To escape the hustle and bustle of big cities as the sun comes out, there's nothing better than a walk in the park. Real green lungs, far from pollution and agitation, visitors and locals gather here to stroll, rest or organize a picnic. Prepare the plaid tablecloth, Petit Futé offers you its selection of the ten most beautiful urban parks!
Singapore Botanical Gardens
In the heart of a landscape dominated by skyscrapers and overcrowded arteries, Singapore's Botanical Gardens are a true haven of peace. The tropical rainforest will seduce visitors. The highlight of the walk is the National Orchid Garden, home to more than 3,000 species of beautiful flowers
Vondelpark, Amsterdam
The Vondelpark is very popular in Amsterdam. Cyclists, pedestrians and skaters meet there to go green. Dutch people and tourists take advantage of their trip to the Dutch capital to applaud incredible artists in the park's outdoor theatre. A real green lung in the heart of the city, the Vondelpark is home to no less than 70 varieties of roses
St James's Park, London
A small nugget in central London, St James' Park is one of Europe's busiest parks. However, this incessant movement does not detract from the charm of this island of greenery. With its small lake in which ducks, pelicans and a good number of birds splash around, it seduces young and old alike. But the main attraction of the visitors remains the squirrels, very few fierce, who do not hesitate to steal cookies or sandwiches!
The High-Line, New York
In New York, it's not just Central Park that goes green! The High-Line is an extraordinary park. This abandoned stretch of railway quickly became, under the impulse of the inhabitants, an airborne greenway. It allows to take a little height on the city by escaping from the large and always animated arteries of the city which never sleeps
The park of the Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam
On the outskirts of Berlin, Sanssouci Castle in Potsdam is a real marvel and the surrounding park reflects its image. More than 287 hectares of greenery and majestic monuments are to be discovered. Ideal to combine strolling and culture!
Valentino Park, Turin
Together with the Mole Antonelliana, the Valentino Park is undoubtedly one of the symbols of Turin. Located on the banks of the Po, not far from the famous medieval village, it houses the Valentino castle. Ideal for cycling, running or picnicking, Turinese people frequent it regularly in both summer and winter. Don't miss its botanical garden, the second largest in Italy
Barcelona's Güell Park
The Güell Park is a must in Barcelona! Each of its corners is a work of art. It was initially to be, according to Gaudí's wishes, a "garden city". This crazy project remained as it was when the artist died. An extraordinary place to enjoy the sunshine of Barcelona
The Tête d'or park, Lyon
The Tête d'or park is a must in the city of Lyon. Its name comes from the popular legend that the Crusaders buried a treasure there: a golden head of Christ never found. Feel free to conduct the investigation! And take the opportunity to stroll around the lake, discover the botanical garden and the zoo.
Retiro Park, Madrid
El Retiro is the green lung of the Spanish capital. Tourists and Madrileños come for a walk or a boat ride on sunny days. On the edge of the park, the Palacio de Cristal is at the heart of Spanish culture. It hosts exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. The visit of the Retiro is also an opportunity to discover a good number of fountains and statues. The world-famous fountain of the fallen angel, for example, is the only one in the world that represents the devil
Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo
São Paulo is a sprawling city. For those who want to escape the frenzy of this ever-changing metropolis, parks are an ideal solution. Previously, Ibirapuera Park was an indigenous village. It was in 1920 that the city's prefect had the idea of transforming this area into a park. Tropical fauna and flora are found alongside ultra-modern buildings such as the legislative assembly, the velodrome and the planetarium. An atypical setting, full of contradictions, where tourists and locals meet to have a good time
