These are the 10 best urban parks in Europe: Spain tops the list

Spring brings renewed attention to the great green lungs of Europe’s cities. These spaces serve as refuges for locals, stages for concerts, picnics and strolls, and essential stops for visitors seeking more than monuments. A recent analysis by the travel agency SpaDreams ranks the ten best urban parks in Europe, with a Spanish park once again taking the top spot.

Retiro Park has kept its position as the most highly rated urban green space in Europe. Located next to the Prado Museum, this historic park in Madrid combines heritage and everyday life like few others. It was created in the 17th century as a royal garden before later being opened to the public.

Its boating lake, the Crystal Palace, sculptures set along tree‑lined avenues and its lively lawns all contribute to its popularity. Both tourists and locals come here to enjoy walks, street performances and sunny afternoons in one of the city’s most iconic settings.

In Vienna, the Schönbrunn Gardens transport visitors back to the imperial era. Designed as a summer retreat for the Habsburg court, the straight avenues, ornamental fountains and expansive vistas preserve a distinctly palatial atmosphere.

Today, however, the park is an open space where joggers, families and tourists come together. From the Gloriette, visitors can enjoy one of the city’s best panoramic views, while the Palm House and the historic zoo further enrich the experience.

Greenwich Park holds a unique place in both history and global geography. It is home to the Prime Meridian – the reference point for universal time – set within a landscape that blends royal heritage with open green spaces overlooking the London skyline.

Founded in the 15th century, it is the oldest of London’s Royal Parks. Beyond its historical importance, it offers sports facilities, family‑friendly areas and viewpoints that provide sweeping views of the River Thames and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.

The Stavros Niarchos Park, located in the Athenian district of Kallithea, is one of Europe’s most recent examples of urban transformation. Built on the site of a former racecourse and designed by Renzo Piano’s studio, it combines green spaces with leading cultural facilities.

The Greek National Opera and the National Library coexist with walking paths, Mediterranean gardens and open areas with views towards the nearby sea. It has also become a popular venue for open‑air concerts and cultural events.

In Belgrade, Kalemegdan stands above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, offering one of the most distinctive historical sites in south‑eastern Europe. Its fortress – with Roman, Ottoman and Austro‑Hungarian remains – brings together centuries of history within a single complex.

The surrounding park has become a lively space, home to museums, a zoo and natural terraces that are ideal for watching the sunset. Its combination of historical depth and everyday life makes it one of the continent’s most appealing green spaces.

Planten un Blomen is Hamburg’s flagship urban green space. Located in the heart of the city, it stands out for its carefully designed landscaping, featuring themed gardens, expansive lawns and the largest Japanese garden in Europe.

During the warmer months, its nightly water and light shows attract large crowds. Despite its central location, it also offers peaceful corners, ideal for escaping the bustle of the port city.

The Citadel of Poznań is a clear example of how a former military site can be transformed into an urban park. What were once Prussian fortifications have given way to rose gardens, contemporary sculptures and expansive green spaces.

The site also features monuments and museums linked to local history. However, far from being a solemn place, it is a dynamic environment where events and outdoor activities take place throughout the year.

Spanning over 300 hectares, Maksimir is one of the largest and oldest parks in southern Europe. Its natural character – with lakes, wooded paths and historic buildings – makes it a true oasis within Zagreb.

Highly valued by residents, it provides spaces for sport, relaxation and observing wildlife. The zoo and its historic pavilions add further appeal to this expansive Croatian green space.

In Vilnius’s Old Town, Bernardinų sodas combines monastic heritage with contemporary renovation. Following extensive restoration, the former monastery garden has been transformed into one of the Lithuanian capital’s most popular green spaces.

Geometric flowerbeds, fountains and relaxation areas coexist with a small open‑air stage that hosts festivals and cultural events. Its setting, next to the river and close to the main historic landmarks, further enhances its appeal.

The biggest surprise on the list comes from Chișinău. Valea Morilor has risen in the rankings thanks to the excellent reviews from visitors who stroll through its 114 hectares surrounding a large artificial lake.

The promenade along the water, the expansive green spaces and the monumental cascading staircase are among its most photographed features. In addition, its open‑air Green Theatre makes it an important cultural venue for the Moldovan capital.

To compile this ranking, SpaDreams analysed millions of Google reviews for nearly 2,500 parks located in major European cities. Only those within urban areas, open to the public and with a minimum number of reviews were included.

Theme parks, nature reserves and temporarily closed spaces were excluded. In cases of equal average scores, the number of reviews was used as the deciding factor.