May is the perfect time to enjoy nature and city dwellers and tourist flock to urban parks and public gardens. These oases of greenery and tranquility are favorite destinations for anyone looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy a walk, a picnic or to engage in physical and recreational activities.
For young children, parks provide a vital space for play, social interaction and exploration. They are real outdoor laboratories for children to explore nature, flora and fauna. Many parks also offer specially designed playgrounds, ideal for children to let off steam and have fun in a safe way.
But what are the most beautiful public parks and gardens in the country? Clubulcopiilor.ro has compiled a ranking of the best urban parks and public gardens in our country based on data Google Maps ratings data.
Google Maps has accumulated over one million reviews for urban parks and public gardens in Romania. Our ranking takes into account the parks and public gardens that have accumulated at least 1000 reviews over the years and have the highest average review ratings. Where park review averages were tied, we prioritized the park with the most reviews.
The best rated parks are in the country’s major cities – Iasi, Timisoara, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu and Craiova. Of these, two parks – Palas Public Garden in Iași and Iulius Gardens in Timișoara – managed to achieve an excellent rating of 4.8 out of a maximum of 5.
A very pleasant surprise are the parks in small or medium-sized cities such as Blaj, Carei, Câmpina, Slănic Moldova or Sinaia, which have attracted a lot of appreciation from visitors and are among the most beautiful and well-kept parks in Romania.
Below is a complete list of the country’s top-rated urban parks and public gardens.
1. Palas Public Garden, Iași
Rating: 4,8
Number of reviews: 10229
Palas Public Garden is a jewel located in the heart of Iasi, offering an oasis of greenery and beauty in an urban environment.
With plenty of shady spots, visitors can enjoy quiet and cool moments while admiring the rich and beautifully landscaped vegetation. An artesian fountain and esplanade with stairs leading up to the Palace of Culture add to the charm and provide excellent opportunities for spectacular photos.
Elegant restaurants and terraces nearby offer the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the lovely scenery. Discreet separations and affordable prices add to the comfort and satisfaction of visitors.
Both in summer and early spring, the garden retains its beauty and is always well tended and clean.
2. Iulius Gardens, Timișoara
Rating: 4,8
Number of reviews: 1715
Iulius Gardens is one of the most beautiful and well-groomed green spaces in Timisoara, uniquely landscaped above the underground car park in the Iulius Mall complex.
In addition to the greenery, the park offers other attractions such as: a double carousel for children, a picturesque lake, relaxing music walkways and lawn seating areas where visitors can stretch out and enjoy the view or a book.
A truly beautiful place where you can sit outside, enjoy the fresh air and green grass, grab a bite to eat or just enjoy the surroundings.
3. Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park(I.O.R.), Bucharest
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 29562
Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park in Sector 3, also known as Titan Park or IOR Park, is the highest rated park in Bucharest and the third highest rated urban park in the country. The park is one of the largest parks in the capital, with an area of 85 hectares, the second largest in Bucharest.
A highlight of the park is the beautiful lake, where you can take a boat or even a giant swan-looking boat for a ride. The lake is also a haven for many ducks, swans, lizards, turtles, gulls and other species of birds and animals that can be seen on the lake to the delight of the little ones.
In the park, you’ll find many oases of tranquility, children’s playgrounds, and if you’re a photography enthusiast or an animal lover, you’ll have plenty of subjects to capture in pictures. The park hosts weekly fairs and concerts, and on weekend evenings music can be heard in the park, either from the stage near the lake or from the Taverna Racilor restaurant at the entrance from Liviu Rebreanu Boulevard.
Here you can also find terraces to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, and if you’re a film buff, you can watch movies outdoors. The fresh, clean air in the park makes you feel away from the hustle and bustle of the city, giving you a sense of peace and relaxation.
4. Simion Bărnuțiu Central Park, Cluj
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 20538
The Central Park „Simion Bărnuțiu” (Parcul Mare) is located in the centre of Cluj-Napoca and is the most popular park in the city.
The park offers a variety of activities for visitors. There is a children’s play area, a bike trail, basketball courts and special areas for hammocks. A main attraction of the park is Lake Chios, where you can rent small boats for a pleasant ride on the small lake. In the Central Park you can also find the old Casino building, which frequently hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
In summer, the park becomes a favourite place for the people of Cluj because it hosts live concerts, open-air theatre performances and festivals. Children can enjoy play areas and activities specially designed for them every weekend.
5. Dumbrava Sibiului, Sibiu
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 20538
Dumbrava Sibiului holds a special place in the hearts of the local residents of Sibiu. The park, which is classified as a nature reserve, is located in the western part of the city and covers a generous area of about 900 hectares.
In Dumbrava Sibiu you will find a variety of leisure activities, including a zoo, a recreation area with lakes, an adventure park for children and adults, a mini golf course, a football pitch and many other sports facilities.
The main attraction of the park is MuseumASTRA one of the most beautiful museums in the country and the largest open-air museum in Europe. The museum presents local architecture and traditions from most regions of the country and you can admire traditional houses, churches, water and windmills as well as an impressive collection of traditional household objects and craft tools.
Besides Astra Park, Dumbrava Forest is another attraction of the park where you can discover various species of trees and shrubs, as well as many local species of flowers.
6. Nicolae Romanescu Park, Craiova
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 15508
The „Nicolae Romanescu” Park in Craiova is one of the largest parks in Eastern Europe and the third largest in Europe, being one of the main attractions of Craiova. The park has a total area of almost 100 hectares and the lake inside the park is about 4 hectares.
Here you can see the Enchanted Castle and Suspension Bridge, which are over 100 years old, the Great Lake and the Fetsey Stream with its enchanting sirens.
The park also has a small zoo, which you can visit for free. The park is also equipped with a number of facilities such as running and cycling tracks, sports fields, picnic areas and children’s playgrounds. You can have a coffee on the terrace next to the pier, or eat on the terrace in the middle of the park.
7. Dimitrie Ghica Park, Sinaia
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 14015
This beautiful park is located in the centre of Sinaia and is a great place to relax, where you can enjoy the birdsong and, if you are lucky, meet the black squirrels that are extremely friendly to passers-by.
The park’s attractions include beautifully landscaped paths, a picturesque lake and a wooden bridge linking the two sides of the lake. The landscape is embellished with numerous species of plants and trees, and in the warm season, colourful flowers and tall grasses bring a touch of freshness and fragrance to the air. There’s also a lovely children’s play area with a zip line and it’s a perfect place to enjoy a kurtos kolacs.
With the renovation of the park, the royal bank was also restored, one of the five royal banks built in 1905, during the time of King Charles I, the inscription on the speteace indicating the year of construction.
The park is home to the Bucegi Nature Reserve Museum and the beautiful building of the Sinaia Casino, recently transformed into the International Conference Centre, where fairs and exhibitions are regularly held.
8. Copou Park, Iași
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 9203
Copou Park (or Copou Garden) is the oldest park in Iasi, located on Copoului Hill and covers an area of about 10 hectares.
The park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Romania, an oasis of relaxation, tranquility and peace. It is located near the „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi and other historical buildings, and is known for Mihai Eminescu’s linden tree, a symbol of the city, and the Obelisk with Lions.
In addition to history and natural beauty, the park frequently hosts cultural events, music and fun activities. „Climbing the Copoul” is an experience in itself, as you can feel the pulse of the city at a walk, enjoying how beautiful and special Iași is.
9. Iulius Park, Cluj
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 5434
Iulius Park in Cluj-Napoca is a small park, but very chic and well maintained, and an extremely lively place where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature and the lake.
The lake is one of the highlights of the park, where you can admire the wild ducks and take a short boat ride. You’ll find benches dotted around the park and shaded areas where you can enjoy a snack or coffee while soaking up the sunshine.
Throughout the year, concerts, shows, festivals and sports activities are organised here, bringing a vibrant and lively atmosphere to the garden.
10. Infinity Column Park, Târgu Jiu
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 5136
The Park of the Infinite Column in Targu Jiu is an emblematic and impressive place, home to one of the most famous works of the Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi. Located in the artist’s hometown, this park is a great destination for art lovers and those looking for a unique cultural experience.
Surrounded by a circular walkway and abundant vegetation, the Infinity Column fits perfectly into the natural beauty of the park. The cobbled pathways lead you through the greenery of the park, giving you the opportunity to explore every detail of this work of art and be carried away by its unique energy.
11. Citadel Park, Sibiu
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 4190
The Citadel Park in Sibiu is a picturesque and enchanting place, stretching around the old medieval fortification of the city. Located in the historic heart of Sibiu, it offers an oasis of peace and greenery and a welcome stop for tourists visiting the historic city centre.
With its medieval walls and defensive towers, the fortress adds a special charm to the whole area and offers an impressive view.
12. Regina Maria Municipal Park, Baia Mare
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 3891
The „Regina Maria” Municipal Park in Baia Mare is a green jewel located very close to the city centre. Here you can take a relaxing walk along the wide and beautifully landscaped paths or take a ride on the little train. In the middle of the park you can play tennis on one of the two well-maintained clay courts.
Make sure you don’t leave the park before enjoying the excellent quality of traditional food at one of the surrounding restaurants.
13. Copou Park, Vaslui
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 3296
The Copou Dendrological Park is a jewel of Vaslui and covers an area of more than 11 hectares. On the main path of the park there are statues of important figures of Romanian literature, such as Mihail Kogălniceanu, Costache Negri, Alecu Russo, Mihai Eminescu, Ion Creangă.
The unique landscape architecture delights every visitor, and after a walk to explore the park, guests can dine at one of the park’s two terrace restaurants. There is also a children’s play area and areas where electric buggies can be hired in summer.
14. Soceram Park, Câmpina
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 2142
The park is located on the Muscel Plateau and offers an impressive view of the surrounding hills. The pergolas in the centre of the park with their arrangements of roses, brambles and Japanese cherry trees are a sight for sore eyes. The rose area towards the main entrance with its arches and secluded benches is perfect for relaxing.
The park also offers facilities for sports and recreational activities and a children’s play area. It’s a unique place for everyone – children, young and old.
You can play tennis, football, badminton and have a picnic, read a book or play hopscotch. There’s plenty of space to park your car, there’s a café and a restaurant. There are strollers, flowers, trees, swings and many other things that invite you to spend a wonderful day here.
15. Dendrological Park, Carei
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 2060
The dendrological park in Carei is one of the oldest parks in Romania, created in 1698.
It’s a green oasis in the heart of the city where you can stroll and admire over 200 exotic trees and shrubs, many of them rare species from all continents, and a greenhouse with exotic species.
The park covers an area of more than 10 hectares. At the same time, the dendrological park is also the protection area of Karolyi Castle, a special architectural monument.
16. Central Park, Slănic Moldova
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 1525
The Central Park in Slănic Moldova is a charming place situated in a beautiful mountain landscape. With its manicured paths and surrounding coniferous forest, this park offers a peaceful and invigorating atmosphere.
Here you can admire and explore its many colourful flowers, its man-made waterfalls, enjoy the fresh air and relax in the promenade area or on a bench. In the middle of it, there is a gazebo in a special architectural style, perfectly integrated with the casino complex and a modern children’s play area.
17. Libertății Park, Oradea
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 1457
Oradea’s Libertății Park is a charming and vibrant place in the heart of the city. With its picturesque alleyways, green areas and architectural beauty surrounding it, this park offers a perfect space for relaxation and recreation.
Since 2020, Freedom Park in Oradea has become a picturesque destination for relaxing walks, thanks to the 8,000 colourful flowers planted every year and the green lawn.
In addition to the beautiful view, in the park you can admire the piano filigree and a little higher up, the street painting Mozaic Citadin. After exploring each element of this work of art, you can continue your walk through the alleys and reach the memorial plaque dedicated to the renowned biologist Anna Marossy. As you enjoy the walk, you can listen to ambient music that accompanies you to the flower fountain behind the statue of Joseph Vulcan.
18. Cetate Park, Alba Iulia
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 1300
The Cetate Park in Alba Iulia is a fascinating place full of history. Located in the immediate vicinity of the medieval fortress of Alba Carolina, this beautiful and well-maintained park offers an oasis of greenery for visitors to the fortress.
Historic monuments, ramparts, impressive walls and massive gates are part of the park’s landscape, offering an impressive view.
19. „Avram Iancu” Park, Blaj
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 1192
The „Avram Iancu” Park in Blaj is a picturesque and green corner, dedicated to relaxation and recreation in the middle of nature. With its shaded paths, flower areas and tall trees, this park offers a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere. Here you can find benches for resting and playgrounds for children.
The park is named in honour of Avram Iancu, an important leader of the 1848 Revolution in Transylvania. It is a place loved by residents and visitors, offering a place to relax and spend leisure time in the heart of Blaj.
20. The Park Poiana lui Căliman, Căciulata
Rating: 4,7
Number of reviews: 1167
The Poiana lui Căliman Park in Căciulata is a natural jewel, situated in a picturesque mountain landscape. With its forest-lined paths and panoramic views, this park offers the perfect setting for relaxation.
Here you can find picnic areas and green spaces for children to burn off energy, complementing the peaceful and natural atmosphere of the park. It’s an ideal place for outdoor walks, photography or simply connecting with the beauty of nature.
21. King Michael I Park of Romania (Herastrau Park), Bucharest
Rating: 4,6
Number of reviews: 56125
The King Michael I Park of Romania, located in the northern part of Bucharest, is an oasis of greenery that attracts thousands of visitors every year. With a rich history and an area of 187 hectares, this park has been called Carol II Park, National Park, I.V. Park and many others. Stalin Park and Herastrau Park.
Built in 1936 on the shores of Lake Herastrau, the pathway around the lake is 5.92 kilometres long, offering a unique view of the lake and nearby buildings. The lake in the centre of the park is part of the chain of man-made lakes of the Colentina river and is one of the most important elements of this green space.
The park’s attractions include a summer theatre, exhibition halls, sailing and sports clubs, cafes, clubs and restaurants and a hotel. In 1936, on the initiative of Professor Dimitrie Gusti, the Village Museum was established on the shores of Lake Herastrau, one of the most important ethnographic museums in Romania.
The Summer Theatre in Herastrau, located next to the Village Museum, is a place where various cultural and artistic events take place throughout the year.
22. Carol I Park, Bucharest
Rating: 4,6
Number of reviews: 14889
Carol I Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Bucharest, inaugurated in 1906 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the reign of King Carol I and the 25th anniversary of the proclamation of the Kingdom of Romania.
The park is home to several important historical monuments, including the Mausoleum, the Zodiac Fountain, the Dimitrie Leonida National Technical Museum, the statues of the Giants and the Sleeping Beauty, the Vlad Tepes Tower and the Astronomical Observatory.
The park was renamed during communism, and pavilions and other buildings were relocated or demolished. However, the French chic of the early 20th century can still be admired. Carol Park is the only park in Bucharest that offers a viewpoint from the esplanade of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
23. Citadel Park, Cluj
Rating: 4,6
Number of reviews: 10923
Citadel Park is located on a hill and is one of the most famous parks of Cluj-Napoca. It is perfect for a sunset visit, as it offers a wonderful view of the city.
To get to the top there are several options. You can take advantage of the nature outing to get some exercise, as you have to climb 237 steps to reach your destination, or you can drive up to the Belvedere Hotel car park.
24. Children’s World Park, Bucharest
Rating: 4,6
Number of reviews: 10419
Children’s World Park is the largest amusement park in Bucharest. The park has many facilities for children, such as slides, swings, trampolines, playgrounds and more. There is also a picnic area where you can relax and enjoy an outdoor snack.
In addition, the park is located near the Village Museum, so you can visit it before or after your walk in the park. There are also many restaurant and cafe options nearby, so you can enjoy a delicious snack after a fun-filled day.
25. Exhibition Park, Iași
Rating: 4,6
Number of reviews: 8512
The Exhibition Park in Iasi is a charming place, located near the city centre. With its green alleys, beautifully landscaped gardens and generous spaces, this park offers a perfect place to relax and spend leisure time.
In the Exhibition Park you can find children’s playgrounds, sports fields and picnic areas. The park often hosts cultural events, exhibitions and fairs, attracting visitors of all ages. With its pleasant atmosphere and varied facilities, Iasi Exhibition Park is an ideal place to enjoy nature and spend relaxing moments in the middle of the city.
Below you will find a complete list of the best rated urban parks and public gardens in Romania.
| Ranking | Park/Public Garden | City | Scor | Number of reviews |
| 1 | Palas Public Garden | Iasi | 4.8 | 10229 |
| 2 | Iulius Gardens | Timisoara | 4.8 | 1715 |
| 3 | Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park (I.O.R.) | Bucharest | 4.7 | 29562 |
| 4 | Simion Bărnuțiu Central Park | Cluj-Napoca | 4.7 | 20538 |
| 5 | Dumbrava Sibiu | Sibiu | 4.7 | 20145 |
| 6 | Nicolae Romanescu Park | Craiova | 4.7 | 15508 |
| 7 | Dimitrie Ghica Park | Sinaia | 4.7 | 14015 |
| 8 | Copou Garden | Iasi | 4.7 | 9203 |
| 9 | Iulius Park | Cluj-Napoca | 4.7 | 5434 |
| 10 | Infinity Column Park | Tirgu Jiu | 4.7 | 5136 |
| 11 | Citadel Park | Sibiu | 4.7 | 4190 |
| 12 | Regina Maria Municipal Park | Baia Mare | 4.7 | 3891 |
| 13 | Copou Park in Vaslui | Vaslui | 4.7 | 3296 |
| 14 | Soceram Park | Câmpina | 4.7 | 2142 |
| 15 | Dendrological Park | Carei | 4.7 | 2060 |
| 16 | Central Park | Slănic-Moldova | 4.7 | 1525 |
| 17 | Freedom Park | Oradea | 4.7 | 1457 |
| 18 | Cetate Park | Alba Iulia | 4.7 | 1300 |
| 19 | Avram Iancu | Blaj | 4.7 | 1192 |
| 20 | Poiana lui Caliman Park | Cap | 4.7 | 1167 |
| 21 | King Michael I Park of Romania | Bucharest | 4.6 | 56125 |
| 22 | Carol I Park | Bucharest | 4.6 | 14889 |
| 23 | Citadel Park | Cluj-Napoca | 4.6 | 10923 |
| 24 | Children’s World Park | Bucharest | 4.6 | 10419 |
| 25 | Exhibition Park | Iasi | 4.6 | 8512 |
| 26 | Cornești Plateau | Târgu Mureș | 4.6 | 8352 |
| 27 | Sub Arini | Sibiu | 4.6 | 8327 |
| 28 | Nicolae Titulescu Park | Brasov | 4.6 | 8066 |
| 29 | Chindia Park | Targoviste | 4.6 | 5493 |
| 30 | Roman Municipal Park | Roman | 4.6 | 5492 |
| 31 | „Iuliu Hațieganu” Sports Park | Cluj-Napoca | 4.6 | 4513 |
| 32 | Zăvoi Park | Râmnicu Vâlcea | 4.6 | 4328 |
| 33 | Elizabeth Park | Sfântu Gheorghe | 4.6 | 3914 |
| 34 | Mihai Eminescu Park | Botoșani | 4.6 | 3008 |
| 35 | English Park | Craiova | 4.6 | 2124 |
| 36 | King Michael I Municipal Park | Bistrita | 4.6 | 1662 |
| 37 | Mill Garden Park | Sighetu Marmației | 4.6 | 1623 |
| 38 | Alpinet Park | Timisoara | 4.6 | 1324 |
| 39 | Marghiloman Park | Galati | 4.6 | 1144 |
| 40 | Youth Park | Bucharest | 4.5 | 34816 |
| 41 | Drumul Taberei Park | Bucharest | 4.5 | 20821 |
| 42 | Kiseleff Park | Bucharest | 4.5 | 11357 |
| 43 | Circus Park | Bucharest | 4.5 | 8586 |
| 44 | Rose Park | Timisoara | 4.5 | 8053 |
| 45 | Public Garden | Galati | 4.5 | 7796 |
| 46 | Crâng Park | Galati | 4.5 | 7156 |
| 47 | Central Park | Vatra Dornei | 4.5 | 6851 |
| 48 | Astra | Sibiu | 4.5 | 4005 |
| 49 | The beach park | Pitesti | 4.5 | 3876 |
| 50 | 1 December Park | Oradea | 4.5 | 3766 |
| 51 | Cetate Park | Deva | 4.5 | 3674 |
| 52 | Văcărești Natural Park | Bucharest | 4.5 | 3572 |
| 53 | Sports Park | Brasov | 4.5 | 3208 |
| 54 | Lidia Park | Timisoara | 4.5 | 3144 |
| 56 | Mircea the Elder Park | Râmnicu Vâlcea | 4.5 | 2963 |
| 57 | Ioanid Park | Bucharest | 4.5 | 2789 |
| 58 | Public Garden | Braila | 4.5 | 2630 |
| 59 | Rose Park | Cluj-Napoca | 4.5 | 2371 |
| 60 | Rose Park | Brasov | 4.5 | 2113 |
| 61 | Ion I. C. Brătianu Park | Oradea | 4.5 | 1714 |
| 62 | Constantin Poroineanu Park | Caracal | 4.5 | 1632 |
| 63 | Island of Agrement | Bacau | 4.5 | 1553 |
| 64 | Detunata Park | Cluj-Napoca | 4.5 | 1314 |
| 65 | Regina Maria Park | Timisoara | 4.5 | 1299 |
