Gardens are created for various reasons, such as to cultivate food in kitchen gardens. For spiritual purposes, such as Zen gardens found in Asia, they serve as places of contemplation. In Europe, they were created by kings and queens to display power and wealth. Later, botanical gardens were established to study and preserve different plants and ecosystems. Finally, they were created as part of urban planning and green spaces for people to enjoy while living in metropolitan areas. Regardless of their reason or purpose, these gardens provide beauty around the world.
Here are the top 20 most visited Gardens around the world, compiled from comprehensive data gathered by the innovative travel tracking app, Visited. This exclusive ranking is derived from the travel patterns of millions of international travelers globally who actively utilize the app to meticulously map their journeys, effortlessly check off famous landmarks and attractions across various travel categories, and unlock a wealth of personalized travel statistics. Furthermore, the app serves as a dynamic source of travel inspiration, guiding users to new and exciting destinations. Designed for a truly global audience, Visited is accessible in over 30 languages and is readily available for free download on both iOS and Android devices, making it a widely adopted tool for adventurers worldwide.
Top 20 Most Visited Gardens in the world are:
- Gardens of Versailles, France – Established in 1661 it is the most epic French formal garden design which has a symmetrical layout with Grand Canal, Latona fountain, Appollo fountain, Orangerie and more! It is often a treat to walk around the beautiful gardens after visiting the majestic Versailles.
- Schönbrunn Palace Garden, Austria – It is the 2nd most beautiful garden in the world, and is also found as part of the royalty gardens displaying wealth and power of the Austrian monarchy. It was established in 1750s and has a few highlights that are a must visit such as Neptune Fountain, Maze, and Gloriette viewpoint. Palm House which is one of Europe’s largest greenhouses and home to Mediterranean citrus.
- EPCOT Gardens, USA – Gardens are found in Disney World and is the most popular garden in USA. It has seasonal flowering plants, topiary art of Disney and international themed gardens such as Japan’s Zen. It is a must visit for those that not only love Disney but also love to visit different cultures all within one visit. As they have different flower festivals and throughout the year multiple installations making it a unique visit each time of the year!
- Tuileries Garden, France – Established in the year 1564 and formalized by Le Notre in 1664 is found in the middle of Paris in front of the Louvre. Is the 2nd most popular garden in France. It is home to Chestnut trees, linden trees and has seasonal flowerbeds. It is known for Rodin and Maillol sculptures, ornamental ponds and Grand allees. For those visiting in the Summer, the garden offers shade walk and an escape from the architectural stunning but hot Paris.
- Luxembourg Gardens, France – The third most visited gardens in France was established in 1612. Its highlights include the Medici Fountain, Octagonal pond, formal parterre, and model sailboats. Located a short walk from Notre Dame in the Latin quarter it is a great place to relax after sightseeing.
- Alhambra Gardens, Spain – Located near Granada, Alhambra is known for its Moorish architecture including its garden style. Not surprising it is the 6th most popular gardens to visit in the world. It was established in 13th century and has impressive tiled water features, symmetrical hedges and arched pergolas. Its is also known for its Cypress, jasmine, myrtle and orange trees.
- Tivoli Gardens, Denmark – Tivoli gardens were established in 1843 and is home to seasonal flowers, tulips and ornamental shrubs. Tivoli gardens are found in the middle of Copenhagen and is home to an amusement park. It has fairytale lighting at night and is popular for families to visit.
- Tulip Fields, Netherlands – Tulips are a staple and the symbol of Holland. It was cultivated in the 16th century but did not start its large scale fields until 19th century. There are over 100 varieties and is best viewed mid-April. Tulips are often displayed in vibrant rows of color.
- Gardens by the Bay, Singapore – is the most visited popular in Asia. It was also recently established in 2012 as part of a urban planning. It is known for its Orchids, succulents, ferns, baobabs and even Mediterranean flora. It highlights vertical gardens such as the Super tree Grove, its climate controlled biomes in the Flower Dome and offers nightly light shows.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore – was established in 1859 and is the 2nd most visited garden in Singapore. It is home to over 1,200 species of orchids. It also offers Rainforest trail, Swan lake and even a Healing Garden!
11. Ciutadella Park, Spain – Is the 2nd most popular garden in Spain. Is found in Barcelona and is known for its Cascade Monumental which has fountain and sculptures. It has palm lined promenades and for those that love birds it is home to Monk Parakeet. It has a boating lake and a short walk to Barcelona Zoo.
12. Royal Botanic Garden, Australia – Is the most popular garden in Australia the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney is linked with Wollemi pine, eucalyptus, banksia and orchids. It has a Rainforest walk, Calyx exhibition space and panoramic views of the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour.
13. Claude Monet’s Garden, France – The most visited garden build by an artist. It was created by Claude Monet himself in 1883. It is home to a Japanese Bridge, water garden, flower beds, water lilies and can be seen in Monet’s artwork. Making it a must visit for anyone that loves Monte’s work and want to see art come to live.
14. Chateau du Chambord Gardens, France – is famous for geometric boxwood, with formal parterre gardens, canal system, hunting grounds and the renaissance chateau backdrop it is a perfect example of French gardens.
15. Royal Botanic Gardens, UK – Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, UK are the most visited gardens in the UK. It is known for ancient ginkgo trees, orchids, carnivorous plants and giant water lilies. Some highlights include Palm house, temperate house, treetop walkway and princes of Wales conservatory.
16. Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands – It is the 2nd most visited gardens in the Netherlands apart from tulips. It was established in 1950s and has 7 million bulbs in bloom. Visitors can visit themed gardens and pavilions and see tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and crocuses. As a bonus there is a famous windmill viewpoint.
17. Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Austria – Has a Baroque layout which was established in 1730s. It is famous for its Dwarf garden with stone gnome sculptures, and has Pegasus fountain, marble staircase and rose garden to delight visitors.
18. The Boboli Gardens, Italy – The most popular garden in Italy, The Boboli Gardens found in Florence and was designed for the Medici. It has an amphitheater, Cypress alley, Neptune fountain and amazing views of Florence.
19. Chateau de Chenonceau Gardens, France – Another popular French garden, the Chateau was established in mid 16th century by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici. It has roses, lavender and seasonal bedding plants. There is also a labyrinth and of course the floating chateau arches over the river for visitors to explore.
20. Botonical Garden, Germany – In Munich-Nymphenburg was established in 1914 and has 15 greenhouses, a rose garden, medicinal plans and is situated next to Nymphenburg Palace. It is the most visited garden in Germany and is home to alpine species, orchids and carnivorous plants.
To see the full list and to check off the gardens that you have visited as well as map those gardens on a personal map, download the Visited app, at iOS and Android .
