Sometimes it’s hard to choose between a relaxing beach holiday or a cultural city break, but with these glorious city parks you really can have it all. The perfect respite for a day of shopping and pounding the pavement- these city parks are must see attractions, for everything from a winter stroll to a little summer sunbathing..
New York is known as the concrete jungle, so it’s nice to have a place to escape the craziness and crowded streets of Manhattan. The 843 acres offers a peaceful place to wander giving you the feeling that you may not even be in the middle of a city- let alone New York City. Walk, run, cycle, sunbathe or picnic, you absolutely should spend some time exploring this beautiful park.
Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
In Japanese they use the term shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing’. – which basically means being among trees as a simple practice for enhancing health. Yoyogi Park seems like the perfect spot. Surrounded by beautiful trees and blossoming plants (especially in spring and fall), the park is an idyllic escape to the urban lifestyle. Enjoy the wide lawns, neat paths and a spot of shade.
There may only be a few weeks of the year where sunbathing in England is really worth it, but Regents Park is worth visiting regardless of the weather. One of the Royal Parks of London, you can walk along the pretty canal, visit London Zoo, see the formal gardens or simply just enjoy the fresh air and calmness that surrounds you.
Absolutely one of the coolest parks on earth. There- we said it. Follow the dirt paths through the staggeringly tall, gorgeous redwood trees, or pick up a bike and cycle all the way around the perimeter. Almost entirely surrounded by water, there are countless beautiful views to capture. Whether you’re there for exercise (like many locals), site seeing o on a casual stroll, the fun is endless in this outstanding 405 hectare public park.
Who would’ve thought you’d find one of Europe’s biggest parks in the center or Munich? Not only is it perfect for some exercise, a picnic or taking in the pretty surroundings, it also has something far less productive, but perhaps even more fun: one of Munich’s most famous beer gardens. The Chinesischer Turm is in the middle of the garden, charming and well worth a visit.
Escape the never ending concrete stretches of São Paulo (it’s literally gigantic) by visiting this gorgeous, spacious park- smack dab in the middle of the city. The park is one of the cities very most famous attractions, with the buildings designed by famous architect, Oscar Niemeyer. it’s a wonderful place to come for some exercise, or just a nice tree breeze. It gets hot in Brazil…
The opportunity to enjoy a little fresh air, shade and calmness in the middle of a buzzing city like Bangkok is one not be passed up. Visitors can rent boats to spend hours cooling off (from lunch) on the artificial lake, or just relax and wander around the beautiful winding paths. Why not skip the hotel gym and go for a morning jog to experience this wonderful part of the city.
Park Güell, Barcelona
One of the famous works of brilliant architect, Antoni Gaudí, this is must- must visit when in Barcelona. The only thing you have to remember is that you will need tickets. Located on Carmel Hill the art inspired park offers gorgeous views over the city below. The combination of the view, stunning architecture and pretty gardens is worthy of many an Instagram picture!
Featured image used under creative commons license from Wikipedia Commons.
How could they miss Forest Park Portland OR, Point Defiance Park Tacoma, WA or Griffith Park Los Angeles CA?