Why the Royal Botanic Garden?

Before we plunge into the picnic spots, let’s have a little chit-chat about why the Royal Botanic Garden is the place to be. First off, it’s located right next to the Sydney Opera House, allowing you to munch your sandwiches with a view of one of the most iconic landmarks on the planet. No big deal, right? It’s also a stone’s throw away from the bustling CBD, making it a convenient escape from the urban frenzy. You’ll find everything from native plants to exotic varieties, each whispering tales of their own.

The Best Picnic Spots

Now let’s cut the chit-chat and dive into the delectable, leafy corners of the garden where you can unfurl that picnic blanket like a pro.

1. The Dell

Ah, The Dell. This picturesque spot is probably the most famous picnic area in the garden. With its sprawling lawns shaded by magnificent trees, it’s the crown jewel of picnic spots. You can lay down your blanket and bask in the sound of chirping birds while pretending to be a sophisticated person enjoying a **quintessentially Australian** experience. Plus, if you’re lucky, a curious cockatoo might swing by to steal a chip or two—don’t worry; he’s friendly enough!

2. The Herb Garden

For those who enjoy their greens in more ways than one, The Herb Garden, located near the entrance of the Botanic Gardens, is a **scented wonderland**. Imagine munching on your cheese platters while inhaling the divine aromas of rosemary and basil. It’s like dining in a fragrant kitchen, except nature is your chef! Just be sure to keep that cheese away from anyone looking to nibble on your spread—cue the cheeky squirrels.

3. The Rose Garden

If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a romantic movie, The Rose Garden is the perfect backdrop. With over 1,800 rose bushes, you won’t just be picnicking; you’ll be *living your best floral life*. Snap a pic with the blossoms to prove to your friends that, yes, you can be both a picnic enthusiast and a budding botanist. Just remember, while it’s tempting to reach out and sniff the roses, they often have a prickly side; don’t let them ruin your picnic mood!

4. The Succulent Garden

Not a fan of getting your blanket dirty (because we all know wine spills are inevitable)? Then take your picnic to the slightly elevated path of the Succulent Garden, where **succulents shine** like the stars of the plant kingdom. This spot boasts a unique landscape of stone beds that cradle a hodgepodge of these green beauties. It’s a bit more on the *Instagrammable* side, if you’re keen on flexing your social media muscles.

Tips for the Perfect Picnic

Now that you’ve got your spots lined up, let’s talk strategy. Because, let’s be honest, no picnic is complete without a solid game plan!

Pack the Essentials

A picnic without good grub is like a day without sunshine. Where would we be without our beloved sandwiches (fairy bread, anyone?), fresh fruit, and a cheeky bottle of sparkling rosé? Don’t forget the napkins, plates, and, crucially, a bottle opener. The last thing you want is to awkwardly try to open a wine bottle with a shoe—trust me, I speak from experience!

Time it Right

Sydney’s weather can be a bit mischievous. Check the forecast before you set out. The last thing you want is to be soaked enjoying your artisan cheese wheel. Aim for late afternoon for those dreamy sunset views that will turn your picnic into an Instagram masterpiece.

Bring Some Games

To elevate your picnic from delightful to unforgettable, pack along some games. Whether it’s a frisbee, cards, or if you’re feeling particularly daring, a portable board game, being active can add an element of fun. Who says lounging around can’t include a little competition?

Final Thoughts

Picnicking in the Royal Botanic Gardens is more than just eating on a rug; it’s an experience that stirs the soul. Surrounded by *stunning plants*, beautiful views, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. So whether you’re basking in the sun at The Dell or getting cozy amid the roses, fill your picnic basket and head out to this botanical *wonderland*. Enjoy nature, good food, and the company of friends—because, let’s face it, every good story starts with a picnic!

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Whether you’re looking for an apartment, hotel, house, youth hostel, a bed & breakfast, a house exchange — we have it. If you’re the adventurous type looking for something a little different, check Cozy Milan rentals.

1. Take a selfie with the middle finger

This ubiquitous symbol of human mockery stands right in front of Milan’s stock exchange headquarters in Piazza Affari. The provocative Italian sculptor Maurizio Cattelan created it in 2010 and it was initially supposed to be a temporary installation. However, clearly seeing the humor in the statue, the local government decided to leave it there permanently. Cattelan never commented on the meaning of the sculpture, so you’re free to interpret it as you wish.

The Middle Finger in Milan | Photo: Joyce S. Lee

2. Discover the Navigli antique shops

Milan’s version of Venice is a small quarter with a few canals, a few boats and some floating restaurants (but no gondolas, sorry). Bustling with bohemian energy, Navigli is known for its flea markets and creative atmosphere. Unlike the city’s famous shopping malls and boutiques, which offer the latest crazes (at the highest prices), here you can find retro fashion treasures to impress even the strictest hipsters. Stepping inside the antique stores along the Ripa di Porta Ticinese is like entering into a past reality, one where you can find 50-year-old Chanel bags among collections of original clothes from a range of iconic brands.

Navigli’s Canals, Milan | Photo © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

3. Catch a glimpse of the Horned Madonna

If you dare to see Mary and Jesus with devil’s horns, follow the streets after Porta Ticinese to Sant’Eustorgio Basilica. Once there, enter the Portinari Chapel and hear the strange story behind the unusual fresco of Mary and Jesus with horns. The chapel is dedicated to the Dominican priest Pietro di Verona, who had been converting followers of the Catharism heresy movement back to Catholicism. Once, he attended a Catharist gathering where it was said that the Madonna was seen. Pietro di Verona did see the Madonna, but he also saw that she had horns on her head, leading him to believe that she was the Devil in disguise. When Pietro offered the Devil a piece of sacramental bread, he ran away. A group of nobles, however, didn’t approve of Pietro’s preaching and sent two assassins to kill him. Thus Pietro di Verona is usually depicted with an ax in his head, a reference to his grisly death.

The Horned Madonna in Milan

4. Witness the future of eco-tech at Bosco Verticale – the green vertical forest towers

The forest towers project had gone viral even before it started. Bosco Verticale, meaning Vertical Forest, consists of two residential towers (26 and 18 floors respectively) designed by Boeri Studio, featuring hundreds of trees and shrubs planted all over the edifices to absorb the notorious Milan smog and to produce oxygen. The forest is located quite far from the main tourist area, but you can reach it easily by subway (get off at Garibaldi FS or Isola stations).

Bosco Verticale in Milan

5. Indulge in aperitivo at Leonardo’s Vineyard

You’ve already marveled at Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, now it’s time to cross the street and visit Leonardo’s Vineyard. Back in 1498, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, gave a vineyard to Leonardo. Sforza was hoping to turn the Basilica Santa Maria Delle Grazie (which houses the Last Supper) into his family mausoleum and he wanted to create a neighborhood surrounded by his most loyal supporters, Leonardo among them. After almost two decades under French rule, Leonardo won back the vineyard a little before his death. The area was completely forgotten until 1919, when it was identified by architects and historians, still almost entirely intact. Unfortunately, a massive fire and new urban plans destroyed what had been preserved for centuries. In 2015, the vineyard was restored using the original vine in its original rows. Now in the vineyard’s cafe you can sip coffee or join the Saturday aperitivo at 5:45 pm (reservation required).

Note: You should book your ticket well in advance. Visitor information here.

6. Smell basil and thyme in the Botanical Garden

There’s a little-known garden, just a street away from the popular Pinacoteca di Brera, where you can stroll among rows of spices and actually rub their leaves between your fingers to release their aroma. The Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Brera) is free, and it also offers free walking tours on Saturdays (a reservation is required).

Read more about the Botanical Garden here.

Orto Botanico di Brera (Botanical Garden) in Milan | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

7. Discover a copy of the Last Supper by one of Leonardo’s apprentices

Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of those buildings that looks like just another church until you learn that it holds a fascinating secret inside. Besides being one of the oldest churches in Milan (originally built in Roman times), it is home to a perfect copy of Leonardo’s Last Supper, painted by one of his apprentices. Some parts of this version are better preserved than the original, so you can take a close look at some of the mysteries of the famous mural – all the saints and Jesus have halos except Judas or the feminine face of John, for example.

The Last Supper copy at San Lorenzo church, Milan

8. Dine while riding a retro tram

Trams produced in Milan were exported all over the world, as far afield as San Francisco. They are an integral part of the city life, but one of them, a dark green, respectable retro machine, is more than just a means of transport. The ATMosphera tram is a traveling restaurant, serving your dinner at 8 pm while you zigzag between the main attractions of Milan. Indulge in a set menu and enjoy your complimentary wine, but remember to book your seat in advance. More information here.

ARTmosfera Tram in Milan

Bonus secret place:

The human skulls church – Santuario di San Bernardino Alle Ossa

Italy seems to have some strange idea of what to do with human skulls and you can stumble upon bone structures across the country, the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo probably being the most popular. Milan doesn’t lag behind with the small ossuary of the San Bernardino Alle Ossa church. The reason why it all started was that in 1210 the nearby graveyard ran out for space and a respectful space for the bones had to found. They stored them in a special building next to the church decorating the niches and doors with bones and skulls too. It’s a 5-minute walk from Duomo. When King Joao V of Portugal saw the church, he built a similar structure in Evora, Portugal.

Address: 4, Via Carlo Giuseppe Merlo. Opening times: 7:30 am – 6 pm (there’s a break 12 am – 1 pm).

READ MORE:

8 SECRET LOCATIONS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH ITALY (+ map)

12 UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN FLORENCE (+ map)

Here’s a map of all the places mentioned to plan your route in Milan:

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Searching for luggage storage in Milan? Whether you’re discovering the hidden gems in Milan, catching a football match at San Siro Stadium or taking a tour of the Duomo Cathedral, you need both hands to embrace everything Milan has to offer.

So, why not drop your bag off instead of dragging it around? From luggage lockers to manned left luggage offices, Stasher has got you covered. Find Milan luggage storage with Stasher and make the most of your time in the city!

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USEFUL INFORMATION AND TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE SEYCHELLES

1. The Seychelles is a visa-free country. All foreign visitors are entitled to free entry to the Seychelles. All you need to do to get through passport control is fill in a form and bring a printed hotel reservation and a pre-booked departure ticket.

2. The international airport at Mahe island is located approximately 10 km (6 mi) from Victoria, the capital. Many hotels will organize a shuttle for you. Otherwise, you can take a taxi.

3. Almost everybody speaks three languages: French, English and Creole (the three official languages of the Seychelles). The country was under the rule of France and Great Britain for a long time and, thanks to that, you’ll have no language barrier to contend with. 

4. You can pay in dollars, euro or the local rupee. Euros are preferred at most places, but if you pay in rupees you’ll get better rates. All major global credit and debit cards are safe and easy to use at ATMs.

5. Vacationers stay at hotels, but there are many people who swap their home cities for the Seychelles for a whole season. An apartment with an ocean view in Victoria costs around $1000 per month – enough to make you swap your rented apartment at home for one on the island, so you can wait out the winter in paradise.  

The Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

6. You have to drive on the left side of the road – consider this if you plan to rent a car.

7. Taxis cost between $3 and $5 per km, but feel free to haggle. 

8. There are public buses that circulate the island. We used them during our stay (with small backpacks only), but we read in online forums that tourists are not allowed on these buses with huge suitcases. You get a ticket from the driver (payable in rupees only and costing ~$0.30-0.40). These old and rickety vehicles are used mainly by the locals and pass regularly. The drivers, however, all seem to be retired Formula 1 champions and tourists often get off dizzy (we did). If you have a stomach of steel, the public buses are a great way to navigate the island for little money. Bus schedules are available here and in all hotels.

The Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

9. The northern part of the island is where you will find the best selection of hotels and entertainment and where famous people are often spotted. 

10. One of the reasons so many people love the Seychelles is that the country always has beach weather – the temperature hovers between 24 and 32° C (75 and 89°F) all year round. The humidity is very high and if you accidentally leave the balcony door of your hotel room open, you will find all your clothes soaked. From November to January, the rain is heavy and regular, while May–September is known for being particularly windy.

11. There’s nothing poisonous or dangerous on the islands, which makes it even better than Eden (where they had a sly snake to spoil the party). The only thing to beware of are giant coconuts falling from the palms like cannonballs onto the heads of cocktail-sipping tourists.

SEYCHELLES ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS

See the unique Coco de mer fruit

Coco de mer, the Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

This ancient tree (they say it’s been around since the time of dinosaurs) is a symbol of the Seychelles because it grows on only two of its islands: Praslin and Curieuse. The fruit of the male and female Coco de mer (or sea coconut) trees provoke many giggles because they look like the respective human genitals. If you want to take one of these fruits with you, you should obtain a special permit; those who try to smuggle the coconuts out of the Seychelles face imprisonment.

Beaches in the Seychelles

Most hotels have private beaches and swimming pools, but the Seychelles has much more than this. Take a bus or rent a car and stop almost anywhere on the main road circulating the island of Mahe to reach wild beaches with no people (or just a few locals drinking ciders). The water is Photoshop-like blue-green and perfectly clear for snorkeling. Don’t forget your water shoes, because sea urchins lurk in every piece of coral and seaweed.

Talk to the locals

The locals are friendly and talkative, many of them having amazing stories to share. Just a small example is the 25-year-old Ethiopian-born member of staff we met at our hotel, whose name was Gorbachev (yes, like the Soviet leader Gorbachev). He told us the amusing story of the Soviet leader and the American President Reagan visiting the hospital where he and his twin sister were born. His mother was so impressed that she named her children after the prominent guests.

The Botanical Garden in Victoria, Mahe

Feeding turtles in Victoria, the Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

Even if you are not a big garden lover, this destination is worth visiting, if only because of the turtles living here. The Botanical Garden in Victoria is best enjoyed with a leisurely walk among palms, orchids and Coco de mer trees. Your entry ticket costs ~$15 with an additional $3 if you want to feed the turtles (the zookeepers will give you special leaves, which the turtles love).

Food in the Seychelles

Most eateries serve fish and seafood cooked either in Creole style – with lots of spices – or in Italian style. A dinner for two at a restaurant will cost you between $40 and $100, while a burger with French fries from a street caravan for two will cost $20-$30.

The market in Victoria

The market in Victoria, Mahe, the Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

The market in Victoria is among the major attractions on Mahe island. Here you can satiate your senses with exotic smells, sights, colors and tastes. Most of the vendors sell vegetables, fish, fruit and ginger.

La Plaine St Andre – where Takamaka rum is distilled 

Rum-tasting in the Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

You will see the name of Takamaka rum all over the island, and besides sipping cocktails prepared with it, you can also visit the mansion where it is produced – La Plaine St Andre, located only 7 km (4 mi) from the airport. You can easily reach it by bus, as there’s a bus stop right in front of the distillery. Join a guided tour (twice a day, at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, $15 per person including a rum-tasting session at the end) to see how the former spice mansion was turned into a rum distillery. You will be even be able to put sugarcane into the machine to create a sweet, fresh juice.

And don’t forget to look up at the sky

If you live in the northern hemisphere, don’t forget to look up at the night sky – it’s so different from the constellations you see at home.

Author: Bojidar Bonchev 

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Not every garden in the world is just well-shaped bushes and trees + fountains + benches. Sometimes gardens keep interesting stories, tell the tales of the Universe or provide inspiration for the paintings of famous artists. Choose your next fairy-tale trip in one of these stunning colorful spots.

Keukenhof, the Netherlands

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/203challenges

This garden sees seven million flowers, hand-planted every year. There are more than 100 varieties of tulips alone. Almost one million people a year visit the park. It is located not far from Amsterdam, near the town of Lisse. Open only March – May.

The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Scotland

Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Scotland | John Lord/Flickr

If Alice’s Wonderland did exist, then it would certainly be in Dumfries, Scotland under the name of the Garden of Cosmic Speculation. Inspired by science and mathematics, black holes, DNA molecules and parallel universes, the architect Charles Jencks has created this unusual space as living proof that logic and creativity are not always mutually exclusive. The garden is private but usually opens on one day each year through the Scotland’s Gardens program and raises money for Maggie’s Centres, a cancer care charity named for Maggie Keswick Jencks, the late wife of Charles Jencks.

Miracle Garden, Dubai

Miracle Gardens, Dubai | Srilatha Sharma/Flickr

It is hard to imagine that the biggest flower garden could appear in the middle of a desert, but for years now Dubai has been showing the world it is a land of paradoxes. Dubai Miracle Garden spreads over an area of 72,000 sq. m (775,000 sq. ft) and features more than 45 million flowers, 4 km (3 mi) of passages and walkways among the flowers, and a 1 km(1,000 yd) flower wall.

Monet’s Garden, France

Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France | David Alexander Elder/Flickr

If you’ve seen the painting with the lilies by the French artist Claude Monet and you wish to see it in real life, visit the artist’s house just outside Paris. Water lilies blooming or not, sitting in the garden of the father of Impressionism is like becoming part of one of his paintings: the Japanese footbridge is just before you, the house and the garden have been restored to their appearance from Monet’s time. 

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If Italy is your passion, you are about to discover a few incredible, but not overly popular locations.

Follow us along these destinations, recommended by the Italians themselves, to uncover a secret – even the hearts of the largest and most popular cities can hold hidden gems!

A peek through the Aventine Keyhole

The Aventine Keyhole in Rome, Italy

Atop of the Aventine Hill in Rome, you will discover an unexpectedly beautiful view. Approach the locked, covered in greenery doors of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, to find a decorated keyhole. Looking through the keyhole will reward you with a remarkable view of St. Peter’s dome in the Vatican. You will see it framed by a tunnel of trees.

Temple of Valadier

Temple of Valadier, Italy

This octagonal temple, inside a mountain cave, is located in the city of Genga (the region of Marche, about 65 km away from Ancona). It was commissioned by Pope Leone XII and named after its architect.

Chamois

Chamois, Italy

Have you ever heard of this Italian town? It is the highest altitude municipality in the Aosta Valley region, and the only city in Italy unreachable by car – you can take a cable car or walk. This means one thing and one thing only – complete serenity and incredibly beauty.

The Bridge on Gaiola Island

The bridge of Gaiola Island, Italy

The island is located near the shores of Naples and is famous mostly for being cursed. Still, nobody can deny that the thin stone bridge, connecting the two sections of the island, is impressive.

Vicolo dei Lavandai, Milan

Vicolo dei Lavandai, Milan | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

At the heart of this charming town, by the shores of the Naniglio Grande Canal, you ll find a corner, where time has stopped its course long ago. This is Vicolo dei Lavandai, meaning “The Alley of Washers” – even today you can find an archaic washing machine here.

Discover more unusual things to do in Milan.

The Bell Tower of Curon Venosta

The bell tower in Curon Venosta, Italy

This odd bell tower rises above the water… with no church attached to it. The reason is that in 1950 the city of Curon Venosta was submerged in a man-made lake, called Lago di Resia (Reschensee in German). During the winter, the lake freezes over and you can walk to the bell tower. Curon Venosta is located in the North of Italy, near the borders with Switzerland and Austria.

Discover more stories about submerged churches.

Garden of Ninfa

The Garden of the Ninfa, Italy

About 80 km outside of Rome, you will find a true gem – gardens with water canals, medieval ruins covered in roses, exotic greenery. You can visit between April and November. More information can be found here.

Burano

Burano, Venice, Italy

If you ll be visiting Venice, don’t forget to drop by the most colorful island in the lagoon – Burano, often skipped for other locations in Venice (maybe because of romance).

Read more about ITALY.

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What is the best thing about this place is that it is located in the very centre of Milan but it is rarely included in the routes of the tourists.

Milan, as any other big tourist destination, has lots of secret places, which it keeps only for the most curious travellers. Such a little, green secret you will find just a few streets away from the La Scala Opera House, on the back side of the popular Brera Gallery – this is the Botanical Garden of Milan (Orto Botanico di Brera).

The Garden is part of the University of Milan, while a walk through it is like a stroll in someone’s yard in the country. From their very beginning the alleys lead you through sweet-scented herbs – basil, thymus, salvia, oregano – each with its own name-plate. You can simply walk down the alleys, gently rub the leaves between your fingers and breathe in one scent after the other.

© Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

After the herbs, here come the vegetables and the flowering bulbs (in spring). There is a table with metal chairs where you can rest under the shadows in a hot summer day. There are also benches, blooming shrubs, as well as one of the oldest Ginkgo biloba trees in entire Europe.

History at a glance

This place has a centuries-old history. In the past the garden was used by the students in medicine and pharmacy – established back in 1774 at the order of Austrian Empress Maria Teresa. Earlier, there was a green spot of the Society of Jesus at this place.

Bonus: Every Thursday (except on bank holidays) there is a brief tour with a guide from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The tours are organised for small groups of up to 10 people and only after advance reservation on infobrera@unimi.it.

Useful information: The Brera Botanical Garden is situated right behind the Brera Gallery, on 28, Brera Street. It is free of charge. Working hours: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (with a break between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.); Saturday – from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Sunday – closed.

Here’s a map:

Read more about ITALY.

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