Ten of the world’s best gardens

There’s little more exhilarating than heading out into untouched wilderness, pushing through the jungle floor, or climbing high to overlook a carpet of dense forest. Humans have long sought to replicate the beauty of the wild, partly by creating gardens. These compact, carefully curated landscapes are human-owned slices of nature, an art form that pays tribute to the best gardens of the world and the wonders that grow within them.

Whether untamed and rugged or meticulously mown, large-scale gardens are an almost worldwide cultural phenomenon. As symbols of identity, they can represent national pride, status and artistic style, or even form a capsulized version of an entire ecosystem. In celebration of these ‘worlds in miniature’, we’ve put together ten of the best gardens of the world. Read on to take a walk through some of the most incredible green spaces with TravelLocal.

1. Madeira Botanical Garden, Portugal

On an island rich in both gardens and vibrant natural flora, the Madeira Botanical Garden in Portugal takes the top spot. Created in 1960 within the grounds of a historic country house, Quinta do Bom Sucesso, the gardens enjoy a prime location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and basking in the island’s abundant sunshine. Grand terraces are planted with exotic flowers arranged in bright patterns, alongside glasshouses, cacti, groves, and an amphitheater. In total, there are around 2,000 rare species of trees, plants, and shrubs from all over the globe, many of them rare and endangered.

2. La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica

A perfect example of a natural microcosm, La Paz covers the stunning waterfalls, lush vegetation, and tropical wildlife of Costa Rica, inviting visitors to experience it all within one easily hikable area. Winding rainforest trails stretch 3.5 kilometers, linking five beautiful waterfalls, trout lakes, and viewing platforms. Meanwhile, a butterfly conservatory, hummingbird garden, jungle cat exhibit, and an aviary filled with tame, rainbow-colored toucans will keep you entertained the rest of the time. It’s a fantastic option for families, but be sure to bring light rain jackets—the rainforest climate can be unpredictable!

3. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, South Africa

This 36–hectare haven in Cape Town is a natural marvel and a botanist’s dream, all with a backdrop of stunning Table Mountain (which is accessible from the garden’s scenic hiking routes). South Africa is home to 22,000 plant species and 9,000 of them are here, inundating the grounds with trees, shrubs and pockets of yellow, red and purple flowers. The Tree Canopy Walkway takes visitors along a snaking, timber and steel bridge that rises up into the trees, affording wonderful views of the whole area. Kirstenbosch won ‘International Garden of the Year’ in 2015, and its evening concerts that run throughout summer are a Cape Town institution.

4. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Singapore’s superlative Gardens by the Bay are something akin to a fairground of flowers or a floral theme park. This ultramodern tropical city has created a unique architectural spectacle showcasing some of the world’s most precious plant life. There are hi-tech Supertrees, a Flower Dome, light shows, sculptures, and perhaps most impressive of all, a huge cooled conservatory housing a mountain habitat. Here, visitors can explore winding aerial walkways to the ‘summit’, fully immersed in the flora of a tropical Cloud Forest. 

5. Majorelle Garden, Morocco

Nestled amid the bustle of Marrakech, Jardin Majorelle is an oasis of desert flowers, cacti, and lily ponds surrounding a deep blue villa. It was named after landscape painter Jacques Majorelle, who owned the Art Deco studio and its gardens in the early 20th century. To preserve his vision, Yves Saint Laurent purchased the grounds in 1980, nurturing its 300 plant species and Moroccan desert vibe until it radiated from every flowerpot, fountain, and palm tree. There’s also a fantastic museum of Berber artifacts on-site that adds historical context to your visit. Arrive early to enjoy the morning birdsong in relative peace and quiet.

6. Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, France

The romantic gardens at Claude Monet’s historic home in Giverny, France, inspired many of the great Impressionist’s most famous paintings. Stepping into these beautifully restored and meticulously maintained grounds on a summer’s day is like walking into the artist’s inner world. The dappled light on the lily ponds, the gently swaying tendrils of weeping willows, and a haze of brightly colored summer blooms create a magical atmosphere. Narrow your eyes and let the colors and patterns come alive.

7. National Botanical Garden, Georgia

Tucked away in the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge on the southern foothills of the Sololaki Range, Tbilisi’s historic botanical gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Covering an impressive 161 hectares, you could easily spend an entire day exploring the 4,500 different plant species found here. If one day isn’t enough, get inspired by our local Georgia expert to plan a fully flora-filled adventure.

8. Tivoli Gardens, Italy

For pure Renaissance glamour, nothing beats Italy’s Villa d’Este house and gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the opulent Baroque villa and gardens are laid out on a slope to dramatic effect. Meticulously planned terraces and paths are interspersed with a series of grand fountains, romantic sculptures, formal planting and wide pools. Promenading here is a must, and it’s within easy reach of Rome for a day trip. 

9. Ryoanji Temple’s Rock Garden, Japan

Garden design is an art form in Japan that stretches back over 1000 years. You need only admire the hundreds across the country, awash with pink sakura, worn wooden bridges and lily ponds to appreciate their stellar aesthetic. More spiritually significant is the concept of the Japanese rock garden, the most famous of which resides at Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto. This Zen Buddhist temple dates back to 1450; before that it was an aristocrat’s villa – but the origins of the garden are uncertain.

The artist never revealed the meaning of the 15 rocks placed inside an oblong of meticulously raked sand, framed by trees swaying beyond the earthen wall. Still, the centuries-old scene draws throngs of visitors. To sit and contemplate for yourself without the crowds, try to arrive early in the morning on a weekday. Take a walk around the rest of the exquisite grounds when you’re done.

10. Kew Gardens, England, United Kingdom

We couldn’t let a list of the best gardens of the world go by without mentioning the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Located on the edge of London, these are the largest and most diverse botanical gardens in the world. With a staggering 300 acres to explore, this is a destination you’ll want to visit again and again. Alongside glasshouses, woodlands, and classic English rose gardens, you’ll find art galleries, restaurants, and research centers buzzing with scientists. This iconic and important garden is a must-see for all.

Make it happen

Our local experts each have their favorite (often secret!) spots among the best gardens of the world, from serene botanical sanctuaries to vibrant floral masterpieces. Get in touch to uncover their insider tips and start planning your perfect garden-focused itinerary on our destination pages.