The Hortus Botanicus is like an oasis of peace in the middle of the city center. It is amazing to think that the botanical garden has been in the same location for over 300 years, gathering up to 6,000 types of plants. Learning about the history of the garden is also learning a bit about Amsterdam history (it started as a way to avoid plague outbreaks) and also the history of the country, since many plant specimens were brought to the Netherlands thanks to trade and commerce overseas.