New York: Central Park
For mere mortals, the prospect of living with a view is priceless - those who want an apartment overlooking Central Park in New York will have to dig deep into their pockets. But the view from Central Park to the surrounding townhouses and skyscrapers is both free and breathtaking. Like a rectangular green carpet, its lushness stretches across bustling Manhattan. Nestled between the Upper East and Upper West Sides, Harlem to the north and Midtown to the south, Central Park is perhaps the most famous urban park in the world. As well as tranquillity and relaxation, it offers many attractions such as Strawberry Fields, the Onassis Reservoir, Belvedere Castle, the Shakespeare Garden and much more.

Tip: Harlem Lake is located in the north-east of the park. The impressive vegetation around this large body of water is an invitation to linger and relax.

Boston: Boston Common
Boston Common is the oldest park in the United States. Located between Beacon Hill and the Theatre District, the park is ideal for picnics, sports, leisurely walks and strolls. Open-air concerts are held regularly throughout the summer, and concession stands and children's attractions make it a popular family destination. And when Indian summer graces the New England states, Boston Common is aglow with colour. For those who are not deterred by the cold, visit Boston Common in the winter, when the park is transformed into a winter wonderland and Frog Pond becomes a giant skating rink.

Tip: Boston Common is also the starting point for the famous Freedom Trail.

San Francisco: Golden Gate Park
Bigger than New York's Central Park, Golden Gate Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world. There are lakes, meadows, rose gardens, a nursery, the Rhododendron Valley, a children's playground, open spaces, a buffalo paddock, the tallest man-made waterfall in the western US, and museums - lots of museums. The Asian Art Museum, the California Academy of Sciences with its Natural History Museum, the Morrison Planetarium, the Steinhart Aquarium and the Herzog & de Meuron-designed de Young Museum are just some of the places to visit.

Tip: From the De Young Museum's 44-metre-high tower, you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of downtown and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Singapore: Gardens by the Bay
More than just a park, Gardens by the Bay is a fascinating architectural masterpiece that immerses you in a breathtaking natural world. The centrepiece of the garden is the impressive Supertrees - towering vertical gardens where vibrant plants reach skywards. The gardens offer a variety of themed areas to delight visitors. The Cloud Forest features a stunning indoor rainforest landscape with a towering waterfall, the Flower Dome showcases exotic flowers from around the world and the Serene Garden invites relaxation with picturesque pavilions and tranquil ponds.

Tip: The 101-hectare park is dotted with sculptures, including the world's longest at 192 metres. For Love the Last March, artist duo Gillie and Marc cast 60 endangered species in bronze.

Amsterdam: Vondelpark
The people of Amsterdam are a relaxed bunch by nature. But when they need a bit of green space, they head to Vondelpark. As well as tranquillity, this park offers space for various activities. Jogging, inline skating, cycling, leisurely strolls or picnics with friends are all popular in Amsterdam's largest park. During the summer months, the open-air stage hosts concerts, theatre, comedy and cabaret. Take a break in one of the cosy cafes or restaurants and soak up the park's unique atmosphere.

Tip: The Kinderkookk Café has a children's kitchen with its own vegetable garden, terrace and playground where children can cook and serve their meals.

London: Hyde Park
With 4,000 trees, magnificent flower gardens and vast lawns, it's easy to forget you're in the heart of the British capital as you stroll through London's iconic Hyde Park. The famous Serpentine Lake, once a royal hunting ground, is perfect for swimming and boating. From the banks you can enjoy relaxing views of the water. Whether you're exploring nature, taking in cultural sights or simply soaking up the tranquil atmosphere, Hyde Park offers a unique setting for it all.

Tip: At Speaker's Corner, anyone (except the Royal Family) can speak on a variety of topics and give public speeches. Listening and watching can be quite a spectacle.

Paris: Jardin du Luxembourg
Located between Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter and Montparnasse, the delightfully nostalgic Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the locals' favourite parks. The garden was commissioned by Marie de' Medici in 1612. Amidst the greenery is the Palais du Luxembourg, built by the widow of Henri IV, which still houses the French Senate. Walking through the park is like stepping back in time, with echoes of Rainer Maria Rilke, Ernest Hemingway and Scott F. Fitzgerald. Over 106 statues are scattered throughout the park and the monumental Medici Fountain allows children to sail their boats on the water. Typical chairs and armchairs offer sun worshippers a place to relax, petanque is played, the sound of tennis balls fills the air and concerts can be enjoyed in the music pavilions - endless activities for young and old.

Tip: The Palais du Luxembourg housed France's first public museum, the Musée du Luxembourg, in 1750. Today it regularly hosts exhibitions by famous artists.

Sao Paulo: Parque do Ibirapuera
Green spaces are in short supply in bustling São Paulo. Parque do Ibirapuera, about four kilometres from the city centre, is one of the few parks in the metropolis and, as a result, quite popular. Designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx in the 1950s, this vast park becomes a sports and leisure paradise for 'Paulistanos' every weekend. The park is home to important monuments and museums, including the Museu de Arte Moderna for contemporary art and the Museu Afro Brasil, which tells the story of the origins and culture of the Afro-Brazilian population.

Tip: For architecture buffs, Parque Ibirapuera is home to buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer, which served as a precursor to the planning of the capital, Brasília.

Beijing: Beihai-Park
Situated half a kilometre west of the north gate of the Forbidden City, Beihai Park is one of Beijing's most popular parks. Originally designed as an imperial garden around a thousand years ago, it now attracts families and couples for boat rides in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Its central location, many charming pavilions and impressive historical structures from the imperial era make Beihai Park truly unique. Covering 69 hectares (half of which is covered by the lake), the garden includes temples, bell and drum towers, the White Dagoba, pavilions, lakes and the famous Nine Dragons Wall. With its imperial buildings and lush green spaces, it's considered Beijing's most beautiful and cherished park. A rewarding visit for those who want to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

Tip: At the northern tip of the island is the famous Fangshan Restaurant, opened by palace chefs after the court was expelled in 1924. It still serves exquisite menus from the imperial kitchen.

Oslo: Vigeland Park
Our final recommendation isn't a park in the traditional sense, but rather an open-air museum - and the world's largest sculpture park. It is for this reason that Oslo's Vigeland Park attracts art lovers in particular. It was here that sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) spent more than forty years creating his impressive life's work. Consisting of 212 sculptures in granite, bronze and iron, these pieces tell stories dedicated to the overarching theme of 'Ode to Life'. Vigeland's aim was to depict human relationships and the course of human existence. The bronze statue of the Defiant Child, the Monolith and the Wheel of Life are among the most famous sculptures in the Vigeland Sculpture Park.