Botanical Garden Den Botaniek
A serene urban oasis in Antwerp, featuring exotic plants, winding paths, and striking Antony Gormley sculptures. Free to enter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Botanical Garden Den Botaniek
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis in Antwerp, featuring exotic plants, winding paths, and striking Antony Gormley sculptures. Free to enter.
"A charming little garden, a great place to take a pause and relax. Very interesting sculptures are scattered around."
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful garden without an entrance fee. A true hidden gem!
Sculpture Hunt 🧐
Keep an eye out for the impressive Antony Gormley sculptures scattered throughout the garden.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Antony Gormley Sculptures
Striking contemporary art installations seamlessly integrated into the lush botanical setting.
Exotic Plant Collection
Wander through a curated selection of precious exotic plants and trees, each with informative explanation boards.
Peaceful Walking Paths
Meander along winding paths, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of this urban oasis.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Oasis
Sculptures & Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful garden without an entrance fee. A true hidden gem!
Sculpture Hunt 🧐
Keep an eye out for the impressive Antony Gormley sculptures scattered throughout the garden.
Quick Escape 🚶♀️
Perfect for a short, relaxing stroll. You can see most of it in about 20-30 minutes.
Combine with Hotel Visit 🏨
Located next to the Botanic Sanctuary Hotel, making it easy to visit both.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful garden without an entrance fee. A true hidden gem!
Sculpture Hunt 🧐
Keep an eye out for the impressive Antony Gormley sculptures scattered throughout the garden.
Quick Escape 🚶♀️
Perfect for a short, relaxing stroll. You can see most of it in about 20-30 minutes.
Combine with Hotel Visit 🏨
Located next to the Botanic Sanctuary Hotel, making it easy to visit both.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Botanical Garden Den Botaniek as a charming, serene oasis in the heart of Antwerp, perfect for a relaxing stroll. The integration of Antony Gormley's sculptures adds a unique artistic dimension. While small, its free admission and peaceful atmosphere make it a highly recommended stop for a short break.
"Beautiful place to stroll or relax while in the middle of Antwerp. I discovered it while checking out the Botanic Sanctuary Hotel which is right next door. I was especially impressed by the Antony Gormley sculpture installation on the grounds. Well worth a visit if you happen to be in the area."
Irma Zandl
"Relaxing tiny oasis with precious exotic plants and trees, well kept and with intersting explanation boards. Next to a snack-bar with terrace and beautiful 5* hotel in a renovated antique building. The whole area is worth a visit. The nice weather allowed for some figs to grow, and if September will be nice, they may even ripen. Nice benches to sit around.
No entrance fee."
Trixi
"Charming little garden, a great place to take a pause and relax. Very interesting sculptures are scattered around, some are pretty impressive. Totally worth an hour of your time!"
Amit Epstein
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is centrally located in Antwerp, making it easily accessible by public transport. Tram and bus stops are nearby. Many visitors also walk or cycle to the garden, especially if staying in the city center.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the garden itself, there are several public parking garages within walking distance in the Antwerp city center. Cycling is also a popular and convenient option.
Yes, biking is a great way to reach the garden, and it's often recommended as a pleasant way to explore Antwerp. There are usually bike racks available nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee for the Botanical Garden Den Botaniek. It's a free public space, making it an accessible attraction for everyone.
The garden is generally open daily, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check local listings or the garden's official information closer to your visit, though it's often described as a place you can wander into.
While specific holiday hours can change, botanical gardens often remain accessible or have adjusted hours. It's advisable to confirm holiday opening times in advance.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can stroll along winding paths, admire a collection of exotic plants and trees with informative boards, and discover striking sculptures by Antony Gormley. It's a peaceful place to relax.
Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient to explore the garden thoroughly, with some spending up to two hours if they read all the plant information. It's a relatively small but charming space.
Yes, the garden features an impressive installation of sculptures by Antony Gormley, which are a significant draw for many visitors.
Absolutely! It's described as a charming little garden, a great place to take a pause and relax, making it perfect for a brief respite.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a snack bar with a terrace located within the garden area, and it's situated next to a beautiful 5-star hotel in a renovated antique building.
While there are benches to sit on, specific picnic policies might vary. It's generally best to check with the garden staff or observe local practices. The presence of a snack bar suggests a focus on purchased refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the combination of lush greenery, exotic plants, and striking sculptures offers many beautiful photo opportunities. The winding paths and artistic elements create visually appealing scenes.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the colors of the plants and sculptures. However, the garden's tranquility during weekday mornings also offers a peaceful backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's an ideal destination for a brief, educational, and peaceful break during a day of sightseeing in Antwerp. Pack some snacks to enjoy on the benches, or grab a bite at the nearby snack bar. The lack of an entrance fee makes it a budget-friendly option for families.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
It's a wonderful place to recharge, read a book on a bench, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere. The fact that it's free to enter is a significant bonus, allowing you to experience a beautiful part of Antwerp without any cost. Combine it with a visit to the nearby Botanic Sanctuary Hotel for a more complete experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artful Integration: Antony Gormley's Sculptures
Exploring the garden becomes a dual experience of appreciating botanical diversity and engaging with powerful artistic statements. The placement of these pieces encourages visitors to look closer, to find them nestled among the foliage or standing sentinel in open spaces. It’s this thoughtful integration that makes the garden a memorable destination for both art enthusiasts and nature admirers.
A Pocket of Peace: Experiencing the Tranquility
The garden's manageable size means it's not overwhelming, making it ideal for a short, restorative visit. Whether you're seeking a moment of quiet reflection, a pleasant walk, or simply a beautiful green space to enjoy, Den Botaniek delivers. It’s the kind of place where you can sit on a bench, admire the precious exotic plants, and feel a world away from the urban hustle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit