Beginning our journey through the green corners of Warsaw, it is impossible to miss the capital's most representative and well-known park - Łazienki Królewskie Park. The Royal Baths Park is a true gem among Warsaw's green spaces, occupying an impressive 76 hectares in the heart of the city. This eighteenth-century palace and park complex was founded on the initiative of King Stanislaw August Poniatowski and still impresses with its classicist beauty. Walking through the alleys of the Lazienki Park, one can admire not only the lush vegetation, but also numerous architectural monuments, such as the Palace on the Island, the Amphitheater and the Orangery.

The Palace on the Island, which is the centerpiece of the park, is a true masterpiece of Polish classicist architecture. Situated picturesquely on an artificial island in the middle of a lake, it is surrounded by water, which creates unusual reflections in the surface of the pond. Inside the palace are valuable works of art and furnishings from the era of King Stanislaw August. Especially noteworthy are the Ballroom, the Dining Room and the Royal Cabinet. During the summer season, the famous Chopin concerts are held in front of the palace, attracting classical music lovers from all over the world.

Lazienki Park is also a paradise for nature lovers. In the park you can meet many species of birds, including peacocks, characteristic of this place, which stroll freely along the alleys. In spring, the park delights with blooming magnolias and rhododendrons, creating a fairy-tale setting. Numerous monuments, including the famous Frederic Chopin monument, add to the park's cultural character. The Baths also offer a range of activities for the active - you can rent a bicycle, go roller-skating or simply enjoy a stroll among the greenery.

Not far from the Lazienki Park is another historic park - Ujazdowski Park. Established in the 19th century on the site of the former gardens of the Ujazdowski Castle, it covers an area of about 6 hectares. Ujazdowski Park has an English character, with picturesque ponds, bridges and hills. It is particularly popular with local residents, who appreciate its intimate character. The park has a historic children's playground, a café and a distinctive fountain. Ujazdowski Park is also home to many old, valuable trees, including several natural monuments.

Saski Garden, on the other hand, is the oldest public park in Warsaw, established in the 18th century as a French-style garden. It was originally part of the Saxon Palace complex and served as a private royal garden, only to be later opened to the city's residents. Today, the Saski Garden impresses with its symmetrical layout of alleys, carefully trimmed hedges and fountains. The centerpiece of the park is the Great Fountain, around which 21 Baroque sculptures symbolizing various virtues and allegories have been placed. The park also features a famous sundial and a statue of Maria Konopnicka.

The Saski Garden also has important historical significance - it is here that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located, a symbol of remembrance of those who died defending the homeland. This place, with its ever-burning candles and honor guard, is an important point on the map of patriotic places in the capital. The park is also a popular meeting place for Varsovians, who on warm days like to relax on the numerous benches in the shade of centuries-old trees.

It is worth noting that both the Royal Baths Park, Ujazdowski Park and the Saski Garden form part of the so-called Royal Route - a historic road connecting the most important royal residences in Warsaw. As a result, you can plan a walking tour that combines visiting these three historic parks with exploring other sights of the capital. Each of these parks has its own unique character and atmosphere, but they all have in common a rich history and cultural heritage that make them unique places on the map of Warsaw.

In addition to historic park settings, Warsaw also boasts modern green spaces that combine recreational functions with natural and cultural values. One of the most spectacular examples is the Multimedia Fountain Park, located in Podzamcze, at the foot of the Old Town. This modern complex, opened in 2011, has quickly become one of the capital's main tourist attractions. The park consists of 367 jets forming fountains of various shapes and heights, which in the evenings turn into a true spectacle of light, water and sound.

Multimedia shows in the Fountain Park are held during the summer season, from May to September, attracting crowds of spectators. During the shows, the water curtain displays animations and visualizations, often related to the history of Warsaw, and the whole is complemented by carefully selected music. During the day, the park is a pleasant place to relax, overlooking the Vistula River and the Old Town skyline. Surrounding the fountains are viewing terraces and benches, allowing you to comfortably admire both the shows and the surrounding landscape.

Not far from the Multimedia Fountain Park, on the other side of the Vistula River, is Praski Park - one of the oldest public parks in the right bank of Warsaw. Established in 1865, it covers an area of about 30 hectares and is a valuable green space for Praga residents. Praga Park is landscaped, with numerous alleys, ponds and old trees. One of its main attractions is a small zoo, which has been operating here since 1928 and is a popular place for families with children to visit.

Praga Park also has a rich history - before World War II it was the site of numerous folk festivals and games, and there were cafes and restaurants in the area. Today the park has retained its folkloric character, being the site of many outdoor events and concerts. It is worth noting the historic shrines and monuments located in the park, including the monument to Soviet Soldiers and the monument to Kosciuszko Soldiers.

Szczęśliwicki Park, located in the western part of the city in the Ochota district, has a completely different character. This sprawling 30-hectare park is distinguished primarily by its varied terrain, which makes it unique among other Warsaw green spaces. The centerpiece of the park is the Górka Szczęśliwicka (Szczęśliwice Hill), an artificial hill 152 meters above sea level, which was created from the rubble of post-war Warsaw. Today the hill serves as a year-round ski slope (with a ski lift and snowmaking installation) and a vantage point for viewing the city skyline.

Szczęśliwicki Park offers many opportunities for active leisure. There are bicycle paths, jogging trails, sports fields and even a skate park. Amateurs of quieter forms of recreation can take advantage of the numerous benches and gazebos scattered throughout the park or visit the restaurant located here. The park also hosts a variety of sports and cultural events, including ski competitions, cross-country skiing and outdoor concerts.

Pole Mokotowskie, on the other hand, is a vast, 70-hectare green area located on the border of three districts: Mokotów, Ochota and Śródmieście. The history of the place is fascinating - in the past there was a Mokotow airfield here, and later a military training ground. Today Pole Mokotowskie is a popular recreational park, especially appreciated by students of nearby universities and lovers of active recreation. The park is open, with extensive lawns that are perfect for picnicking, playing frisbee or just lounging on sunny days.

There are several ponds in Pola Mokotowskie, connected by canals, which creates a picturesque water system. A popular path for joggers and cyclists runs around the park, and in its central part is the 'Little Warsaw' pavilion, which hosts cultural events. The park is also famous for its numerous cafes and restaurants located on its outskirts, which put up gardens during the summer season, creating a pleasant atmosphere for socializing.

It is worth mentioning that both the Multimedia Fountain Park, Praga Park, Szczęśliwicki Park and Pole Mokotowskie are perfectly connected with the rest of the city, making them easily accessible to both residents and tourists. Each of these parks offers different attractions and recreational opportunities, making them valuable additions to Warsaw's historic parkland. The capital's modern parks, while not boasting centuries of history, create a space where tradition meets modernity and nature meets the urban landscape.

In addition to the most popular and well-known parks, Warsaw also hides some less obvious but equally charming green corners that are worth discovering during walks around the city. One such place is Ignacy Jan Paderewski's Skaryszewski Park, located on the right bank of the Vistula River in the Praga-Południe district. This sprawling 58-hectare park was established in the early 20th century, designed by Franciszek Szanior, and is considered one of the most beautiful park layouts in Poland. In 2009, Skaryszewski Park even won the title of the most beautiful park in Poland, and in 2012 it took third place in the competition for the most beautiful park in Europe.

What makes Skaryszewski Park so special? First of all, its picturesque location on Kamionkowski Lake, which is an old river bed of the Vistula River. Walking paths lead around the lake, and you can rent a boat or a pedal boat on its waters. The park also impresses with its wealth of vegetation - over 280 species of trees and shrubs grow here, including many exotic and rare specimens. Lovers of park architecture will appreciate the numerous sculptures, bridges and gazebos scattered throughout the area. The park also has an amphitheater, which hosts concerts and performances during the summer season.

Skaryszewski Park is also a place with a rich history. During World War II it witnessed dramatic events, and after the war it became a place to commemorate heroes - there are monuments to Edward M. House, Ignacy Jan Paderewski and the monument to the Building of the Brest Road. The park also hosts a variety of cultural and sporting events, including the popular 'Parkrun' run, which attracts running enthusiasts every Saturday.

Another lesser-known, but worth discovering, place is Morskie Oko Park, located in the posh Mokotow district. This small, 17-hectare park was established in the 19th century as part of Izabela Lubomirska's estate. The park was named after the pond, whose shape resembled the Tatra Morskie Oko. Today, the park impresses with its picturesque terrain, with hills and valleys that form charming corners. The centerpiece of the park is a pond with an island, around which a walking path leads.

The Morskie Oko Park has a romantic character, with numerous nooks and crannies, old trees and bridges. On its grounds is the historic Szustra Palace from 1772, which now houses the House of Art. The park is also home to many species of birds, including swans and ducks, which can be observed on the pond. Despite its small size, Morskie Oko Park offers many recreational opportunities - there are playgrounds for children, benches and gazebos, as well as a café in the Szustr Palace.

It is worth noting that both Skaryszewski Park and Morskie Oko Park are excellent examples of how historic park layouts can coexist harmoniously with the modern city, offering residents and tourists a space to relax and get in touch with nature. Both parks are also proof that Warsaw, despite wartime destruction and post-war reconstruction, has managed to preserve many valuable green spaces that are an important part of the city's identity.

Comparing all of the described parks of Warsaw, there are some differences and similarities. The Royal Baths and the Saxon Garden represent classical, historic park layouts, with a formal layout of alleys, fountains and historic buildings. They are places of great cultural and historical significance, attracting both tourists and residents. On the other hand, the Multimedia Fountain Park and Szczęśliwicki Park are examples of modern recreational spaces that offer more opportunities for active leisure and host a variety of events.

In terms of accessibility, all of the described parks are well connected to the rest of the city, but their location affects the nature of visitors. Parks located in the center, such as Łazienki and Saski Garden, attract more tourists, while those farther from the center, such as Skaryszewski Park and Szczęśliwicki Park, are more frequently visited by local residents. In terms of size, the largest of the parks described is Łazienki Królewskie (76 hectares), while the smallest is Park Morskie Oko (17 hectares).

Differences can also be seen in the attractions offered. The Royal Baths and the Palace on the Island are primarily cultural and historical attractions, with museums and historic buildings. Szczęśliwicki Park and Pole Mokotowskie offer more opportunities for active recreation, with sports and recreational infrastructure. The Multimedia Fountain Park stands out with spectacular multimedia shows as its main attraction. Praga Park, on the other hand, has a unique combination of history and children's attractions, thanks to a mini zoo on its grounds.

Regardless of their differences, all of Warsaw's parks have one thing in common - they are green oases in urban space, offering residents and tourists the opportunity for rest, recreation and contact with nature. Each of them has its own unique character and atmosphere, making them valuable elements of Warsaw's urban landscape. Exploring these green corners is an excellent way to experience the diversity and richness of Poland's capital.