Craving some green space to break up sight-seeing on your next city break? These are some of the best city parks and gardens around Europe for a reset in nature.

Nestled between the expansive ancient Roman ruins and the trendy neighbourhood of Testaccio is Rome’s beautiful Giardino degli Aranci. The small Orange Garden is a sight to behold: arrive at sunset and you’ll be rewarded with a view of St Peter’s Basilica against a glowing sun, the strums of a guitar in the air from a nearby busker and a relaxing breeze rustling the leaves. What was once a private garden is now a favourite spot for rest with a view, the short climb up to the top is a heart rate-raising add-on to the stroll. The picture-perfect path from the entrance gate to the viewpoint is lined with the iconic stone pines of Rome, with clusters of citrus trees underneath adding pops of orange all around.

Like sweeping waterfronts, golden sunshine and custard treats, palm trees are synonymous with the city of Lisbon, and there’s no better spot to enjoy them than the unique Estufa Fria in the north of town. Originally an old quarry, it was repurposed by a local gardener for plants in the 20th century and a structure was later built to help protect the trees inside. The name means “cold greenhouse”, a nod to the fact that it had no warming facilities at the time. Nowadays, it’s heated in places and there’s endless tropical greenery as a result: tall palm trees, trickling streams and lush ferns sprawl across the multi-levelled space. All that can be seen from the inside is the green leaves of the plants – it’s easy to get lost among it all, making it the perfect spot for inner-city awe walking.

A spacious outdoor park, Tempelhofer Feld is where Berliners head anytime of year for a walk. There isn’t much by way of trees here; instead, the expansive, open space and skies above are a welcome respite from the otherwise built-up city. Huge former aircraft runways – a legacy from its most recent use as an airport until 2008 – make ideal ground for activities like skateboarding and cycling. Friends from trendy Neuköln nearby head here to hang on the grassy verges, except during the spring months, when they become a protected space for ground-nesting birds. Rain or shine, Berliners take to the make-shift viewing platforms, families go for walks and joggers run along the paths of this multi-use space.

The name of the Río Park gives you a clue about its origins. It runs along the city’s River Manzanares, a 10 km stretch filled with nature, paths and cultural hubs right in the middle of town. The relatively new park opened in 2011 and is all about wellness for city-dwellers: from countless outdoor gyms and walking paths, to 17 children’s play areas and a gallery, it’s a truly recreational space. Design is at the heart of it all, which is why park-goers will easily stumble across artful bridges (like the swirling Arganzuela footbridge), landscaped gardens and even a cultural centre on the site of a former slaughterhouse. Head out for a brisk walk, and you might just end up seeing an art show along the way, followed by a drink with friends in one of the park’s cafes.

The 20th century Villa Bonanno gardens are truly beautiful – after all, they are just opposite Palermo’s spectacular Palatine Chapel. Complementing the city’s diverse history, the plants in this quaint city garden are varied. A walk through its winding paths will take you past huge cactus trees and bright fuschia flowers, alongside palms and neat hedges. All the tall plants and trees create shady resting spots above old-fashioned benches, where those passing through can cool off and take a break from Palermo’s bustle.

Starting from the red-brick Triumphal Arch and ending with a zoo, the Parc de la Ciutadella is a great place to take a break from the winding gothic streets nearby. Built in the 19th century on the site of a former fortress disliked by locals, it was once the only park in the city and became a cultural hub straightaway. It retains its old-fashioned charm mixed in with more modern uses: grand old ponds sit among perfectly designed flower beds and lawns, while skaters whizz past down long, palm-lined paths. It’s great for an afternoon saunter among the plants, before heading for a glass of vermouth in El Born next door.

The city of orange trees is not lacking in greenery, despite the sweltering heat that takes over each summer. Seville’s Parque de María Luisa is positioned squarely in the historic centre and is covered by the cool shade of the densely packed, leafy trees. The colourfully tiled Plaza de España is the park’s centrepiece, where a small lake wraps around a plaza complete with small bridges and row boats. Head down one of the many avenues beyond and take time to explore the botanical plants all around – as well as more orange trees, of course.

Perfectly manicured rows of trees, a smattering of neat green chairs and elegant rooftops on all sides: the Jardin des Tuileries is a garden that’s every bit as stylish as the city it’s in. Originally made as part of the Palace Tuileries in the 16th century, these now-public gardens have taken on a life of their own – it’s the quintessential city green space that many look to for inspiration. With airy paths perfect for strolling and people watching, it’s as much about rest here as it is about being seen. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to nab a seat on one of the iconic green chairs around the famous ponds in the centre.

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