Melo Villareal
Europe’s Best Gardens & City Parks
Although Europe is the second smallest continent among the Earth’s seven, it is reportedly the world’s tourism giant. In 2016, Europe amassed more than 50% of the world’s tourists, with Asia following closely behind. Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain were declared the fabulous four in the European continent.
Park Guell in Barcelona
So when it comes to parks, you can rest assured that Europe has it all.
So pack your bags and redefine your idea of what a park is. Here are the seven must-see city parks in Europe for all you wanderlusts:
1. Park Guell, Barcelona Spain
Park Guell was originally a private property co-designed by Spanish architect prodigy Antoni Gaudí. But because of the costly lots, the lack of a transportation system, and the complex condition for lot ownership, the idea of the highly exclusive neighborhood never pushed through. Instead, in the late 1920s, Gaudí decided to open the entire area to the public. It did not take long before it became a tourist destination, and the few structures built there, such as Gaudí’s artistically designed house, rapidly gained worldwide recognition. Be sure to purchase your Park Guell Tickets in advance to avoid the long line.
Also Read:
- Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Barcelona
- Brilliant Streets and Genius Architecture: Two Days in Barcelona, Spain
2. Villa Doria Pamphili, Rome Italy
Known as the largest public park in Rome, Villa Doria Pamphili was originally a fancy villa constructed in the seventeenth century. The villa itself is not too large, but its surrounding lots, the labyrinthine gardens, the untouched woods at the back, and the fortress-like appearance of the villa walls are what make this tourist attraction so unique.
Also Read:
- Rome Hotels with the Highest Traveler Ratings
- 14 Secret and Unusual Rome places that you Should Know
3. Hyde Park, London, in the UK
Somewhere in the bustling, modern, and urbanized streets of London is a massive, 350-acre public park called Hyde Park. The park, situated in the middle of central London, is the largest of the four Royal Parks, which are pieces of land owned by the monarchy that are open to the public. The Kensington Palace is accessible from the garden, so you might want to take a peek after strolling through the greeneries of Hyde Park.
Also Read: London Hotels with the Highest Traveler Ratings
4. Royal National City Park, Stockholm Sweden
Royal National City Park is known for a lot of things. One is that it is the world’s first national urban park. Another is that it is more than six miles long and stretches over three municipalities in Stockholm. Like Hyde Park, Royal National City Park is conveniently located in the middle of the urban and serves as a break from that concrete. On the property, try to spot some deer, foxes, butterflies, and other forest animals you did not imagine seeing in broad daylight in the middle of the city.
Also Read: 5 Incredibly Unique Hotels in Sweden
5. Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, France
If you plan to have a trip with a loved one, then the Luxembourg Gardens is the place to go right in the city of love. This French-Senate-owned 23-hectare garden is beautifully maintained. It is known for its promenades, flowerbeds, and the Medici Fountain, built in 1630. There are endless sights to see here, and the fact that it is in Paris makes it all the more amazing. Oh, and it’s called Jardin du Luxembourg in French!
Also Read: France beyond Paris: 10 incredible destinations you have never heard of
6. Englischer Garten, Munich in Germany
Another wonderful park in Europe is Englischer Garten in Germany. Constructed in 1789, it is one of the largest urban parks in the world, with an area of 910 acres! There are many sights to see in the garden, which was named Englischer Garten because it was inspired by England’s 18th English style gardens. Sights inside this park include the Japanese Teahouse, the Rumford-Saal (Rumford Hall), and the Kleinhesseloher See (Kleinhesseloher Lake).
7. Phoenix Park, Dublin Ireland
The Phoenix Park is home to the Phoenix Monument, the Wellington Monument, and the Deerfield Residence, the official residence of the United States Ambassador to Ireland. At 707 hectares massive, the park was constructed almost 400 years ago. Besides the many public spaces that people can explore, people often come here to chance upon the herds of wild fallow deer, which have been park residents for almost three centuries.
Also Read: 7 Free Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland
8. El Retiro, Madrid in Spain
15,000 trees, 125 hectares of gardens, and countless sights. Although it is known for many things, El Retiro Park is best famed for its peaceful retreat in Madrid. In addition to being a park, many travelers come to El Retiro because it offers many cultural and recreational activities, like the Glass Palace, the Galapagos Fountain, and the Statue of the Fallen Angel, which are all very much Instagram-worthy.
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Also Read:
- Of the Old and of the New: A Walking Tour of Madrid, Spain
- Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Madrid
