Outside of Amsterdam’s bustling center lies one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Hortus Botanicus is home to over 4,000 species of plants, boasting greenhouses filled with cacti, rare specimens of flora, as well as an ever-changing garden.

It is fitting that the botanical garden lays in the Plantage district, which to the casual observer is one of Amsterdam’s most unique spots. And if you are craving a leisurely Sunday or need to get the kids out of the house, Hortus hosts a variety of exhibitions geared for both young green thumbs and ardent nature lovers.