TOP 10 POPULAR CITY PARKS IN EUROPE

As Europe awakens in spring, its city parks become irresistible escapes, offering lush greenery as a counterpoint to urban intensity. Whether you’re a resident seeking tranquility or a traveler needing respite from sightseeing, these green spaces provide a blend of nature, culture, and history right in the city’s core. A study of nearly 2,500 parks across 70 major European cities, based on over 7 million Google reviews, reveals the top 10 most popular city parks in Europe – each a unique example of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

1/ Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain

Madrid’s Retiro Park tops the list, boasting a remarkable 4.8 rating from 197,182 reviews. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, sprawling across 1.43 km² on the city center’s eastern edge, originated as a royal garden for Philip IV in the 17th century before opening to the public in the 19th century. Visitors will discover iconic landmarks such as the Crystal Palace, the Alfonso XII equestrian monument, and the unusual statue of Lucifer. Retiro Park, with its fusion of history, art, and verdant landscapes, is a must-see green destination.

2/ Schönbrunn Palace Park, Vienna, Austria

Schönbrunn Palace Park in Vienna, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, secures second place with a 4.8 rating from 57,006 reviews. Expanded in the 18th century under Empress Maria Theresa, this baroque masterpiece exemplifies courtly garden design. Beyond the splendor of Schönbrunn Palace itself, the park includes the historic Palm House and Schönbrunn Zoo, the world’s oldest. For those seeking calm away from the palace crowds, quiet corners are plentiful, creating a perfect mix of grandeur and peace.

3/ Greenwich Park, London, United Kingdom

Greenwich Park claims third place among the best city parks in Europe, with a 4.8 rating drawn from 47,051 reviews. Situated just outside central London, this royal park, established in the 15th century, commands expansive city skyline views. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Royal Greenwich Observatory (the Prime Meridian’s home), the park offers boating, gardens, tennis courts, and a small zoo – blending historical importance with recreational opportunities.

4/ Stavros Niarchos Park, Athens, Greece

Positioned between Athens’ National Opera and National Library, Stavros Niarchos Park ranks fourth with a 4.8 rating derived from 40,825 reviews. A coastal highlight, the park features Mediterranean flora – 1,450 trees and 280,000 shrubs. An elevated platform gives panoramic views of Athens’ coastline, creating a tranquil contrast to the city’s vibrancy. Its modern design and cultural context make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

5/ Kalemegdan Park, Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park takes fifth place, rated 4.8 based on 31,904 reviews. Situated where the Sava and Danube rivers meet, the park centers on the medieval Belgrade Fortress – the city’s prime viewpoint. Offering river views, historic walls, and attractions such as the Military Museum (open-air), a torture museum, dog parks, and a dinosaur park, Kalemegdan caters to families, couples, and friends.

6/ Planten un Blomen, Hamburg, Germany

Planten un Blomen in Hamburg (meaning “plants and flowers” in Low German) ranks sixth with a 4.8 rating from 23,677 reviews. A green refuge amid shopping malls and the St. Pauli district, this park features themed gardens like the Japanese Garden and hosts summer water light concerts. Its central location and lively events make it a cherished destination for locals and visitors looking for peaceful respite.

7/ Poznań Citadel Park, Poznań, Poland

Poznań Citadel Park, formerly a military fortification, is now blossoming with rose gardens and broad green spaces, earning it seventh place among the best city parks in Europe with 22,081 reviews that yield a 4.8 rating. Visitors can explore sculptures, monuments, and an amphitheater along walking paths that are particularly popular with athletes. The shift from defensive fortifications to a lively park really shows Poznań’s dedication to merging historical elements with the beauty of nature.

8/ Maksimir Park, Zagreb, Croatia

At number eight, we find Zagreb’s Maksimir Park in Croatia. This park, one of the oldest and largest in Southern Europe, stretches over 316 hectares. It boasts a 4.8 rating from over 20,000 reviews, and is loved by Zagreb locals. It provides peaceful areas ideal for yoga or just relaxing to the sounds of birds, along with lakes, the Echo Pavilion, and the Zagreb Zoo. With so much space, a quiet place is usually not hard to find, making it great for both relaxing and exploring.

9/ Philopappos Hill, Athens, Greece

Coming in ninth is Philopappos Hill in Athens, Greece. It also has a 4.8 rating, this time from just under 20,000 reviews. It’s ranked so highly for its incredible views, really. A quick walk through forests of pine and past the ruins of the ancient world gets you to a panoramic view that includes the Acropolis, the whole of the Greek capital, and even the sea – especially stunning at sunset. The blend of natural beauty and historical significance here is what makes it a top choice for an evening out.

10/ Bernard Garden, Vilnius, Lithuania

Last, but certainly not least, we have St. Bernard Garden in Vilnius, Lithuania. It has a 4.8 rating, based on over 17,000 reviews. Tucked away in the Old Town between Gediminas Hill and the Vilnia River, this romantic park has fountains, an herb garden, and seating areas by the river. It becomes a hub of culture during events such as the Lithuanian Song Festival, providing both a sense of calm and a vibrant community spirit.