While each park has a different culture, no matter where you are, you’ll likely find musical performers, sculptures, and fountains, families with picnics and grills, couples young and old, and plenty of spaces for children and adults to play.

Here a sampling of some of my favorite urban strolls.

Autumn leaves in Hampstead Heath. Photo: Lenoz

Tiergarten, Berlin

I would be remiss if I didn’t start with *the* park of my hometown’s parks.  Many tourists in Berlin skirt the edges of this green space, which neighbors major central sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and Holocaust Memorial, without so much as dipping in a toe — to their loss!

The park’s vast expanse makes it a great detour to Potsdamer Platz, the Kulturforum (including the Philharmonic Hall), the Soviet Memorial, the Victory Column, even the main train station! With vast areas of lush grass, the park has plenty of both sunny and shady spots, depending on your preference.

Hampstead Heath, London

Once you’ve passed through the recreational areas on the Eastern side of the park and taken in the views of the city from Parliament Hill, it’s entirely possible to forget where you are while crossing this expansive natural space.

Ponds, high grasses and wooded areas make this a pleasant and varied walk.  If you wish, take time to stop in the Heritage site Kenwood Estate, or watch the kite flyers paint the sky in long, colorful strokes.

Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid

The scruffiest of the bunch, Retiro Park is loved by locals and a great stop for people watching. Let yourself be drawn into a musical performance or two. Shade is at a premium here, and if you don’t have a blanket, be prepared to get a little dusty.

To avoid these issues, simply join the crowd lounging on the stones around the lake while enjoying an ice cream. The park’s Crystal Palace offers free rotating displays of art.

Jardin des Plantes, Paris

From the entrance nearest Gare d’Austerlitz, the park’s shady grande allée may remind you of many of Paris’ other, more formal parks, beloved by joggers and stroller-pushers alike. Perseverance leads to a long promenade of beautifully maintained and varied flower beds, inviting (rather than forbidding) you to walk on the grass and take a closer look.

Exploration of the side allées yields a formally structured and educational botanical garden and even a small zoo.  It’s possible to end your adventure in the adjacent Natural History Museum.

Where do you park it?

Which parks have you fallen in love with, sought refuge from crowds and heat in, or simply stumbled into while traveling?  Share your favorites in the comments.

The post Hanging with the Locals: Our favorite urban parks in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Today Kari visited Retiro Park. Part of Madrid’s Jeronimos district, Retiro Park was originally part of Real Sitio del Buen Retiro, a palace complex for Felipe IV (1621–1665). In the 17th century, the park grounds provided a private playground for the royal family. By 1869, it was fully open to the public. Welcome to Retiro Park!

Entering from Calle de Alfonso II and el Cason del Buen Retiro.

View of el Cason del Buen Retiro

Yes, those are magnolias you see, imported from the southeastern United States. How exotic!

Inside los Jardines de Cecilo Rodriguez

Built in 1887 by architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, Palacio de Cristal was inspired by the structure of the same name, en ingles, in London. The glass and steel structure was originally designed to stage an exhibition of tropical plants during the Philipinne Islands Exhibition.

Che, pavito real! Peacocks are friendly inside los Jardines de Cecilo Rodriguez.

School children tracing tree bark along Paseo Parterre

Thanks for the photos, Kari. We look forward to hearing and seeing more from Madrid!

All photos by Kari Hoerchler

The post Madrid: Greetings from Retiro Park! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.