Surrounding ourselves with nature is beneficial for our mental health and overall wellness. Even in urban areas, opportunities to enjoy green spaces exist, thanks to well-planned parks and gardens integrated into the city landscape. Forward-thinking city planners prioritize incorporating green areas over extensive hardscaping, offering residents the benefits of nature within city limits. Let's explore some of the most green-filled cities around the world!
So which cities around the globe are known for their abundant green spaces?
1. Stockholm, Sweden
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Formally, Stockholm ranks as the top among the EU's capital cities with an impressive 19% of its total area dedicated to green spaces. Despite their location in the north, Swedes thoroughly enjoy outdoor activities, so it's no wonder that the city boasts numerous parks and gardens. Among the popular spots is the Royal Djurgården, a lush area located on an island filled with museums. Humlegården also holds a royal history, dating back to a 16th-century garden where King John III cultivated fruits, spices, and hops. Centuries later, King Gustav III established Haga Park on the shores of Lake Brunnsviken to the city's north.
Stockholm is part of an archipelago, with many islands accessible by ferry providing opportunities to connect with nature. One of the most convenient trips is to the scenic Fjäderholmarna (the Feather Islands), just a quick boat ride away from the city's historic center.
2. Vienna, Austria
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If you're willing to consider larger metropolitan areas in your assessments, Vienna emerges as a top contender for the title of Europe's – if not the world's – most environmentally friendly capital. Data reveals that approximately half of the city's total area comprises green spaces. Vienna boasts nearly a thousand the city center, the well-maintained Stadtpark features a lovely statue of Johann Strauss, while the formal gardens surrounding landmarks, such as Schönbrunn and Belvedere exude elegance.
On the western side of Vienna, the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) serves as the city's primary green area. Recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005, it plays a vital role as the city's green lung. To the east, the Donau-Auen National Park is a protected nature reserve stretching along the banks of the River Danube. This riparian habitat covers over 23,000 acres, making it one of central Europe's largest wetlands.
3. Singapore
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Singapore has integrated the presence of green areas into its development plan. The current Green Plan of this Asian urban center outlines its objective of enhancing nature within the city by goals like planting one million additional trees by 2030 and ensuring that all residences are within a 10-minute walking distance from a park. Given Singapore's high population density, achieving these goals requires creative solutions like green walls and rooftop gardens. Despite this challenge, Singapore has already excelled in providing green spaces. In the 1960s, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew initiated a plan to turn Singapore into a Garden City, which has been remarkably successful.
Noteworthy green areas in the city include the advanced Gardens by the Bay, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve offering primary rainforest just a short ride from the city center, and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, housing the largest mangrove forest on mainland Singapore.
4. Washington DC, United States
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According to the nonprofit organization Trust for Public Land, Washington DC came out on top among the 100 largest cities in the United States in terms of the 2023 ParkScore® index. Roughly 24% of the city's area is designated for public parks, with most residents having good access to green spaces, despite challenges like major urban highways. When Pierre Charles L'Enfant planned the city in the late 18th century, he envisioned a "public walk" that's now known as the National Mall. Originally, it featured cows grazing on a uniquely shaped meadow.
For first-time visitors to Washington DC, exploring Rock Creek Park is highly recommended. This park is more than twice the size of Central Park in New York and offers an array of activities, such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding on its many well-marked trails.
5. Sydney, Australia
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You can discover a wealth of green areas in the heart of Australia's largest city. Established in 1810, Hyde Park, spanning 40 acres, stands as the oldest public park in the country. Shaded by fig trees, you can enjoy a leisurely walk to The Domain, forming a green pathway that leads to Sydney's Botanic Gardens, established in 1816. Amidst the calls of sulphur-crested cockatoos, the noise of city traffic fades away, allowing you to momentarily forget you're in a bustling urban center.
Over the last two decades, approximately 59 acres of new parkland have emerged, with 800,000 new plants and 15,000 extra trees planted across the city. Architects are actively integrating greenery into building designs. Notably, the One Central Park Building in Chippendale showcases a vertical park on its facade with 250 native plant species. This serves as a strong statement signaling to future developers the importance of incorporating nature into urban landscapes.
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In addition to our ultimate travel guide, we would also like to provide you with some more useful information on traveling, which will be handy for those who prefer doing this by air.
If you use your own car to reach the airport, you know it's critical to park it safely for the duration of your trip. Almost every airport has special on-site parking for this purpose. However, travelers aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of their trip, as this option is pretty costly. So what should we do then?
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What is actually off-site parking, and which advantages has this parking type, you may ask? So let's take a closer look at this question.
First of all, off-site parking is much cheaper. So you can save money and then spend the most considerable amount on the things you really want to try or see while traveling.
Secondly, off-site parking services are faster. It might seem that it's faster to park your car at the airport, but that's not always the case. Off-site parking offers you the following convenience: when you drive directly up to the entrance, a staff member pulls your luggage out of your vehicle and loads it into the shuttle. Then they park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It's a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
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Thirdly, it's much more convenient. People are always stressed before the trip, as there are many things you should keep in mind. Not to be late when taking off, fighting traffic, finding a parking place, wondering how long the shuttle service will take, and more can leave you annoyed before you step foot inside the airport. If you choose off-site parking, you are using the assistance of a private company that caters to travelers' needs. Such services can make your trip much more comfortable when you arrive at the airport and return home.
With ParkingNearAirports.io, it takes just a few clicks within the application to reserve a parking spot. Upon arrival at off-airport parking, customers receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking spot. The app helps customers find the most convenient airport parking lots. If plans change, cancellations are hassle-free and refundable.
We also offer you services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Let's look at an example. Imagine that you live in Chicago, Illinois, USA. If you're planning a trip to Singapore, you can choose cheap parking near Chicago O'Hare Airport. If you're coming from Seattle, Washington, the situation is the same – you can use affordable off-airport parking SeaTac. So it depends just on where you are flying from.
On our official website, you can find the best deals, airport parking prices, and other information connected with parking near US and Canadian airports.
