Green lungs of Polish cities: 6 most beautiful parks and urban gardens

Green lungs of Polish cities: 6 most beautiful parks and urban gardens

June 11, 2025

Poland can boast a rich history of gardening and urban green design. In many Polish cities there are real gems - parks and gardens, which not only constitute the green lungs of the agglomeration, but are also a testimony to the artistry of gardeners and landscape architects. In this article we will take you on a journey through six of the most beautiful parks and urban gardens in Poland. These green enclaves offer not only shade and tranquility on hot days, but also a wealth of attractions for the whole family. From the exotic Japanese Garden in Wroclaw, to the historic Krasinski Garden in Warsaw, to the picturesque Kapias Gardens in Goczałkowice-Zdrój - each of these places has its own unique atmosphere and character. We invite you to discover these green treasures, which are the perfect destination for weekend excursions, a place to relax after work or educational walks with children. Regardless of the season, these parks and gardens always have something to offer, from spring's blooming magnolias to summer's concerts in the gazebos to autumn's golden alleys. Get ready for an unforgettable experience and discover how beautiful the green lungs of Polish cities can be!

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Exoticism and history in the heart of cities

We begin our journey with the Japanese Garden in Wroclaw, a true gem among Polish themed gardens. Located at 1 Adam Mickiewicza Street, it is easily accessible by both public transportation and car. Parking is nearby, but it can get crowded in high season, so consider taking the streetcar to the nearby zoo. The garden, open to the public from spring to autumn, is stunning with authentic Japanese landscaping. Winding paths, bridges over ponds full of colorful koi carp, and carefully trimmed trees and shrubs create an atmosphere of being transported to distant Japan. An entrance ticket costs about 20-25 zlotys (as of 2023), but it's worth checking current prices on the garden's official website. Families with children may find the origami or tea ceremony workshops, held during the summer season, particularly interesting. Note that the garden is not suitable for entry with baby strollers, and dogs are not allowed on the grounds.

We now move to the capital, where the Krasinski Garden - one of Warsaw's oldest and most beautiful parks - awaits. Located in the heart of the city, on Gen. W. Andersa Street, it is easily accessible by public transportation - the nearest subway stations are Arsenal Town Hall and Muranów. The garden, founded in the 17th century, combines Baroque elements with a romantic landscape. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll among the ancient trees. The park is open all year round and admission is free. There are playgrounds for children, and concerts and cultural events are held in the summer season. Note the historic fountain and the sculpture 'Fishermen' from 1936. The garden is handicap-friendly, with accessible paths and benches. There are numerous cafes and restaurants nearby, making this the perfect place for a day trip.

The final point on this part of our trip is the Kapias Gardens in Goczałkowice-Zdrój. This unique place combines the functions of a show garden, garden center and restaurant. Located at 24 Zimowa Street, they are easily accessible by car, with ample free parking. The gardens are open year-round and admission is free, a rarity among such expansive garden complexes. Visitors can enjoy more than 20 themed gardens, ranging from English to Japanese, each carefully designed and maintained. There is a special playground with a tyrolean for children, and marked paths are available for those in wheelchairs. On warm days, plan a day trip - there are cafes and a restaurant serving regional cuisine on the grounds. Kapias Gardens is not only a tourist attraction, but also a source of inspiration for gardening enthusiasts - you can buy plants and gardening accessories here.

Royal gardens and botanical wonders

We continue our journey by moving to Gdansk, where the Adam Mickiewicz Oliwski Park awaits us. This beautiful, historic park is located on Opata Jacka Rybińskiego Street in the Oliwa district. The easiest way to get here is by streetcar or SKM to Gdańsk Oliwa station, from where the park is just a few minutes' walk away. The park is open all year round, and admission is free. A real feast for the senses awaits visitors here - historic linden alleys, careful flower compositions, as well as a charming palm house with exotic plants and a café. Note the monumental monuments of nature, including one of the largest plane trees in Europe. There is a playground for families with children, and culture lovers can enjoy summer concerts held in the park. The park is partially adapted for people with disabilities, although some alleys can be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. During the summer season, it is advisable to plan a visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

We now move to Bialystok, where there is a true gem of garden architecture - Branicki Park. Located in the city center on Jana Kilińskiego Street, it is easily accessible both on foot and by public transportation. Often referred to as the 'Versailles of the North', the park delights with its baroque layout, fountains and carefully maintained flower parterres. Admission to the park is free, and it is open all year round. We especially recommend a visit in May or June, when the local rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom. There is a playground for children, and adults can relax on the numerous benches among the greenery. The park is largely adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. During the summer season, concerts and cultural events are held here. Note the restored Eagle Pavilion and the orangery. There are many cafes and restaurants in the vicinity of the park, making it possible to plan a longer stay in the area.

Last but not least on our trip is Warsaw's Saski Garden. This historic park, founded in the 18th century, is located in the heart of the capital on Marszalkowska Street. It is easy to get here by subway (Swietokrzyska station) or bus. The garden is open 24 hours a day and admission is free. It's an ideal place for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll among old trees and decorative flower beds. In the central part of the garden is the famous fountain, and nearby - the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There is a playground for children, and in the summer season concerts and cultural events are organized here. The garden is fully adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. Note the antique sculptures and the sundial. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby, allowing you to plan a day trip in the area. The Saski Garden is not only a place to relax, but also a living history lesson - it's worth telling your children about its royal past and its importance in the lives of Varsovians over the centuries.

Practical tips for visitors

When planning a visit to any of the described parks and gardens, it's worth remembering a few practical tips that will help make the trip even more enjoyable and comfortable.

First, let's check the weather forecast in advance and prepare accordingly. On sunny days, let's not forget headgear, UV sunscreen and a bottle of water. In case of rainy weather, an umbrella or rain jacket will come in handy. Comfortable shoes are a must - most parks have gravel alleys, which can be uncomfortable in stilettos or flip-flops.

If you plan to have a picnic, make sure to check whether this is allowed in a particular park. In the Saxon Garden or Oliwa Park there is no problem with this, but in the Japanese Garden in Wroclaw or in the historic part of Branicki Park it may be forbidden. It is advisable to bring a picnic blanket and snacks, remembering to take your trash with you.

For families with children, we recommend bringing a small plant or bird guide - this can be a great opportunity for educational fun. In the case of Kapias Gardens or Olive Park, where there is a wide variety of plants, such a mini lesson in botany can be fascinating for little explorers.

People with disabilities should check the accessibility of different parts of the parks in advance. Although most of the places described are at least partially adapted, some historic parts may be difficult to access for wheelchairs.

It's also a good idea to keep a camera in mind - each of the described parks offers plenty of beautiful sights and opportunities to take souvenir photos. We especially recommend taking photos during the 'golden hours' - just after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is most beautiful.

For nature lovers, we recommend bringing binoculars - in each of the parks you can observe a variety of bird species, and in the case of Kapias Gardens or Olive Park, also insects and butterflies.

Also remember to check opening hours - although most parks are open all day, some, like the Japanese Garden in Wroclaw, have specific opening hours. It's also worth checking if there are any special events going on during our visit - concerts in the Saxon Garden or workshops in the Kapias Gardens can be an added attraction.

Finally, we encourage you to use these green spaces responsibly. Let's respect nature, don't pick plants, don't feed wild animals and always clean up after ourselves. This will ensure that these beautiful places can be enjoyed by future generations of visitors.

Whichever of the described parks or gardens you choose, we are sure that you will have an unforgettable adventure in a green oasis of tranquility. Each of these places has its own unique character and atmosphere, offering not only contact with nature, but also a lesson in history, architecture and the art of gardening. We encourage you to explore these green lungs of Polish cities - they are ideal places for a family vacation, a romantic walk or simply a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. We wish you successful trips and unforgettable impressions!

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