Let's start our green journey with Maksimir Park, a true gem among Zagreb's green spaces. Founded in 1794, it is the oldest public park in southeastern Europe. With an impressive 316 hectares, Park Maksimir offers not only beautiful alleys and old-growth trees, but also lakes, gardens and even a small zoo. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or a long, relaxing walk. The park has received a high rating of 4.8 from visitors, who praise it for its variety of attractions and wonderful atmosphere.

Not far from the city center is Zrinjevac, another historic park that impresses with its elegance and orderly layout. Founded in the 19th century, Zrinjevac is part of Zagreb's so-called 'Green Horseshoe'. The centerpiece of the park is the music pavilion, which often hosts outdoor concerts. The park is famous for its beautiful flower beds and majestic plane trees. With a rating of 4.8, Zrinjevac is a favorite of locals and tourists alike, especially on warm summer evenings.

For those looking for a more intimate spot, Ribnjak Park would be an ideal choice. Located just behind the cathedral, this small park offers a peaceful atmosphere and charming corners. Although it received a slightly lower rating of 4.6, it is appreciated for its atmosphere and proximity to the center. It's a great place to take a short break while exploring the old town.

We can't leave out the Botanical Garden, which is a real treasure trove of plants from all over the world. Established in 1889, the garden impresses with its variety of species and beautifully designed pathways. With a rating of 4.4, it may not be the highest rated place, but it is certainly one of the most educational and fascinating. Worth noting is the greenhouse with giant water lilies - a real hit with visitors.

Continuing our journey through the green corners of Zagreb, we can't miss Rokov Park. This lesser-known but extremely charming park received a high rating of 4.8 from visitors. Located a bit off the main tourist routes, it offers peace and tranquility that is hard to find in the city center. It's the perfect place for an afternoon picnic or a relaxing stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Grič Park, despite its small size, deserves special attention. With a rating of 4.8, this park stands out not only for its beauty, but especially for its extraordinary view of the Zagreb skyline. Located on a hill, it offers unique perspectives on the city, making it a popular spot for photographers and romantics. It is also a great starting point for exploring the Upper City.

For those who appreciate a more local experience, Stara Trešnjevka Park would be an ideal choice. With a rating of 4.5, this park is the heart of the Trešnjevka neighborhood and a favorite of local residents. It offers a large playground for children, making it an ideal place for families. Here you can feel the real rhythm of everyday Zagrebian life.

Opatovina Park, despite a slightly lower rating of 4.6, has its own unique charm. Located in the historic part of the city, it combines elements of modernity with respect for the past. It's a great place to take a short break while exploring the old town, offering shade and tranquility on hot days.

Dubravkin put park is a real oasis for lovers of active recreation. With an impressive rating of 4.9, this park offers scenic paths ideal for running or Nordic walking. Stretching along a stream, it provides not only contact with nature, but also fresh air and silence, so rare in a big city. This place is especially recommended for those who want to combine relaxation with physical activity.

At the end of our green journey in Zagreb, it is worth mentioning the Park of Fountains (Park of Fountains). This is a relatively new space in the city that has quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists. With a rating of 4.4, this park may not be the highest rated, but it is certainly one of the most original. As the name suggests, the main attraction here is the numerous fountains and water installations, which especially on hot days attract crowds looking to cool off. The park is also a great example of modern urban space design, combining functionality with aesthetics.

To sum up our tour of Zagreb's 10 most beautiful parks and gardens, it is worth noting the variety of spaces on offer. From historic gardens like Park Maksimir or Zrinjevac to modern spaces like Fountain Park, each place has its own unique character and attractions.

In terms of ratings, the highest ranked are Park Dubravkin put (4.9) and Park Maksimir, Zrinjevac and Rokov Park (all with a rating of 4.8). These are places that combine natural beauty with rich history and a variety of attractions. Slightly lower, but still with very good ratings, are Park Grič (4.8), Park Opatovina (4.6) and Park Stara Trešnjevka (4.5). The Botanical Garden and Fountain Park, despite their lower ratings (both 4.4), offer unique experiences not to be missed when visiting Zagreb.

The differences between these places are worth noting. Park Maksimir and Zrinjevac are sprawling, historic parks ideal for long walks and picnics. In contrast, Park Grič or Park Opatovina are smaller spaces offering unique views or the atmosphere of the old city. Park Dubravkin put stands out as a place for the active, while the Botanical Garden is a paradise for plant lovers and nature education.

Admission prices to most parks are free, which is a big plus for families and travelers on a tight budget. The exception is the Botanical Garden, where an entrance ticket costs about €2 for adults (as of 2023), which is still an affordable price for the attractions on offer.

Zagreb proves that it is a city that cares about its green spaces, offering residents and tourists plenty of opportunities to get in touch with nature. Whether you're looking for a place for relaxation, active recreation, nature education or just want to get away from the urban hustle and bustle, Croatia's capital has something to offer. These green oases not only enhance the quality of life in the city, but are also an important part of its identity and tourist appeal. When planning a visit to Zagreb, be sure to include time in your schedule to explore these beautiful green spaces - an experience you will long remember.