Many say that beauty is to be found in the eye of the beholder. But when it comes to the loveliest gardens in the world, many agree on where that beauty lies. Almost anywhere you go in the world these days, you will find a beautiful botanical garden to explore and enjoy.
Serene views of blooming flowers, native flora and incredible landscapes await you, making it easy to step off the busy tourist track for an hour or a day and immerse yourself in nature.
Each of these gardens is unique in its own way. Here are 10 of the most famous gardens in the world to explore.
Keukenhof – Lisse, Netherlands
Keukenhof in English means “kitchen garden”. Also known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is easily one of the most popular destinations while in the Netherlands. The garden will take your breath away especially during late March and at the end of May.
The garden has over seven million bulbs planted and is the largest flower garden anywhere in the world during those months. Incredible displays of hyacinths, daffodils, and crocuses will capture your sense. But it is the tulips that the garden is most famous for.
Imagine seeing waves of colorful tulips as you make your way along. For tulip lovers, a trip to Keukenhof is a pilgrimage. From the amazing Russian blank tulip called Baba Yaga to many other special hybrids of tulips, this garden is a must-see.
Gardens of Versailles – Versailles, France
Perhaps the most famous of world gardens, the Gardens of Versailles sit just to the west of the Palace of Versailles, which is just outside of Paris.
With its symmetry and order, this classic French garden spans across over 2,000 acres. Manicured lawns, flowers, sculptures, fountains, and an orangery will keep you exploring for hours, if not days.
Villa d’Este Gardens – Tivoli, Italy
Just outside of Rome, Villa d’Este gardens provide a view of terraced gardens and lavish fountains. Often referred to as the garden of wonders, or “Giardini delle meraviglie”, Villa d’Este garden is an example of the celebrated Renaissance culture.
Monet’s Garden – Giverny, France
Inspiring gardens greet you as you visit the site the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet in Giverny, France.
The gardens served as an inspiration even to Monet in painting both his The Water Lily Pond and The Artist’s Garden at Giverny.
Here, you’ll find the water garden complete with a Japanese bridge, blooming fruit trees, and climbing roses.
Kew Gardens – London, England
Within the metropolis of London, to the south, you will find over 300 acres of garden boasting the world’s largest mycological collection. A treetop walkway provides an impressive view of the gardens.
As a center for botanical research, the Kew Gardens also contains the Princess of Wales Conservatory.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden – Brooklyn, New York, USA
You wouldn’t think you could find a beautiful garden anywhere near the concrete jungle of New York. Founded in 1920, this New York botanical garden contains over 14,000 types of plants spread out over 52 acres.
Here you will find an English-themed garden, a water garden, and a special fragrance garden for those with visual impairment. The garden is also famous for its Japanese-themed garden, with over 200 cherry trees blooming each spring.
Nong Nooch Tropical Tropical Botanical Garden – Pattaya City, Thailand
Originally purchased to serve as a plantation, this 500+ acre garden in Thailand includes over 650 native tropical plants and flowers.
You will find a Cactus and Succulents Garden as well as a phenomenal Orchid display.
Ryōan-ji – Kyoto, Japan
Nuzzled within the Ryōan-ji Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, you will find the essence of a Japanese dry landscape rock garden.
Large rock formations are strategically situated within raked gravel to provide a tranquil setting.
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Limahui Garden and Preserve – Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Tucked into a 2,000-foot deep valley and spanning over 1,000 acres, Lamahui Garden and Preserve is a tropical forest and wetlands habitat.
Rare Hawaiian flora along with breadfruit and native hibiscus share this garden, with spectacular views of taro terraces.
Jardim Botânico – Janeiro Brazil
Also known as Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, the garden was opened in 1822. It came to life with nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon plants along with now-famous rows of royal palms.
Housing over 600 species of orchids and over 8,000 exotic plant species, Jardim Botânico is a garden not to be missed.
Final thoughts
We hope you enjoy our list of the world’s most beautiful gardens. Wherever you choose to wander, incredible gardens are sure to abound. These famous ten will get you started.
