Samuel Sarphati (31 January 1813 – 23 June 1866) was a Dutch physician and Amsterdam city planner.

Sarphati's ancestors were Spanish and Portuguese Jews who arrived in the Netherlands in the 17th century.

At the age of 20, Sarphati started studying medicine in Leiden, which he finished with a promotion in 1839.

His compassion for his patients led him to initiate several projects to improve the quality of life in the city and the health of its inhabitants.

He wanted to enhance Amsterdam's dignity and standing by constructing impressive buildings like the Amstel Hotel and the Paleis voor Volksvlijt.