I love cities and 9 times out of 10, that’s where we head when we travel. There is just something about the bustle of people all around, the skyscrapers that go on forever and the views over a metropolis that just keep me coming back for more. From London to Paris to New York to Seoul, I’ve seen a lot of the world’s best cities but one thing that makes some cities stand out more than others are their affinities for green spaces and parks. City parks can be a wonderful spot when traveling, to wander through on a warm Summer’s day or to get a bit of nature in between the steel and concrete of city streets or to see changing leaves falling around you. I’ve collected a list of some of my favorites so the next time you’re in any of the following cities, don’t miss their gorgeous city parks!
Filled to the brim with activities and beautiful scenery, Central Park is famous for a reason. From hiking trails to boating to just spending an afternoon reading a book, Central Park is huge and lovely.
There is nothing quite like wandering through Hyde Park in London on a nice day – you’ll notice that Londoners know how to take full advantage of this sprawling green space.
For Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens and the Tuileries tie for my affection. Both are equally different and equally lovely. Try the Luxembourg Gardens for a more bohemian, Left Bank sort of feel and the Tuileries for a chic Right Bank escape.
In the middle of Crowded Delhi, lies the lovely grounds of the Lodi Gardens. Filled with green space and lovely old buildings and tombs, it’s perfect for a few hours of wandering.
Amsterdam is so lovely in general that it’s hard to imagine the city needs a park like Vondel Park, but even so, the open greenery and water features throughout make Vondel Park a wonderful spot to take in.
Andrea - The Tiny Telescope says
Awesome article! I was happy to see the Luxembourg Garden on the list, as that’s pretty much where I grew up 😉 ! I would also add the Retiro in Madrid.
Casey says
I love Luxembourg!!! And yes, Retiro is great and Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona too!
Bengt Lindkvist says
My wife and I also found St. James Park, not so far from Hade
Picture at: hrrp://www.artstories55.com
Casey says
YES!!! Love St. James!
Bengt Lindkvist says
Good 2 hear about St. James
Bengt Lindkvist says
But the squirrels are attacking you!
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
Ooh love this! Luxembourg Garden is amazing, as is Central Park. I need to make it to the other ones!
Casey says
Yes, love Luxembourg and Central Park, both so lovely!
Miriam says
I love St James Park and Hyde Park in London! Tuileries and Luxembourg garden parks in Paris!
Casey says
Yes, St. James is great too!!!
Kristin says
I absolutely love Hyde Park. I also love the City Centre park in Barcelona!
Casey says
Me too… I love it in all seasons too! And yes, love the one in Barcelona!
Macy Volpe says
I have only been to Luxembourg, Vondel Park and Central Park from this list but I loved them all as well! It’s crazy to me how many different areas of Central Park there are, right in the middle of a huge city.
Casey says
I know!!! Central Park is like an entire city within itself!!!
Christine Everyday says
The Luxembourg Gardens look amazing!
Casey says
They are one of my faves!!!!
Bailey K. says
I think you’d love Zilker Park in Austin. That is, if there isn’t a festival going on at the time. Right now, ACL is happening, and I hate that they’ve taken my favorite park away from me! 😉
Casey says
Good to know! Austin is definitely creeping higher and higher on my list! I’ve actually heard it’s a lot like Portland in many ways!