These 12 Beautiful Gardens in the World Feel Like Pure Magic

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If you love gardens then these lush destinations will truly inspire you. From Japan to France, the most beautiful gardens in the world will make you feel like you’ve entered a dream.

No matter if you love sauntering through roses or reflecting on life surrounded by manicured bonsais, few spaces are as uplifting as a garden. Even a simple vegetable garden at home can create the warmest sense of peace.

However, there are green spaces in the world that will make even the best home gardens look like measly little patches of dirt. Below are the 12 most beautiful gardens in the world that every plant-lover should visit.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore

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When I visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens, I felt like I was walking into a gardener’s paradise. For anyone with a green thumb like myself, it truly is a special place.

The sprawling garden features over 60 acres of tropical plants, ranging from colorful orchids to towering palm trees. You’ll find manicured paths with trellises that take you through themed sections.

You’ll see ornate sculptures that blend in with the colorful plant life. The garden was founded in 1859 and is still one of the most famous and beloved gardens in Asia.

Kenroku-en, Kanazawa, Japan

Kenroku-en is arguably one of the world’s best Japanese gardens. Throughout the year, thousands of people come to see its intricate bonsais, ponds, and elegant structures.

You’ll walk through expansive gardens and beautiful blooms that use the seasons to paint a picture. From fall foliage to spring cherry blossoms, each season captures a different scene.

Don’t miss the ornate stone lanterns and the ruins of Kanazawa Castle. Afterward, don’t miss the Seison-kaku estate or the Ishiura Shrine, the oldest Shinto shrine in the prefecture. Then, head into town to try some of the best sushi of your life.

The New York Botanical Garden, New York, United States

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The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx will surprise you. After yelling at your taxi cab or braving the crowded subway, you’ll arrive out of breath, stressed, and ready for adventure! This is New York, after all.

You’ll enter a beautiful Victorian-era conservatory with beautiful architecture and glasswork. Inside are rare plants and gardens that include tropical plants and desert cacti. You’ll see one of the world’s largest indoor collections of tropical and subtropical palms as well as rare orchids.

Outside is the Azalea Garden, Native Plant Garden, and Thain Family Forest, one of the few preserved old-growth forests in New York City. There’s even a waterfall and magnolia garden, just in case you weren’t inspired enough.

The Master-of-Nets, Suzhou, China

The Master-of-Nets is as traditional of a Suzhou-style garden as you can find. The space is dedicated to the harmony of nature and buildings and features historical pavilions and breathtaking ponds.

The garden has been a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. It was first designed in 1140 by Shi Zhengzhi, a government Civil Service Minister, during the Song Dynasty.

Besides the beautiful plants, you can marvel at the intricate gates and pavilions. After enjoying the gardens, grab a tea and snack at the on-site cafe and take in one of the most stunning garden scenes in the world.

Mirabell Palace Gardens, Salzburg, Austria

Mirabell Palace’s opulent gardens are a sight to behold. Its intricate designs, flower gardens, and maze-like hedges create a stunning scene fit for a Hapsburg ruler.

You’ll get to wander through the massive space. Statues cover the grounds, and during the spring and summer, bright flowers create beautiful designs around the 17th-century palace.

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The gardens were featured in the movie The Sound of Music, and you can sing and dance around the same Pegasus Fountain. After you’re done, fuel up on sweets in the local cafes nearby for an experience you can only find in Salzburg.

Nongnooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya, Thailand

The Nongnooch Tropical Garden in the coastal city of Pattaya is a one-of-a-kind green space with magical statues, plants, and walking spaces. If you love tropical plants and want to learn more about them, this is a must-visit destination.

You’ll enter a lush and well-manicured world of tropical plants. Towering fruit trees and carved hedges make mazes where you can spend hours exploring.

The quirkiest features of the garden are the giant dinosaur replicas that stand over the paths. There are also golden temples and cultural shows for visitors of all ages.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

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Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden features one of the world’s best canopy walks. It’s also a renowned garden full of striking landscapes, views, and educational areas where you’ll learn about the plant life of South Africa.

With the iconic Table Mountain in the background, you’ll stroll through verdant paths and forest zones. You’ll cover several biomes, including several species that are almost extinct.

Make sure to visit with hiking boots because there are several miles of trails weaving through the garden and up to Table Mountain. After experiencing the amazing green space, sit down at the popular restaurants at the botanical garden.

Jardim Botanico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Jardin Botanico is one of South America’s most captivating sights. If I had to choose my favorite botanical garden in the world, it would be here.

Opened in 1822, the garden features opulent statues, outstanding views of Christ the Redeemer, and diverse plant life. Wildlife, such as boa constrictors and parrots, live on the grounds, making it an exciting place for wildlife viewing as well as relaxing in the garden.

Over 8,000 species of tropical plants exist, including jackfruit and rows of centuries-old royal palms. If you’re observant, you can also find plants such as cinnamon, vanilla, cacao, and nutmeg.

Butchart Gardens, Bentwood Bay, Canada

Butchart Gardens are some of North America’s most stunning green spaces. You’ll get to walk along 55 acres of intense foliage.

Dozens of greenhouses hold rare plant species and native varieties found nowhere else on Earth. You’ll walk through towering pine forests and colorful hardwoods and come to the most striking view in the gardens, the photogenic sunken gardens.

After taking in the scenery, you can see the beautiful Ross Fountain and Bog Garden. Finally, don’t miss the scenic Japanese Garden before ending your visit at the cafe.

Ryoan-ji, Kyoto, Japan

Ryoan-ji is a must-see garden in Japan’s ancient former capital of Kyoto. When I first saw the gardens as a teenager, I almost fainted because of how beautiful they were. Now, with all the tourist traffic, you’ll probably faint just from waiting in line, but that’s another story.

The gardens are located in the 15th-century Ryōan-ji temple grounds. The centerpiece is the rock garden. Beautifully manicured, this rock garden is one of Japan’s most famous sights.

Surrounding the temple and zen garden are other gardens equally stunning. You’ll also get to visit ancient pagodas, temples, and ponds that have cherry blossoms, maples, and other colorful plants arranged to make incredible scenes in every season.

Gardens of Villandry, Villandry, France

The Gardens of Villandry surround the restored Château de Villandry, a Renaissance palace in the French countryside. Jean Le Breton, the Minister of Finance for King François I, designed it to be his most esteemed gardening project.

Today, you can walk through the mazes of manicured shrubs and trees with the centuries-old palace in the background. Hundreds of workers work tirelessly to make sure each plant is cut to perfection.

When you visit, you can enter the castle and view the beautiful artwork. Then, you can enjoy a glass of the famous local wines at a nearby cafe.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California, USA

The Huntington is an iconic Californian destination that is too often overlooked by guests. Yes, it’s far from LA’s bustling tourist destinations. However, the library, art museum, and most of all, the spectacular botanical gardens, are worth spending an entire day.

The botanical gardens represent several climate zones from deserts to cloud forests. You’ll see rare and endangered plants neatly organized in fun and educational exhibits, making the space feel more like a museum than a garden.

You’ll walk through 130 acres and see Japanese Gardens, Chinese Gardens, Australian Gardens, and European Sculpture Gardens with fountains and mazes. When you’re done, don’t forget to visit the famous art museum and library on site.