Botanical gardens are living museums that safeguard the wonders of the natural world and showcase biodiversity and native flora.
Based on reviews and expert opinions, Locals Insider has compiled the world’s best botanical gardens, revealing what makes each so special. Our number one garden, featuring unique and rare plants, a variety of sizes, peace and tranquility, and high-tech features like music from the ground, swings, and cafes, is located in Singapore.
1. Singapore Botanic Gardens – Singapore
Price: Free Admission
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg
There are many things to do in Singapore, but UNESCO recognized the Singapore Botanic Gardens in 2015 as the first and only tropical botanical garden on the World Heritage list. The gardens are a landmark of biodiversity and conservation, open daily from 5am until midnight.
Special events, from art exhibitions to ecology workshops, are held throughout the year, providing an educational aspect to your visit and injecting human creativity into the natural beauty. And guided experiences, like the Heritage and Learning Forest tours, provide deeper insight into the living collections.
The National Orchid Garden is a crazy feature, home to over 1,000 species and hybrids, and with an affordable entry fee of $15, it is a must-see for visitors. Families will find the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden especially engaging, with its water play area and interactive exhibits designed to teach children about the vital role of water in nature.
Dining options are varied and inviting. Bees Knees Garden café blends Western staples with Asian flavors, while The Halia offers an upscale dining experience with European-inspired dishes starting around $20. This garden delivers a memorable mix of science, serenity, and sensory delight for travelers seeking tropical elegance with educational value.
| Google Rating | 4.7/5.0 (44,360 ratings) |
| Yelp Rating | 4.6/5.0 (160 ratings) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.7/5.0 (20,168 ratings) |
“Very beautiful and relaxing. We visited on a weekday and it was large enough that it did not feel very crowded. The orchid garden is worth the money to go into. The gift shop is also cute!” Chris P, Google
2. Jardin Majorelle – Marrakech, Morocco
Price: Combined ticket for $36
Website: www.jardinmajorelle.com/en/
Jardin Majorelle is one of Marrakech’s most treasured escapes and one of the world’s best botanical gardens, according to the BBC. It’s open daily from 8am, so you can enjoy an entire day with aesthetic treasures. Tickets must be purchased directly through the park’s official website.
Spanning over 9,000 square meters, this immersive garden contains a 40-year legacy of design, architecture, and botanical wonder. Created by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, the space fuses Moorish and art deco elements, cobalt-blue walls, and rare cacti with flowing fountains and shaded paths. Though compact, it’s a cultural powerhouse, hosting the Berber Arts Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum side-by-side.
Visitors can meander through palm-lined alleys, encounter over 15 bird species, and admire the blend of French and traditional Moroccan aesthetics. The Café Majorelle includes a courtyard framed by orange trees and bougainvillea, where you can enjoy light meals, local teas, and refreshing fruit drinks.
Before leaving, the on-site boutique is a must for picking up souvenirs. It features a charming spread of handmade jewelry, textiles, and other wares demonstrating fine Moroccan craftsmanship. Jardin Majorelle provides a world of natural beauty combined with art, history, and cultural fusion for an unforgettable experience in the heart of North Africa.
| Google Rating | 4.4/5.0 (53,575 ratings) |
| TripExpert Rating | 4.5/5.0 (52,022 ratings) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.3/5.0 (52,193 ratings) |
“Peaceful and varied. We really liked it here. It is well set out and there are many trees and plants from around the world. The cafe was good too.” Mont1e, TripAdvisor
3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – London, UK
Price: Around $33 with donation
Website: kew.org
Spanning more than 300 acres just outside central London, Kew Gardens is the second UNESCO World Heritage Site on our list and comes with a bold claim as the most biodiverse spot on Earth.
Kew’s mission goes beyond beauty. It houses over 50,000 living plants and is a global hub for conservation, taking on biodiversity loss and highlighting its real-world impact on food systems, air quality, and medicine. Open weekdays from 10am until 7pm, it offers ample time to explore treasures like the newly added Carbon Garden with its exquisite central pavilion designed by Mizzi Studio.
Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, including a bamboo forest, a carnivorous plant zone, and a sweeping arboretum. There is an interactive Children’s Garden and popular treetop walkway for stunning views from above.
When hunger strikes, Kew delivers. The Food Village serves up global flavors from shawarma to tapas, while The Orangery provides cakes and light bites. The Pavilion Bar & Grill and Botanical Brasserie offer more hearty options with indoor and terrace seating for sit-down meals.
Kew Gardens is a family-friendly, educational stop that meets the needs of travelers craving nature, innovation, and a taste of culture.
| Google Rating | 4.7/5.0 (50,546 ratings) |
| Yelp Rating | 4.7/5.0 (149 ratings) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.4/5.0 (9,484 ratings) |
“A must see – definitely 5 stars. Completely exceeded our expectations – I can’t understand anyone giving this place a low score at all. I like plants, but would not consider myself a big enthusiast, yet found Kew really interesting – a fabulous day out. The lily building and the Prince of Wales buildings were particularly memorable. Parking was cheap and easy. We took a picnic so can’t give any insight regarding food/drink options I’m afraid. We had our two teenage sons with us, who you might not think would enjoy plants/gardens, but it was honestly one of the most enjoyable days out we have had!” Stephanie M, TripAdvisor
4. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – Cape Town, South Africa
Price: About $14 per adult
Website: www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenboch
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is nestled against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
An essential stop for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts, Kirstenbosch offers breathtaking views and stunning landscapes spanning some 1,300+ acres. It houses more than 9,000 plant species unique to South Africa and is a globally renowned haven for biodiversity.
The park is open daily from 8am to 7pm, with free guided tours available on weekdays between 10am and 2pm for a rich 90-minute exploration.
Sculptures and installations are seamlessly integrated into the landscape, including a bust of Nelson Mandela, bronze animals, and a lifelike impression of the elusive Cape Clawless otter.
A visitor highlight is the Boomslang Treetop Walkway, which is a 130-meter-long aerial path that curves across and through the forest canopy, offering picture-perfect panoramic mountain and garden views.
Dining at Kirstenbosch is a treat at The Moyo Kirstenbosch restaurant, celebrating African flavors with generous portions. Thanks to a favorable exchange rate for US visitors, you can pick up a 500g T-bone steak for $16. They also offer an impressive Sunday buffet lunch, priced at roughly $24, which includes a delectable spread of salads, tagines, meat dishes, and desserts.
| Google Rating | 4.8/5.0 (32,006 ratings) |
| TripExpert Rating | 4.6/5.0 (40,104 ratings) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.7/5.0 (10,130 ratings) |
“Amazing place to spend the day! A must-visit if you’re in Cape Town. We went as a family, and everyone, including the kids (6 & 8 y.o.), had a great time. You can bring a picnic and relax under the trees or visit one of the local restaurants with delicious food, drinks, and friendly staff.” Saleema, Google
5. Brooklyn Botanic Garden – New York
Price: $22 per adult
Website: www.bbg.org
For something closer to home, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York is a treasure trove of natural beauty. This 52-acre garden showcases the best of seasonal blooms, native plants, and exotic flora. It is open six days a week from 10am to 10pm, and entry is just $22 per adult. Concession tickets are available for children, students, and seniors.
The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden is the first of its kind in the US and alone makes your visit worthwhile. Be sure to plan your visit to coincide with the cherry trees, about a dozen varieties, blossoming from late March/early April to May.
Workshops and classes are available for adults, children, and families, including Native Gardening, Designing with Tropical Flowers, and an educational Children’s Garden experience.
Finish your visit with a stop at the plant and gift shop, and drop by the Yellow Magnolia Canteen for casual dining options (a sandwich costs around $16). Plus, during the summer, they have special Summer Dinners in the Garden, where you can enjoy cocktails on the terrace before a three-course set dinner for $85 per person.
| Google Rating | 4.7/5.0 (14,344 ratings) |
| AllTrails Rating | 4.6/5.0 (109 ratings) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.6/5.0 (2,535 ratings) |
“Such a peaceful and calming place. This is the perfect spot if you don’t have time to leave the city but still want to recharge with the beauty of flowers and nature. I especially loved the Japanese garden with the pond, the greenhouses, and the bonsai exhibition. A wonderful escape without leaving town.” Yuriy Ponomarev, Google
There are other cool things to do and see in NYC.
What is the best botanical garden?
Our top pick is Kew Gardens for its impressive biodiversity and family-friendly activities. Just a stone’s throw from the nation’s capital, you can easily incorporate a visit to the gardens into a broader trip to visit our cousins across the water in London and the rest of the United Kingdom.
