Our journey through Bucharest's green corners begins with two of the city's oldest and most famous parks - Cișmigiu Gardens and King Michael I Park.

Cișmigiu Gardens, founded in 1847, is a true gem in the heart of Bucharest. This oldest public park in the city impresses with its elegance and romantic character. Walking through its alleys, we can admire carefully designed flower beds, majestic trees and charming bridges thrown over a picturesque lake. The park offers many attractions for the whole family - in summer you can rent boats and swim on the lake, and in winter part of the reservoir turns into a popular ice rink. Cișmigiu Gardens is also a great place to have a picnic or relax on one of the many benches.

It is worth noting the richness of the flora - the park is home to many species of trees and shrubs, making it not only a place for relaxation, but also a kind of arboretum in the center of the city. History buffs will be interested in the numerous monuments and sculptures scattered throughout the area, commemorating important figures and events in the history of Romania.

However, Cișmigiu Gardens also has its downsides. Some visitors point out that the park gives the impression of being underdeveloped in places, and that some of the infrastructure, such as the playgrounds, are in need of renovation. In addition, during the summer season, especially on weekends, the park can be quite crowded, which can make it difficult to find a quiet place to relax.

King Michael I Park, on the other hand, formerly known as Herastrau Park, is Bucharest's largest park, stretching over an impressive 187 hectares. The centerpiece of the park is the expansive Herastrau Lake, which is surrounded by scenic walking and biking paths. The park offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages, from children's playgrounds to sports fields to barbecue and picnic areas.

One of the biggest advantages of King Michael I Park is its vast space, which allows visitors to find a quiet spot even on the busiest days. The park is perfectly suited for active recreation - you can rent bicycles, boats or canoes. Of interest to lovers of flora and fauna will be the Romanian Village Museum, located within the park, where you can see traditional rural architecture from various regions of the country.

However, this park also has its downsides. Some visitors point out the state of the infrastructure, which in some places needs renovation. This is especially true of the sidewalks and alleys, which are uneven and cracked in places, which can make it difficult for the elderly or families with strollers to get around.

Comparing the two parks, Cișmigiu Gardens is more intimate and romantic, ideal for short walks and relaxation in the city center. King Michael I Park, on the other hand, offers more space and opportunities for active recreation, being the perfect place for day trips for families. Both parks have their own unique character and are definitely worth a visit during your stay in Bucharest.

Continuing our tour of Bucharest's green corners, we can't leave out two unique places that combine recreational and educational values - the Youth Park and the Botanical Garden.

Bucharest's Youth Park, also known as Parcul Tineretului, is a vast green area of 200 hectares that offers countless leisure activities. It is a place that successfully combines recreational, sports and cultural functions, providing a true center of entertainment for locals and tourists of all ages.

The focal point of the park is a picturesque lake, around which there are walking and bicycle paths. It's the perfect place for a relaxing walk or bike ride. For lovers of active recreation, the park offers numerous sports fields, tennis courts and even a skate park. Children are sure to enjoy the large and well-equipped playground.

One of the greatest assets of the Youth Park is its versatility. In addition to recreational areas, there is also an amphitheater where concerts and cultural events are held. The park is also a popular picnic spot - the expansive lawns invite you to relax on a blanket with a book or with friends.

It is worth noting that the Youth Park is well-maintained and clean, which is appreciated by visitors. A wide selection of restaurants and cafes in the park allows you to relax and enjoy a meal without leaving this green paradise.

The Bucharest Botanical Garden, on the other hand, is a real gem for nature lovers and environmental education. Founded in 1860, it covers an area of 17.5 hectares and is home to more than 10,000 plant species from around the world.

The Botanical Garden is not only a place for strolling, but above all a living museum of flora. Visitors can enjoy a variety of ecosystems, from tropical greenhouses to alpine rock gardens. Particularly noteworthy is the rosarium with more than 3,000 varieties of roses, which creates a breathtaking sight during the blooming season.

One of the garden's biggest attractions is the impressive greenhouse, which features tropical and subtropical plants. It's the perfect place for an 'exotic' trip without leaving Bucharest. For those interested in science, the garden offers a rich educational program, including workshops and guided tours.

The Botanical Garden is also a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Quiet alleys, benches hidden in the shade of trees and quiet corners promote tranquility and contemplation of nature.

Comparing the two places, the Youth Park offers more opportunities for active recreation and entertainment, being an ideal place for families with children and people who enjoy a sporty lifestyle. The Botanical Garden, on the other hand, is a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility and botanical education.

It is worth noting, however, that both places have their downsides. Youth Park can be quite crowded on weekends and during events, which can make it difficult to find a quiet spot. The Botanical Garden, on the other hand, while beautiful, needs better maintenance according to some visitors - some parts of the garden seem neglected.

Nevertheless, both the Youth Park and the Botanical Garden are places that are definitely worth visiting while in Bucharest. They offer unique experiences and the opportunity for close contact with nature in the heart of a bustling metropolis.

To conclude our tour of Bucharest's green lungs, we can't leave out a true gem among the city's parks - Herastrau Park. This impressive area of greenery, stretching over 110 hectares, is not only the largest park in Bucharest, but also one of the largest city parks in Europe.

Herastrau Park, officially known as King Michael I Park, is a place that combines everything you would expect from an ideal city park. At the heart of the park is the vast Herastrau Lake, which is the focal point of this green paradise. The lake is surrounded by miles of walking and biking paths, making the park ideal for both quiet strolls and active recreation enthusiasts.

One of the greatest assets of Herastrau Park is its versatility. There are numerous playgrounds for children, sports fields, tennis courts and even a golf course. Water enthusiasts can take advantage of boat and canoe rentals to explore the scenic corners of the lake. The park also offers many picnic spots, making it an ideal destination for family outings.

The park's rich cultural offerings are worth noting. It features the Village Museum, showcasing traditional Romanian architecture, as well as numerous monuments and sculptures scattered throughout the area. During the summer season, the park hosts many cultural events, concerts and festivals, adding to its appeal.

One of the most charming corners of Herastrau Park is the Japanese Garden - an oasis of peace and harmony, where one can admire the characteristic elements of Japanese horticultural art. It is an ideal place for a moment of tranquility and contemplation.

Herastrau Park is also distinguished by its rich gastronomic offer. Numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the grounds allow you to relax and dine in beautiful surroundings. Especially popular are the places with terraces overlooking the lake, where you can enjoy a meal in a unique setting.

Comparing Herastrau Park with the previously discussed parks, one can see that it combines the best features of each of them. It is sprawling like King Michael I Park, offers a wealth of attractions like Youth Park, and at the same time has charming, peaceful corners reminiscent of Cișmigiu Gardens. Its diversity means there is something for everyone.

However, like any place, Herastrau Park also has its downsides. During the summer season, especially on weekends, it can be quite crowded, which can make it difficult to find a quiet place to relax. Some visitors also point out the condition of some of the infrastructure, which is in need of renovation.

Nevertheless, Herastrau Park remains the undisputed crown among Bucharest's parks. Its size, variety of attractions and picturesque location make it a must-visit place during your stay in the Romanian capital. Whether you're looking for active recreation, quiet relaxation or a cultural experience, Herastrau Park has it all.

To sum up our tour of Bucharest's green lungs, it is worth emphasizing the important role parks and gardens play in the life of this dynamic city. Not only do they provide oases of peace and relaxation, but they are also a testament to the quality of life of residents and tourists. Each of the parks discussed has its own unique character and offers something special that makes Bucharest appear as a city friendly to nature and people. When visiting the Romanian capital, plan time to explore these green corners - an experience that will stay in your memory for a long time and allow you to discover a different, more relaxing face of this fascinating city.