Start our green journey in New York City with Manhattan's most famous parks, which are true icons of the city.

Central Park is undoubtedly the most famous park in New York, and perhaps even the world. This huge green space of 341 hectares is the true heart of Manhattan. The park offers countless attractions for visitors of all ages. Here you can rent a boat and sail on the lake, visit the zoo, admire the sculptures and fountains, or simply relax on the vast lawns. Central Park is ideal for family picnics, jogging or cycling. It's worth noting that the park is open year-round and offers different activities depending on the season - from ice skating in winter to outdoor concerts in summer.

Bryant Park, although much smaller than Central Park, has its own unique charm. This intimate park is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, right next to the Public Library. Bryant Park is famous for its summer outdoor movie screenings and winter ice rink. It's the perfect place for a lunch break for employees at nearby offices or to relax after shopping on nearby Fifth Avenue. The park also offers free WiFi, making it a popular spot for outdoor work.

The Battery, also known as Battery Park, is a historic park located on the southern tip of Manhattan. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The park is full of monuments and sculptures commemorating New York's history. It is also the site from which ferries depart for Staten Island and the Statue of Liberty. The Battery offers beautiful gardens, walking paths and rest areas overlooking the bay.

Madison Square Park, located in the heart of the Flatiron District, is another green gem of Manhattan. This small but charming park is surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Flatiron Building. Madison Square Park is famous for its temporary art installations, concerts and food festivals. It's a great place to relax and observe urban life.

Each of these parks has its own unique character and offers something different. Central Park is ideal for day trips and active recreation, Bryant Park is an oasis of calm in the heart of business Midtown, The Battery offers history and views, and Madison Square Park combines art with nature. All are easily accessible by public transportation and are excellent starting points for exploring New York's other attractions.

Leaving Manhattan, we move on to Brooklyn, a borough that has become extremely popular with tourists and residents in recent years. Brooklyn boasts several magnificent parks that offer not only contact with nature, but also unforgettable views of the Manhattan skyline.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a relatively new, but already iconic park stretching along the East River. The park offers incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. It's the perfect place for walking, biking or picnicking overlooking the city. The park has sports fields, children's playgrounds and even a city beach. In the summer, it hosts open-air concerts and movie screenings. Brooklyn Bridge Park is an excellent example of revitalizing a brownfield site and transforming it into a vibrant public space.

Prospect Park, often referred to as 'Brooklyn's Central Park,' is a huge green space designed by the same architects who created Central Park. The park offers expansive meadows, a lake, woods and many paths for running and biking. In Prospect Park you'll also find a zoo, an ice rink (open in winter) and a concert stage. It's the perfect place for a day trip with the family. The park is less crowded than Central Park, allowing for a more peaceful getaway.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a true paradise for plant and gardening lovers. This 21-acre botanical garden offers a diverse collection of plants from around the world. It is especially beautiful in spring, when cherry trees and magnolias are in bloom. The garden also has greenhouses with tropical plants, a Japanese garden and a rosette. It's the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature. Brooklyn Botanic Garden also organizes workshops and educational programs for children and adults.

Riverside Park, although technically located in Manhattan, is worth mentioning in the context of lesser-known but equally beautiful parks. This long, narrow park stretches along the Hudson River from 72nd Street to 158th Street. It offers beautiful views of the river and New Jersey, jogging and biking paths, and many picnic areas. The park is less crowded than Central Park, making it an ideal place for a quiet break.

Each of these parks has its own unique character. Brooklyn Bridge Park delights with views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park offers expansive spaces and a variety of activities, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an oasis of tranquility and plant beauty, and Riverside Park is the perfect place to relax by the river. All of these parks are easily accessible by subway and provide an excellent alternative to Manhattan's crowded attractions.

New York City hides many lesser-known but equally charming green spaces. These hidden gems offer peace and contact with nature away from the crowds of tourists.

The Ramble in Central Park is a wilderness area in the heart of Manhattan. Designed as a 'forest in the city,' this 38-acre site offers winding paths, streams and lush vegetation. It's the perfect place for bird lovers - The Ramble is home to many species of birds and a popular spot for bird watching. A walk through The Ramble is like a trip into the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's the perfect place for those looking for peace and quiet and contact with wildlife in the heart of the metropolis.

Elizabeth Street Garden is a hidden gem in Manhattan's NoLita neighborhood. This small but charming community garden is filled with sculptures, old artifacts and lush vegetation. It's the perfect place to take a break while exploring the trendy boutiques and restaurants in the area. The garden often hosts cultural events and workshops for the community. It's worth noting that the future of this garden is uncertain due to development plans, so it's worth visiting while it exists.

Also worth mentioning are the lesser-known parts of the larger parks. For example, the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park is a charming garden inspired by plants mentioned in Shakespeare's works. It's a quiet and romantic place, perfect for a moment of relaxation away from the crowds.

In addition to the main attractions, The Battery also offers hidden corners, such as urban gardens and quiet paths overlooking the bay. It's worth taking the time to explore these less frequented parts of the park.

When comparing these hidden gems with more well-known parks, there are several differences. First of all, they are much less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience of nature in the city. They also offer a more 'wild' and natural environment compared to carefully designed major parks. On the other hand, they may have limited amenities and be harder for tourists to find.

In terms of accessibility, The Ramble is part of Central Park, so it is easily accessible. Elizabeth Street Garden has limited opening hours and may be closed on some days. Shakespeare Garden is open daily as part of Central Park. The Battery is open year-round and easily accessible by public transportation.

All in all, these lesser-known green spaces offer a unique perspective on nature in New York City. They are ideal for those who are looking for peace and quiet, want to escape the crowds or just like to explore hidden corners of the city. By visiting them, you can experience a different side of New York - quiet, green and full of surprises.