Many say that beauty is to be found in the eye of the beholder; however, 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 unique in their own way, here are 10 of the most famous gardens in the world to explore.
Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands
Source: ShutterstockEasily one of the most popular destinations while in the Netherlands, Keukenhof in Lisse will take your breath away between late March and the end of May. With over seven million bulbs planted, Keukenhof is the largest flower garden anywhere in the world during those months. Incredible displays of hyacinths, daffodils, and crocuses capture your senses. But it is the tulips the garden is most famous for.
Imagine seeing waves upon waves of colorful tulips as you make your way along. To many tulip lovers, a trip to this garden is a pilgrimage. From the amazing Russian black tulip called Baba Yaga to many other special hybrids of tulips, this garden is a must-see.
Gardens of Versailles, Versailles, France
Source: ShutterstockPerhaps 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. The classic French garden, with its symmetry and order, spans across over 2,000 acres. Manicured lawns, flowers, sculptures, fountains, and an orangery will keep you exploring for hours, if not days.
Ville d’este Garedens, Tivoli, Italy
Source: ShutterstockJust outside of Rome, the Ville D’ Este Gardens provide views of terraced gardens and lavish fountains. Often referred to as the garden of wonders, or “Giardini delle meraviglie,” the Ville D’Este Gardens are an example of the celebrated Renaissance culture.
Monet’s Garden, Giverny, France
Source: ShutterstockInspiring gardens greet you as you visit the site of Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s Home in Giverny, France. The gardens once 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
Source: ShutterstockWithin 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
Source: ShutterstockYou wouldn’t think you could find a beautiful garden anywhere near the concrete jungle of New York. Founded in 1910, 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 Botanical Garden, Pattaya City, Thailand
Source: ShutterstockOriginally 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.
Ryoan-Ji Garden, Kyoto, Japan
Source: ShutterstockNuzzled within the Ryoan-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.
Limahui Garden & Preserve, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Source: ShutterstockTucked into a 2,000-foot-deep valley and spanning over 1,000 acres, Limahui Garden & 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 Botanico, Janeiro Brazil
Source: ShutterstockOpening in 1822, the Jardim Botanico came to life with nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon plants, along with the now-famous rows of royal palms. Housing over 600 species of orchids and over 8,000 exotic plant species, the Jardim Botanico is a garden not to be missed.
Wherever you choose to wander, incredible gardens are sure to abound. These famous ten will get you started.
