Vacationing in a large city sparks many images in the minds of tourists. Sightseers typically head to the museums, the fancy restaurants, and the cool shopping opportunities. While these are all great places to visit, visitors to a big city should also consider visiting the local parks. Urban parks are often the focal point of the culture of many big cities, not only hosting events but also acting as the beating heart of the community. Furthermore, city parks blend urban settings with natural beauty, providing a natural oasis in a sea of concrete and glass. The following cities feature some of the world’s most amazing parks, ones that are must-see places for any traveler.
Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC offers something for any traveler visiting Canada’s most populous West Coast city. At 400 hectares, Stanley Park is the largest park in the city. What distinguishes Stanley Park from other urban parks is the great variety of activities it offers visitors. Tourists stopping by Stanley Park have their choice of hiking on rainforest trails with spectacular views of the nearby mountains (you can actually see three ski resorts from downtown!) or sitting on the beach for breathtaking ocean scenery. Stanley is also home to several excellent restaurants and the Vancouver Aquarium, the largest in Canada.
Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany
Visitors to Berlin should stop by Tiergarten – Well, it’s so big, it’s hard not to – to experience the wonders of the natural world while staying within walking distance of other key sites in the city. Designed by architect Peter Lenné in the 19th Century, Tiergarten boasts many beautiful walking paths ideal for a tranquil stroll or midday picnic. Tiergarten is also home to Haus der Kulturen der Welt, one of Berlin’s most well-known art museums, with a mission to spotlight creative expressions from artists from across the world. Tiergarten is also close to other major tourist destinations in Berlin, including the famed Brandenburg Gate, the beautifully renovated Reichstag, and Potsdamer Platz, one of the city’s most famous shopping districts.
Sydney Park, Chippendale, Australia
Sydney Park in Chippendale, Australia just might be the most unusual park in the world. Sydney Park is the site of a major urban renewal project that turned a once decaying city space into a major urban oasis replete with greenery, a shopping mall, and residential housing. Sydney Park is home to the iconic One Central Park, one of the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world best known for its hanging gardens. These living walls give visitors the impression of stepping into a jungle full of exotic plants in the middle of Sydney’s traditional cityscape. In addition to impressive views, Sydney Park also regularly hosts special events at its shopping mall and 13-screen movie theater.
Parc de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Park), Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s Montjuïc Park showcases the city’s historic and cultural traditions. Montjuïc Park is located on a small mountain just south of the city center. From the park’s peak at Castel de Montjuïc, visitors can get astounding views of both the city and the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to spectacular views, Castel de Montjuïc also offers travelers several other attractions, including a museum dedicated to the Spanish military and the Botanic Garden of Barcelona, which includes examples of vegetation from around the Mediterranean. Visitors to Montjuïc Park can also check out sporting events at Olympic Stadium and walk the grounds of the University of Barcelona.
Chugach Park, Anchorage, Alaska
Chugach Park in Anchorage is the epitome of Alaska’s natural wonder. One of the largest state parks in the United States, Chugach Park is 495,000 acres and is only a quick car ride from Anchorage’s city center. While adventurers might be attracted to Chugach Park for its large size, others might choose to visit it for its natural diversity. The park contains a long shoreline on the Pacific Ocean, several lakes, and is surrounded to the north and west by mountain ranges. Due to the park’s stunning natural beauty, most visitors of Chugach Park spend their time hiking and camping at the site’s many facilities. Wildlife enthusiasts also visit Chugach Park to behold its exquisite fauna, including owls, bears, and moose.
So, whether you’re looking for cheap flights to Vancouver, or a non-stop to Berlin, it’s great to know that once you get to your destination, you’ll have a nice, green, relaxing oasis just waiting for you to enjoy!
Leave a Reply