Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum
A serene botanical oasis in Rotterdam, featuring diverse trees, vibrant blooms, water features, and a unique edible garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bloom, fewer crowds
Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum
Best Time
Peak bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene botanical oasis in Rotterdam, featuring diverse trees, vibrant blooms, water features, and a unique edible garden.
"A peaceful garden to breathe cleaner air in between the jam of city."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds.
Ask for the edible garden card! :key:
Don't miss the special secluded garden; ask for the access card at the entrance for a unique experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Springtime Blooms
Witness a spectacular display of trees and plants in full bloom, a photographer's dream.

Cactus Greenhouse
Explore a diverse collection of cacti and succulents, a surprising arid oasis.

Secluded Edible Garden
Discover an amazing variety of edible plants, from roots to fruits, with a special access card.

Peaceful Water Features
Wander past charming ponds and canals, enhanced by weeping willows and small bridges.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit for Peak Bloom
Navigating the Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Things to do in or nearby Rotterdam today and over the weekend with my parents?
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds.
Ask for the edible garden card! :key:
Don't miss the special secluded garden; ask for the access card at the entrance for a unique experience.
Need to find things to do in or near Rotterdam
2 days itinerary
Enjoy the tea house/restaurant :coffee:
Relax with a drink or a meal after your walk, with options at both ends of the gardens.
Free parking available :car:
Convenient parking makes getting to the gardens hassle-free for visitors.
Must go places in Rotterdam for tourists?
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds.
Ask for the edible garden card! :key:
Don't miss the special secluded garden; ask for the access card at the entrance for a unique experience.
Enjoy the tea house/restaurant :coffee:
Relax with a drink or a meal after your walk, with options at both ends of the gardens.
Free parking available :car:
Convenient parking makes getting to the gardens hassle-free for visitors.
Check for seasonal events :calendar:
The gardens host various events throughout the year; check their schedule for special exhibitions or activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Trompenburg Gardens for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful, diverse plant collections, especially during spring blooms. The charming water features and the unique edible garden are frequently highlighted as special attractions. While generally well-received, some find the bird enclosure a bit sad, and clarity on admission fees could be improved.
"Really cute experience with a variety of flowers. We enjoyed just walking around and experiencing the atmosphere. A cat even greeted us, which made our day. It's kinda unnecessary that they have a bird cage, though.
The man that sold us the tickets was really cute. Super passionate and kind."
Jaron Meier
"Arboretum Trompenburg is a beautiful garden and flower museum that I really enjoyed visiting. The entrance is free, and you can go in through the little flower shop near the front. I spent a couple of peaceful hours walking around, enjoying the variety of trees, flowers, and birds. There are small bridges over canals that add a lot of charm to the place and make the views even more special.
There’s also free parking available, which makes visiting even more convenient.
In one part of the garden, there’s a large bird enclosure with finches, Chinese doves, quails, and a few other small birds. It’s lovely to see them, although if you care about animals being free, it might feel a bit sad to see them inside a cage.
Overall, it was a great experience, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys nature and peaceful walks."
Maysam Yarparvar
"A peaceful garden to breathe cleaner air in between the jam of city. Some part of the park is quite old, whereas the rest is replanted after being destructed during WW2. A map is given at the entrance so that you can orient yourself. Mini hint: The arboretum is smaller than you think when you have a look at the map. A brilliant escape point for everyone."
Uğur Irmak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is accessible by public transport and car. Many visitors mention the convenience of free parking available on-site.
If using public transport, check local schedules for bus routes that stop nearby.Yes, there is free parking available at Trompenburg Gardens, making it a convenient option for those traveling by car.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed in the provided tips, it's generally accessible via public transport in Rotterdam. It's recommended to check local transit apps or websites for the most up-to-date information.
The gardens are located within Rotterdam. While a map is provided upon entry, the arboretum itself is described as intimate, so it's not difficult to navigate once you're there.
For those driving, the free parking is a significant advantage.
For others, public transport is an option, but checking routes beforehand is advised.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is mentioned as free in one review,
while another implies a ticket purchase at a flower shop. It's best to check their official website for the most current admission information.Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Trompenburg Gardens website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times before your visit.
One review suggests purchasing tickets at the little flower shop near the front.
It's advisable to confirm this or check for online booking options on their website.Information on discounts is not explicitly mentioned in the provided tips. Checking the official website or inquiring at the ticket counter might provide details on potential concessions.
Advance booking is not explicitly mentioned as a requirement. However, for popular times or special events, it might be a good idea to check their website for any booking recommendations.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore a vast variety of trees and plants from around the world, including a cactus greenhouse, water features with bridges, and a special secluded edible garden.
There's also a bird enclosure with small birds.Absolutely! It's described as a peaceful garden to breathe cleaner air and escape the city's hustle.
Many visitors enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery.Yes, there's a secluded edible garden that requires a special access card, offering a unique look at various edible plants.
The cactus greenhouse is also a distinct area.The garden features a bird enclosure with finches, Chinese doves, quails, and other small birds.
While lovely to see, some visitors note it might feel sad for those concerned about animal freedom.Yes, a map is provided at the entrance to help visitors orient themselves within the arboretum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a shop/cafe at the entrance and a restaurant at the opposite end of the gardens where you can enjoy lunch.
Another review mentions a decent small restaurant for refreshments after a walk.The small restaurant is mentioned as a place to quench your thirst after a long walk,
and there's also a cafe at the entrance.Picnic facilities are not explicitly mentioned. However, given the presence of a restaurant and cafe, it's likely that outside food might be restricted. It's best to check their policies.
The restaurant is described as a place to enjoy lunch,
suggesting a meal service. The small restaurant is noted for refreshments.Specific dietary options are not detailed. It's recommended to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about available choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer numerous picturesque spots, especially during spring when trees and plants are in bloom.
The water features with bridges and weeping willows also provide beautiful photographic opportunities.Photography is generally allowed and encouraged, as visitors often share their beautiful experiences online. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules regarding professional shoots.
Mornings, especially during spring, offer soft light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the beauty of the blooms.
Late afternoons can also provide lovely lighting.Drone usage is typically restricted in public gardens to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors. It's advisable to check the official Trompenburg Gardens website for their drone policy.
A versatile lens that can capture both wide landscapes and close-up details of flowers and plants would be ideal. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on water features.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds, the sheer variety of plants and the 'hidden' feel of certain areas can spark curiosity. Consider bringing a small picnic to enjoy in designated areas if permitted, or plan to visit the cafe/restaurant for a treat. The edible garden, with its unique plants, can also be an engaging educational experience for curious minds.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Bring a book to enjoy by a pond, or simply immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the garden. The availability of a map ensures you can navigate comfortably, and the on-site cafe or restaurant provides a convenient spot to rest and refuel. It's a perfect place to recharge and find a moment of peace.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Don't miss the chance to capture the unique textures of the cactus greenhouse or the vibrant diversity of the edible garden. Early mornings often provide the best light and the fewest distractions, allowing for unhurried composition. Remember to be respectful of the environment and other visitors while you capture the garden's beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Museum of Trees
The arboretum is smaller than it appears on the map, making it an intimate yet rich exploration. The presence of a map at the entrance is helpful for orientation, but the charm lies in discovering its nooks and crannies. The gardens have parts that are quite old, while others have been replanted after destruction during WWII, offering a glimpse into resilience and renewal.
For those interested in horticulture, the variety of domestic and international plants is a major draw. The gardens are beautifully set out and meticulously cared for, ensuring a delightful experience for plant enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
The Charm of Water and Wildlife
Beyond the flora, the gardens also host a small bird enclosure. This area is home to finches, Chinese doves, quails, and other small birds. While a pleasant addition for many, it's worth noting that some visitors express a slight concern about the birds being in a cage, a sentiment that highlights a common ethical consideration for animal welfare in such settings.
The combination of lush greenery, the gentle presence of water, and the subtle sounds of birdlife creates a harmonious environment that many visitors find incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating, offering a welcome respite from urban life.
Exploring the Edible Garden
While visitors are encouraged to admire the extensive collection, it's important to remember that picking the plants is not allowed. This rule ensures the garden's preservation and allows all visitors to enjoy its beauty. The experience offers a glimpse into sustainable gardening and the potential of plants for food.
This special section adds an educational and intriguing layer to the garden visit, appealing to those interested in botany, food, and sustainable living. It's a testament to the garden's commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of plant life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit