This pretty park is a favourite in Europe but it’s not one you might expect.

No city is complete without a great park, and across the world, there are plenty to explore. 

When visiting a new city, green spaces provide the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to spend some time reconnecting with nature. 

Not only that, but parks are also used as a cultural hub for many major cities. You can often find museums, events or iconic landmarks hidden within them.

Research by Iglu Cruise has revealed the world’s highest-rated parks by using Tripadvisor data to determine which ones had the highest percentage of “excellent” or five star reviews.

It’s no surprise that Central Park has taken the number one spot.

But Parque del Retiro, Madrid, Spain is Europe’s most loved park.

It scored a 71.5% excellence rating, the park was initially designed as a royal garden for King Philip IV, and it remained a private space for the Spanish royalty until the late 19th century when it was opened to the public.

One of the park’s most iconic features is the large lake where visitors can rent rowboats throughout the year. 

You’ll also find the Royal Botanical Garden, a beautiful green space with thousands of plant species, many of which are rare or endangered.

One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “We spent a delightful afternoon at Parque del Retiro, and it was pure magic!

“We stumbled upon charming sculptures and serene lakes. Renting a rowboat was a highlight, as we laughed and enjoyed the peaceful ambiance. 

“This park is a perfect escape for couples seeking a romantic retreat in the city!”

The top 10 parks with the highest percentage of excellent reviews are:

1. Central Park – New York City, USA – 77.8%

2. Stanley Park – Vancouver, Canada – 76.7% 

3. Balboa Park – San Diego, USA – 74.4%

4. Parque del Retiro – Madrid, Spain – 71.5%

5. Regent’s Park – London, UK – 71.4%

6. Hyde Park – London, UK – 68.4%

7. English Garden – Munich, Germany – 68.3%

8. Luxembourg Gardens – Paris, France – 8.2%

9. Golden Gate Park – San Francisco, USA – 66.8%

10. Phoenix Park – Dublin, Ireland – 66.4%