El Capricho Park, Madrid
Located on the outskirts of Madrid, El Capricho is one of the city’s hidden gems. Created in 1784 by the Duke and Duchess of Osuna, it was frequented by artists like Francisco de Goya. The 17-hectare gardens, designed by Jean Baptiste Mulot (who also worked on Versailles’ Petit Trianon), blend Italian, French, and English landscaping styles. Highlights include a small lake, a labyrinth, a bandstand, and a mansion. A unique feature is an underground bunker from the Spanish Civil War (1937), with free weekend guided tours.
Opening hours: Weekends and public holidays, 9am–9pm (April–September), 9am–6:30pm (October–March).
esmadrid.com
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Onion Garden, London
London is rich in green spaces—20% of the city is public parks, earning it the title of the world’s first National Park City in 2019. Among its hidden retreats is the tiny Onion Garden near Victoria Station. Once a neglected corner, it was transformed in late 2021 into the “hanging gardens of Westminster.” Today, this pocket park boasts over 200 plant species (including onions), mosaic art, sculptures, a café, and events like singing and poetry readings.
Opening hours: Weekdays 7:30am–5:30pm (until 10pm Thursdays), weekends 8:30am–4:30pm.
theoniongarden.org
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Anne Frank Garden, Paris
Tucked away in the Marais district, this secluded walled garden once belonged to the Hôtel de Saint-Agnan, now home to the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme (mahJ). Dedicated to Anne Frank, it features a 17th-century layout with an orchard, vegetable garden, pergola, and a chestnut tree grown from a cutting of the one Anne wrote about in her diary. The Pompidou Centre is just a short walk away.
Opening hours: 10am–9pm (summer).
paris.fr
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Brera Botanical Garden, Milan
Hidden behind Palazzo Brera, this garden dates back to the 14th century when Humiliati monks grew medicinal plants here. Later redesigned as a botanical garden in 1775, it now features two oval ponds, ancient ginkgo trees, and themed flowerbeds (medicinal, dye plants, etc.). Managed by the University of Milan since 1935, it’s a peaceful escape in the city center.
Opening hours: 10am–6pm (Mon–Sat, until 31 Oct), 9:30am–4:30pm (until 31 Mar).
ortibotanici.unimi.it
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Centralbadets Garden, Stockholm
Nestled off Drottninggatan, this courtyard garden was once part of an 18th-century farm. Architect Willhelm Klemming renovated it in 1901 and added the Centralbadets spa, still a budget-friendly retreat today. The lush garden includes a pond with a water sculpture, flowerbeds, winding paths, and shaded seating, with three nearby restaurants.
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The Garden of the Royal Library, Copenhagen
Tucked between Christiansborg Palace and the Royal Library in Copenhagen’s historic center, this peaceful public garden was built in 1920 over an old naval port. A pond with an eight-meter-high fountain (which spurts water every hour) and an old mooring ring hint at its maritime past. You’ll also find a statue of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, whose manuscripts are kept in the library and sometimes displayed. Shady benches under the trees make it a perfect spot to read.
Open 6am–10pm year-round. visitcopenhagen.com
Károlyi-kert, Budapest
Hidden in Budapest’s District V, this is believed to be the city’s oldest garden, home to Hungary’s oldest mulberry tree. Once the private garden of Károlyi Palace, it became a public park in 1932. The design blends geometric flowerbeds, an English-style layout, and a playground. Look for the statue of Károly, a beloved giant rabbit. Nearby, the wine bar Csendes Társ offers outdoor seating right by the gate.
Open 8am–9pm in summer. welovebudapest.com
University Library Roof Garden, Warsaw
One of Europe’s largest rooftop gardens (over a hectare) sits atop the University of Warsaw’s library. Opened in 2002, it’s a quiet escape from the bustling Powiśle district. The lower garden features a duck pond and granite sculptures, while the upper garden is divided into colorful themed sections (gold, silver, red, green). Paths, bridges, and a cascading fountain connect the spaces, with panoramic city views.
Upper garden open April–October, lower garden open year-round. en.uw.edu.pl
Vrtba Garden, Prague
Nestled on Petřín Hill near Charles Bridge, this hidden baroque gem dates back to 1720. Three terraced levels—filled with hornbeams, yews, and thousands of flowers—are adorned with statues, vases, and paintings. Twice a year, the garden hosts a ceremonial lighting event. The top terrace pavilion offers stunning views of Prague Castle and the Old Town.
Admission: £5 adults, £4 children, £15 families. Open 10am–7pm, April–October. prague.eu
Diomedes Botanical Gardens, Athens
While Athens’ National Garden is famous, this lesser-known botanical garden (a 20-minute bus ride away) spans 186 hectares. Most of it remains wild, but 20 hectares are cultivated, featuring over 2,500 plant species. Highlights include an arboretum with global trees, ornamental flowerbeds and ponds, and a section dedicated to plants mentioned by ancient Greeks.
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Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!The garden features medicinal and aromatic plants, economically important species, hothouse plants, and rare specimens. A small café is also available.
Opening hours:
Weekdays: 8 AM–2 PM
Weekends and holidays: 10 AM–3 PM
Closed in August.
For more information, visit: diomedes-bg.uoa.gr
Correction: This article was updated on 31 July 2025. A previous version incorrectly stated that Károlyi-kert was in Budapest’s palace district; it is actually located in District V.
