5 Breathtaking Global Botanical Gardens You Have To See For Yourself

Recalling my experiences shuffling through the flora and fauna of breathtaking global botanical gardens fills me with such joy. My connection to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) only increases with every rotation of the sun I complete. Every year wiser serving as a stronger catalyst for the desire to be humble and to spend longer periods of time outdoors.

Have you ever been humbled in this way by nature? It’s one of the most moving experiences one can have while traveling. But you have to feel that moment for yourself to believe the power of it. 

For any nature enthusiast or nemophilist, which is a fancy way of saying tree fanatic, visiting the world’s stunning botanical gardens should be a top priority. And in my opinion, as a sustainable traveler, it should be obligatory. 

Remember that there isn’t one right way to travel. This is to say that when travel planning, consider searching for a local botanical garden in addition to the closest Starbucks. In fact, grab your refillable coffee/tea mug, fill it up with your caffeine kick of choice, and plan a day outdoors.

Looking for more awesome sustainable travel tips from Bag Lady, Meredith San Diego? She has been living abroad for years and has lots of great tips on living and traveling more sustainably. So, head over and check out her author profile for more great posts like:

• Sustainable souvenirs for gift giving.
• Outfit repeating and normalizing minimalism in the travel industry
• 7 Tips for Living Sustainably Abroad

Audrey Hepburn once said that “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” As a nature lover, I couldn’t agree with this idea more. Being a sustainable tourist, then, means prioritizing visiting the world’s stunning botanical gardens during my travels. I’m keen on adventure, it’s true, but practicing what it is to slow down is an adventure, too. 

The ability to be still or to be quiet while in nature is part of maintaining a spiritual balance. The connection as humans that we force onto material objects is trivial in the face of a century-years-old mountainside. Or when listening to the creaks and cracks of ancient Sequoias as they whisper secrets in the warm California winds.

Learning about the many ecosystems that thrive in these natural environments is inspiring as much as it is enlightening. Embrace the outdoors while adventuring the globe and see the world from a different, more connected perspective. 

Try researching the botanical gardens or historic parks in the exotic cities you visit around the globe. You won’t regret it. 

There are far too many breathtaking botanical gardens around the globe to mention in one blog post. But I can recall and recap my top five from my vast adventures. After globetrotting as a solo female backpacker (full time) for three years around Europe and Asia, I relocated to Southern Spain— Andalusia, to be exact. It’s here that my list of five will begin.

1. Spain

The warm weather in the southern region is remarkable and supports both desert and tropical flora and fauna. Living in Cadiz city for a year gave me my first Spanish taste of soul-moving botanical gardens with the unique Parque Genoves. Over 100 different species of trees all (some imported) are neatly tucked up against the beautiful coastline. Take your time wandering around inside this park then head to La Caleta beach not far down for a sunset to remember.

After two years in Andalusia, I relocated just off the coast of West Africa to a volcanic archipelago in the North Atlantic. The Botanical Gardens on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands is hands down one of the most breathtaking global botanical gardens I’ve ever seen. It’s also one of the few places to see so much greenery on the desert island.

2. The USA

Once voted one of the best botanical gardens in the world, the 385 acres Chicago Botanic Garden deserves its place on this list. Open for more than 50 years, the gardens are seen by more than one million visitors each year. 

Not to be overlooked is the 250 acres located in the Bronx, the New York Botanic Garden. This botanical garden operates more like a museum that’s one giant living plant and is also a National Historic Landmark.

3. Singapore

The first location that comes to mind when asked about the world’s stunning botanical gardens is Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. Scenery overload is more than possible at this marvel. A leader in sustainable maintenance, these unique botanical gardens aim to impress and more than hit the mark.

Music: Tropic

Musician: Jeff Kaale

Matter of fact, Singapore has much to offer those inspired by the outdoors and architecture. Visit the Cloud Forest while you’re in town and do not miss the ArtScience Museum; it’s world-renowned. 

4. The U.K.

With more than two dozen botanical gardens within its many borders, the U.K. is well-stocked. Gardens are available in popular cities such as Kent, Bristol, and Birmingham, and visiting them is typically family affairs. But none are as grandiose or unique as the Eden Project in Cornwall.

An educational charity that connects humans and nature to uplift the beauty of cohabitating on planet Earth. Once a Chinese clay pit (quarry), the abandoned lot was transformed into an architectural wonder using biomes. The Eden Project is slated to build several more versions of itself around the globe in the next decade.

5. Morocco

Tucked in the backstreets of Marrakesh lies the 2-acre artists’ botanical space, The Majorelle Garden. More than a garden space, it is stuffed with gorgeous exotic plants. This space supports art, jewelry, and even fashion with vendors such as Yves Saint Laurent on site. 

Truly tranquil and saturated in lush hues of green and that staple Moroccan blue with sounds of babbling fountain spouts. A flick of the tail from a Koi fish near the pond’s surface adds to the delight. This garden requests reservations be made no more than 24 hours in advance for all visitors.

Which of these breathtaking global botanical gardens from around the globe do you want to see for yourself?

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Make sure you share, pin, and tweet so you always have the inspiration to visit a botanical garden on your next trip. What botanical garden do you want to see next?