Under The Radar: Escape The Hustle And Bustle Of Big Cities And Relax In These Lush Green Parks

Sometimes, especially in big cities, the hustle and bustle can make you feel dizzy, and at some point, all you want to do is relax and find a quiet place. That’s when I look for the beach (my personal favorite healing spot), or if there isn’t one, my second choice is to escape and surround myself with greenery in the middle of the city.

Here are 10 of my favorite gardens or parks around the world!

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1. Sydney: Barangaroo Reserve & Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden

Sydney may not be Australia’s capital, but this vibrant and dynamic city, like all big cities can quickly be overwhelming for some. And while Sydney offers the best of both worlds: beaches and parks, you can’t really swim or lie on the beach during the colder months.

Fortunately, the city has no shortage of beautiful, peaceful and quiet little parks, making it actually difficult to choose just one to include on this list, and that’s why I’ve selected two.

Whether you want to enjoy a nice view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or escape to one of the city’s little havens of peace, you’ll be spoiled for choices.

Head to Barangaroo Reserve for a picnic or to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden for a peaceful walk in a forest-like setting.

Other great spots include Dawes Point Reserve and Hyde Park!

2. Seoul: Seoul Forest & Haneul Park

As in Sydney, it’s pretty easy to get away from the noises and distractions in South Korea’s capital. In a city where hundreds of skyscrapers, pollutions and traffic jams dot the landscape, a breath of fresh air is sometimes the only thing you wish for.

And this is where parks such as Seoul Forest and Haneul Park come into play, much to the delight of nature lovers who can finally take a break amid hectares of lush trees and thousands of flowers.

For a more detailed list of my favorite parks in Seoul, click here!

3. Quebec City: Plains of Abraham

Soak up history while relaxing? I say yes! The Plains of Abraham, best known for the 1759 battle between British and French troops, is now one of the largest parks of the city.

With its 98 hectares (or 240 acres), it’s the ideal spot for a picnic on warm summer days, go sledding or simply wander in search of recreation and rest.

A must-see for all outdoor enthusiasts, if you ask me!

Discover my 8 favorite things to do in the city here!

4. Wellington: Te Ahumairangi Hill

Alright, this one may require a bit of exercise, but as always, the reward is well worth the effort.

If you want to enjoy a unique view on Wellington as well as a serene atmosphere, you’ll only have to follow the easy trail that leads to this hill. And although it’s not strictly speaking a park or garden, I felt like I couldn’t leave out this special place: perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of the windy city.

The best way to admire the view: bring your picnic, a book and rest on the double bench located right in front of these vistas.

5. Lisbon: Observation Deck Park Eduardo VII

A park with impressive views of the city and beyond, that’s what await you and at Observation Deck Park Eduardo VII in Lisbon.

With its lush gardens and alleys meticulously manicured that kind of resemble a symmetrical maze, this place not only offers a mesmerizing panorama, but also the respite you’ll need after a few days in the Portuguese capital.

And if you want to explore more than just the viewpoint, you are welcome to visit the nearby greenhouses or garden.

All this right in the heart of the city: proof that sometimes you don’t have to go far to escape the chaos of the city life.

6. Ubud, Bali: Campuhan Ridge Walk

I don’t think Ubud has what you would call parks, but the city has actually the next best thing: nature walks or forest sanctuaries.

If you’ve ever visited Bali, and Ubud in particular, you’ll quickly remember how the place is packed with scooters, people and noise. So getting away from it all becomes a matter of survival, at least if you’re like me.

One of the best places to do this is the Campuhan Ridge Walk: free, green as far as the eye can see and tranquil, this walk will easily capture your heart, trust me!

7. Colombo: Viharamahadevi Park

A magnificent golden Buddha statue standing in front of the fountain already sets the tone for what you can expect in this park: calm and peace in the oh so busy capital of Sri Lanka.

Stroll in the shade of the trees lining the alleys, have a picnic, or simply enjoy a breath of fresh air away from the hubbub of the tuk tuks and other distractions.

A soothing, clean and safe green park that you’ll want to come back to!

8. Taipei: Daan Park

Want to escape the city of Taipei? You don’t have to go far, because this green park, located right in the heart of Taipei, is loved by all, for its proximity to some of the main attractions, but also for its tranquility despite being close to schools and other buildings.

A true green sanctuary in a metropolis as populated as Taipei!

9. Stockholm: Nationalstadsparken

When you consider that two-thirds of Sweden is covered in forests, it’s easy to see how quickly you can find a relaxing spot, even in a city like Stockholm.

And if there’s one place where you can soak up this lush vegetation in the capital, it’s in the parks surrounding Brunnsviken Lake (only one of the country’s 100,000 lakes).

Pavilions, cafes, historic buildings, botanical gardens, and numerous outdoor activities await you around this stunning area, whatever the season!

Kind of the ideal day to combine learning and relaxing, don’t you think?

10. Corfu: Bosketo Garden

Tired of the busy alleys and souvenir shops in Corfu town? Why not enjoy the sunny weather, warm temperatures, fortress, and coastal views, as well as the beautiful Greek statues, while sitting on a bench in Bosketo Garden?

Be careful, though, you may not want to go back to shopping after experiencing the art of slow living in Greece!

Are you tired of the crowds or just want to chill and find some peace and quiet? I hope this list of green parks will help you find the escape you’re looking for in the busy cities.

Not really into famous attractions and want to discover some quieter alternatives? Here are 15!