus on the technological and practical applications of plants aligns perfectly with the university's research-driven ethos. It's an ideal spot for fieldwork, research, or simply finding a quiet, green space to study or decompress between classes. InstagramReddit

Explore the various themed gardens and greenhouses to supplement coursework in biology, environmental science, or even engineering. The temporary exhibitions often highlight cutting-edge research or innovative applications, providing relevant insights. Plus, the on-site cafe, Tybacoffee, offers a great spot for informal study groups or a caffeine boost. InstagramReddit

🌿 Plant Enthusiasts and Garden Lovers

For those with a passion for plants, the Delft Botanical Garden offers a unique and educational experience. You'll appreciate the carefully curated collections, from the diverse cacti to the humid embrace of the tropical greenhouse. The emphasis on the historical and technological uses of plants adds an intellectual layer to the visual beauty. InstagramReddit

Take your time to read the plant labels and learn about the specific properties and applications of each species. The garden's commitment to research and education means you'll gain a deeper understanding of botany. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a specialty coffee at Tybacoffee, a perfect complement to a day spent immersed in the world of plants. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Educational Mission

The Delft Botanical Garden, run by TU Delft, distinguishes itself by focusing not just on beauty but on the technological and practical applications of plants. Unlike many traditional botanical gardens, its mission is deeply rooted in research and education, showcasing how plants contribute to various industries and innovations. This unique approach means you'll find exhibits detailing plant-based dyes, historical medicinal uses, and even prototypes related to sustainable technologies. InstagramReddit

This educational focus is evident in the detailed plant labels, which often include Latin and Dutch names, providing a scientific foundation for visitors. The garden serves as a living laboratory, demonstrating the vital role of botany in fields like engineering and sustainability. It's a place where learning about plants goes hand-in-hand with understanding their impact on our world. InstagramReddit

Visitors often express surprise and delight at this educational aspect, finding it a refreshing departure from more conventional gardens. It offers a deeper appreciation for the plant kingdom and its multifaceted contributions to human society and technological advancement. Reddit

Exploring the Diverse Collections

The Delft Botanical Garden, though not vast, offers a surprisingly diverse range of plant collections. The tropical greenhouse is a highlight, transporting visitors to a humid, vibrant environment filled with exotic flora, including intriguing insectivorous plants. This section provides a stark contrast to the drier climates found elsewhere in the garden. InstagramReddit

Beyond the tropical wonders, you'll discover specialized areas like the cactus greenhouse, showcasing a variety of succulents adapted to arid conditions. The medicinal and apothecary garden offers a fascinating glimpse into historical herbal remedies, with informative plates detailing how plants were used in medieval medicine. Reddit

Additionally, the garden features themed sections and often hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific botanical topics, such as the use of plants in producing dyes and textiles, or even innovative housing solutions. This variety ensures there's always something new and educational to discover with each visit. InstagramReddit

A Tranquil Escape and Coffee Haven

Despite its academic setting, the Delft Botanical Garden provides a wonderfully peaceful retreat from the bustle of university life and the city. It's a place where visitors can enjoy a slow, contemplative walk, finding quiet corners to sit and reflect amidst the greenery. The relatively small size of the garden makes it ideal for a relaxed exploration without feeling overwhelmed. Reddit+1

A unique feature that enhances this tranquil experience is Tybacoffee, a cafe located on the garden's grounds. This cafe is known for its own coffee roasting machine, offering freshly brewed specialty coffee. It's become a popular spot for visitors to pause, enjoy a beverage, and soak in the serene atmosphere. InstagramReddit

Many visitors appreciate the combination of natural beauty and the availability of good coffee, making the garden a perfect destination for a leisurely afternoon. It's a place that caters to both the desire for quiet contemplation and the simple pleasure of enjoying a quality cup of coffee in a beautiful setting. InstagramReddit

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