Which are the most beautiful gardens in the world? Of course, beauty is subjective but these stunning green spaces are among the best gardens worldwide. Whether you’re a keen gardener yourself or you simply enjoy visiting them online, these spectacular gardens can’t fail to impress.
Most Beautiful Gardens in the World
From vibrant tropical gardens to shimmering fountains, these outdoor spaces delight at every turn. There are many world famous gardens in this list, as well as a few hidden gems for your bucket list. Filled with native and exotic plants, they each have their own unique allure.
Gardens are a perfect combination of man-made structures and natural beauty. These fabulous green spaces are a perfect destination for anyone who wishes to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and be embraced by nature’s beauty.
1. Keukenhof, Netherlands
One of the largest flower gardens in the world, Keukenhof is famous for its tulips and other flowering bulbs. Spread over 32 hectares of land, Keukenhof is located in the town of Lisse, an easy day trip from Amsterdam.
Around 7 million bulbs are planted here each year. This flower garden is only open in the Spring, usually from mid March to mid May.
Nicknamed The Garden of Europe, Keukenhof boasts 800 varieties of tulips. The colorful flowers are supplied by growers for free.
Keukenhof Garden tours usually last 45 minutes, or you can also take self guided tours. In this case, allow a couple of hours to admire the gardens in depth.
Address: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands
2. Fondation Monet in Giverny, France
Famous for being French Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s garden, Giverny is a magical place. Situated in a picturesque area of Normandy, the Giverny gardens are usually open from June to beginning of November.
Visitors can admire Monet’s pink house and the Japanese style gardens with their water lilies. Monet immortalized this view in many of his iconic water lily paintings.
Claude Monet lived at Giverny for 43 years, and you can also tour his house. The painter made striking use of color, with a yellow dining room, blue kitchen and sitting room.
From 1887, several American Impressionist artists came to live in the village of Giverny. They included Louis Ritman, Willard Metcalf, John Leslie Breck and Theodore Wendel.
Address: 84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, France
3. Jardin Majorelle, Morocco
Another famous garden associated with an artist is Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech. Created by Jacques Majorelle, a French painter, the garden took almost 40 years to complete.
Spread over 9,000 m², this tropical garden has both Art Deco and Moorish influences. By 1980, the gardens and villa were in need of renovation and French fashion designers Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased it.
This botanical garden has a vibrant blue villa designed by Paul Sinoir in the Cubist style. If you visit from Monday to Friday, you can also see the Villa Oasis garden, which was the private garden of Saint-Laurent and Bergé.
Don’t miss the Yves Saint-Laurent museum, a popular tourist attraction. It’s just a three minute walk from the Jardin Majorelle.
Address: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40090, Morocco
4. Isola Bella, Italy
Meaning the beautiful island, Isola Bella is located close to Lake Maggiore. One of three Borromean islands owned by the Borromeo family since the 16th century, Isola Bella is famous for its Italian style baroque garden.
A monumental structure known as Teatro Massimo features a statue of a unicorn, the heraldic emblem of the Borromeo family. Other statues represent Lago Maggiore and the Rivers Ticino and Po. White peacocks strut around the grounds and delight the visitors.
As well as the gardens of Isola Bella, you can also visit Palazzo Borromeo. This baroque building has several impressive rooms including the Hall of Honour, the Gallery of Tapestries and several artificial grottos.
Address: Isola Bella, Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy
5. Longwood Gardens, United States
This extraordinary botanical garden in Pennsylvania extends over 1,077 acres. Set aside 3 to 4 hours to walk around the displays.
There’s something different to see in each season, including a spectacular Christmas themed garden. Visitors at night can admire the illuminated Open Air Theatre Fountain Shows which run every 15 minutes.
The Main Conservatory is a popular attraction, while the miniature Garden Railway successfully blends horticulture and engineering. There is a small parking lot in front of Longwood Gardens Visitor Center.
Address: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, United States
6. The Butchart Gardens, Canada
With over a million visitors each year, The Butchart Gardens are one of the most popular tourist attractions in British Columbia. This National Historic Site of Canada was created by the wife of a cement manufacturer.
Jennie Butchart transformed her husband Robert’s limestone quarry into a true oasis. Within the 55 acres of these Victorian gardens, there are 900 plant varieties and 26 greenhouses.
Don’t miss the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden and koi pond, Sunken Garden and Mediterranean Garden. There’s a gift shop and several places to eat including The Blue Poppy Restaurant, The Dining Room and Coffee Shop.
Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8, Canada
7. Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, UK
Famous for its Victorian glasshouses, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew are also an important center for horticultural research. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the largest collection of plants and fungi in the world.
Kew Gardens were the passion project of Princess Augusta, the wife of Frederick, Prince of Wales. George II’s son, he died young and his widow actively developed the collection of exotic plants that she and her husband had started together.
Among the highlights of a visit to Kew Gardens are the Treetop Walkway, the Japanese style pagoda and the Princess of Wales Conservatory. The Palm House was the first large scale use of wrought iron, while The Temperate House is the biggest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world.
Another interesting attraction is The Hive, a geometric structure with an immersive visitor experience controlled by bee activity. Kew also has a charming hidden gem, the Marianne North Gallery. This Victorian building showcases 832 botanical paintings representing over 900 species of plants.
Address: North Gate, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
8. New York Botanical Garden, United States
Spread over 250 acres, New York Botanical Garden is home to 1 million plants! This is also an important plant research organization and a National Historic Landmark.
These magnificent gardens were created by the botanists Elizabeth and Nathaniel Lord Britton in 1891 after their trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. They chose the northern section of the Bronx Park as the site of their botanical garden, due to the gorge, freshwater river and forest.
Today, this New York landmark includes 50 specialty gardens, the Mertz Library Building and the Haupt Conservatory.
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10458
9. Gardens of Versailles, France
Created by the French landscape artist André Le Nôtre for the king Louis XIV aka the Sun King, the Versailles formal gardens are a fine example of French garden design. Taking over 40 years to complete, the Versailles Palace Gardens are spread over almost 200 acres.
One of the most famous Versailles garden features are the large parterres with their elegant symmetrical patterns. The Orangery boasts over 1000 trees including orange, lemon, pomegranate, palm and olive trees.
There are 221 sculptures in the Palace of Versailles gardens, making this one of the largest open-air sculpture museums in the world. Another unmissable feature is the Queen’s Hamlet. This charming model village is built around an artificial lake in the Trianon Gardens.
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
10. Compton Acres, UK
A lesser known yet equally impressive garden is Compton Acres, in Dorset, United Kingdom. Founded by a wealthy margarine manufacturer in 1920, these award-winning gardens extend over 10 acres.
There are 5 main themed gardens, with something to see in all seasons. The Rock & Water Garden is one of the largest rock gardens in England.
In the Italian Garden, the Wrestlers of Herculaneum statues flank a picturesque lily pond. There are two gift shops within the grounds of Compton Acres, as well as several places to eat.
Address: 164 Canford Cliffs Rd, Poole BH13 7ES, United Kingdom
11. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, United States
Nestled in the heart of Durham, North Carolina, lies the breathtaking Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Spanning 55 acres, this botanical oasis has been delighting visitors for more than 80 years with its stunning natural landscapes and diverse collection of plant life.
From charming bridges that arch gracefully over tranquil ponds to fragrant walks through rows of blooming flowers, the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can explore the many different themed gardens, such as the Asiatic Arboretum, Azalea Court, and the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden, each with their own unique beauty and character.
With so much to see and experience, a visit to Sarah P. Duke Gardens is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who steps foot within its gates. What’s more, admission is free.
Address: 420 Anderson Street, Durham, NC 27708, United States
12. Monte Palace Gardens, Madeira
Madeira is famous for its botanical gardens and parks. One of the best is Monte Palace Gardens, which has an extensive collection of exotic plants from around the world.
Spread over 70,000 square meters, Monte Palace Gardens are on multiple levels. As you wander around, you’ll get fantastic views of Funchal and the sea.
Monte Palace has some particularly stunning tropical gardens, as well as an important collection of Hispano-Moorish tiles from the 15th and 16th centuries. In Monte Palace Madeira Museum there are many African sculptures as well as a fascinating mineral collection.
Address: Caminho do Monte 174, 9050-288 Funchal, Portugal
13. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Japan
One of the most beautiful gardens in Japan can be found in Tokyo. Shinjuku Gyoen was formerly a residence of the Naitō family in the Edo era.
It was turned into a public park in 1949 and has three types of garden: traditional, formal and landscape. If you can visit Tokyo in Spring, there are over 1,000 cherry trees with magnificent cherry blossoms to admire.
In Autumn, enjoy the changing colors of 450 Japanese maple trees. There’s a small fee to enter the garden, which is well worth it.
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
14. Dubai Miracle Garden
One of the most Instagrammable gardens in the world, Dubai Miracle Garden is a must visit. Boasting 50 million flowers and 250 million plants, this is the largest natural flower garden in the world.
Located in the district of Dubailand, the gardens are spread over 72,000 square meters. Over 1.5 million people visit the gardens each year.
As well as the heart shaped floral arches, there are many other highlights. A floral Airbus A380 airplane is a Guinness World Record-breaker as the largest flower arrangement in the world.
Address: Al Barsha South 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
15. Greenwood Gardens, United States
Open from May to November, Greenwood Gardens is a magical 28 acre hideaway. This Jersey botanical garden is a perfect destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and families seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Open to the public since 2003, this property was once the private residence of Joseph P. Day, an investment banker, and his wife. The couple’s love for gardening is evident in the intricate landscaping and the numerous rare and exotic plants that can be found throughout the property.
Today, visitors can take a docent led tour or themed tour, or simply wander the gardens at their own pace. Exploring Greenwood Gardens is an experience that will bring history to life and leave visitors in awe of its beauty.
Address: 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills, NJ 07078, United States
16. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, France
Also known as Villa Ile-de-France, this charming garden is located on the French Riviera on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was constructed for Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild.
She was a keen gardener who designed several themed areas in the grounds. There’s a Florentine Garden, Spanish Garden, and several others to enjoy.
In the French Garden, musical fountains operate at regular intervals throughout the day. All the gardens are organically cultivated, with no chemical treatments.
Address: 1 Avenue Ephrussi de Rothschild, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
17. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Thailand
One of the most beautiful gardens in Thailand, Nong Nooch extends over 500 acres. There’s a lot more than just flowers at Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden though.
NongNooch Pattaya Garden & Resort to give its full name, also includes accommodation, restaurants, meeting halls and a swimming pool. There are daily cultural shows in the Thai Cultural Hall, as well as cycling and paddle boats.
An elevated walkway gives great views of the garden. Another popular attraction is the feeding of the Arapaima, giant fish from the Amazon.
Address: 34 Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
18. Desert Botanical Garden, United States
The Desert Botanical Garden is a stunning oasis located in the midst of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Its collection of desert plants is one of the largest in the world, with over 50,000 individual plant specimens.
The garden strives to promote conservation and educate visitors about the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems. In addition to its extensive plant collection, the garden also features art exhibits, seasonal events, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
Walking through the winding paths and loop trails, visitors can see impressive cacti, vibrantly colored wildflowers, and other native plants. Whether you are an avid gardener or just looking for a unique outdoor experience, the Desert Botanical Garden is a must-see destination in the Southwest.
Address: 1201 N.Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
19. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Since opening in 2012, Gardens by the Bay have welcomed more than 50 million visitors. Not to be confused with Singapore Botanic Gardens, this futuristic space is a popular photo spot.
There are three waterfront gardens, with a grove of 18 luminous Supertrees. An elevated walkway links several of these structures, and one contains a restaurant.
The Cloud Forest is the second tallest indoor waterfall in the world. As for the Flower Dome, it is the world’s largest column-free greenhouse.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
20. Brookside Gardens, United States
Located in Wheaton Regional Park, Maryland, Brookside Gardens is a stunning 50-acre public garden that is home to an extensive collection of plants, flowers, and trees. Visitors can explore several themed gardens, including a butterfly garden, rose garden, Japanese-style garden, and an aquatic garden.
Brookside Gardens also features several walking trails, a nature center, and a conservatory that showcases a wide variety of exotic plants. Educational programs and events are offered year-round, making it the perfect destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the midst of bustling suburban life.
Come discover the beauty and tranquility of Brookside Gardens for yourself. Entry is free to the main gardens, although there may be a fee for certain annual events.
Address: 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902, United States
In Conclusion: The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World
Nature is one of the most powerful forces on Earth. These gardens stand as living, breathing testaments to that power, displaying breathtaking beauty that can only be achieved through cooperation between humanity and nature.
And while not everyone can have a garden as large or as grandiose as those featured here, we can all learn from their example. For more information about some of the world’s most beautiful gardens, check out our other travel articles.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this selection of the most beautiful gardens in the world. If there are any other green spaces that you would add to the list, please let us know in the comments.
