Ueno Park: A Blend of Culture and Nature

Imagine this: You’re strolling through a sprawling park, and on your left, there’s a group of students passionately discussing the latest manga while on your right, an artist captures the beauty of cherry blossoms. Welcome to Ueno Park, Tokyo’s cultural oasis. Not only does it boast a stunning array of trees and flowers, but it also features several museums and a zoo.

Springtime is when this park really shines. The cherry blossoms transform the park into a cotton candy wonderland, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from a Studio Ghibli film. Be sure to call dibs on a spot under a tree for a classic hanami picnic. Just remember, sharing that onigiri or dango might lead to unexpected squirrel encounters.

Shinjuku Gyoen: A Royal Retreat

If Ueno Park is Tokyo’s lively cousin, then Shinjuku Gyoen is the calm and collected family member who always retains their composure. This park is a blend of traditional Japanese and French formal gardens, and it’s like stepping into a tranquil painting. You might even find yourself contemplating life’s mysteries, such as why your sushi is never as good as it is in Japan.

The park covers a whopping 58.3 hectares and is home to over 1,000 cherry trees. Feel free to wander through the meticulously maintained pathways where you’ll find romantic ponds, picturesque bridges, and plenty of quiet corners for a moment of introspection. Just remember, if you start talking to the trees, it may be time to step away for a cup of matcha.

Yoyogi Park: An Urban Playground

Now, if you’re in the mood for a little fun and adventure, Yoyogi Park is the place to be! Located right next to the famous Harajuku, this park is a haven for those wanting to enjoy both nature and quirky culture. On any given weekend, you might stumble upon a spontaneous dance party, a group of enthusiastic amateur musicians, or even people in elaborate costumes performing for the joy of it.

The park is also perfect for a brisk jog or a leisurely bike ride. Feeling peckish? Swing by the nearby crepe shops that Harajuku is famous for. Just don’t blame the crepes if they suddenly disappear — they have a magical way of vanishing, especially when shared with friends!

Sumida Park: Riverside Bliss

For those who crave a little waterway serenity, Sumida Park offers beautiful views of the Tokyo Skytree with the peaceful flow of the Sumida River. This park is perfect for picnipping with a view, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a traditional boat gliding down the river.

The cherry blossoms along the river are absolutely breathtaking. Grab your camera, channel your inner Instagram influencer, and capture the perfect shot of blossoms framing the Skytree. Just make sure to keep your eyes open for “photo bombers” — you never know when a rogue duck might waddle into the frame!

Shiba Park: The Ideal Spot for a View of Tokyo Tower

When people think of Tokyo, they often picture the iconic Tokyo Tower, and thankfully, Shiba Park provides the perfect vantage point for photos. This park is a lovely blend of manicured greens and paths that wrap around the sights of the famous landmark.

It’s great for picnics, and if you pick a spot on a sunny day, you can enjoy the warmth while watching the world go by. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Zojo-ji Temple, where you can catch a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture juxtaposed against the modern backdrop of Tokyo Tower. It’s like a scene straight out of a sushi commercial!

Imperial Palace East Garden: A Slice of History

Historically, the Imperial Palace East Garden has seen its fair share of emperors and empresses, but today, it’s open to the public, offering a peaceful retreat right in the heart of Tokyo. The gardens are meticulously maintained, filled with ancient trees and beautiful flowers that whisper stories of Japan’s noble history.

You can meander through well-kept paths that lead to impressive remnants of what was once the home of Japan’s imperial family. It’s the perfect spot to escape the grind and perhaps ponder why your lunch doesn’t come with a Geisha serving it.

Conclusion: Find Your Own Zen

Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, but amidst all the hustle and bustle, there are serene spaces waiting to be discovered. From Ueno’s cultural chaos to Yoyogi’s wild energy, these parks are just a few gems that can help you unwind and reconnect with nature. So pack that picnic, wear your comfiest walking shoes, and prepare for a day of blissful relaxation. After all, the beauty of Tokyo isn’t just in its vibrant streets but also in the pockets of peace waiting for you to explore.

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Retiro Park: The Jewel of Madrid

Retiro Park, or Parque del Buen Retiro, is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Madrid’s green spaces. Originally a royal hunting ground, this expansive park has transformed into a beloved public oasis. A stroll through its 125 hectares feels like stepping into a scene from a fairy tale, complete with enchanting sculptures, beautiful gardens, and charming pathways.

One of the park’s highlights is the **Crystal Palace** (Palacio de Cristal), a stunning glass structure that looks like it was plucked straight from a Victorian novel. Pop in, and you might catch an art exhibition or simply enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by the whispers of nature.

And let’s not forget about the **Retiro Pond**, where you can rent a little rowboat and pretend you’re in a romantic movie, paddling under the warm Madrid sun. Just be careful not to accidentally crash into the local ducks—they’re the true rulers of that pond!

Casa de Campo: Nature Meets Adventure

If you’re looking for a park that doubles as an adventure playground, look no further than **Casa de Campo**. This enormous park, sprawling over 1,700 acres, is not just for leisurely walks. You can hike, bike, or even take a dip in its lakes.

But beware, venturing too deep into the park could lead to unexpected discoveries, such as wildlife sightings or an open-air concert. It’s the perfect blend of nature and excitement! For a bird’s eye view of this natural wonder, hop on the **Teleférico de Madrid**, a cable car that takes you over the park while offering panoramic views of the city that will make you go, “Wow, I’ll never walk again!”

The Amusement Park and Zoo

One of the coolest aspects of Casa de Campo is that it’s home to both an amusement park and a zoo. So, if your idea of fun involves roller coasters and lion roars, you’re in for a treat. Spend a day bouncing from thrilling rides to animal watching; it’s like a two-for-one deal on fun!

Madrid Rio: A Riverside Retreat

If you’re more of a water lover, then **Madrid Rio** will tickle your fancy! This park runs alongside the Manzanares River and combines beautiful gardens with sports facilities. It’s the ultimate hangout for joggers, skaters, and picnickers alike.

What sets Madrid Rio apart is its **urban art**. The park features stunning graffiti murals and installations that add a splash of color to your day out. Grab a snack from a nearby café, find a bench, and feast your eyes on the creativity of local artists. Who knew a park could double as an open-air gallery?

Perfect for Families

Families will adore the playgrounds and picnic areas. Picture this: the kids are having a blast, you’re soaking up some sun, and your **sandwich** (that definitely didn’t come from home) is tasting better than ever. Top it off with some ice cream from one of the park’s vendors, and it sounds like the perfect family day out!

Parque del Oeste: A Hidden Gem

For those willing to venture off the beaten path, **Parque del Oeste** is the perfect place to escape the tourist crowds. Nestled near the Moncloa area, this charming park is often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts but offers an intimate experience.

One of its most delightful features is the **Temple of Debod**, an ancient Egyptian temple that overlooks the park. Sunset here is nothing short of magical, with swathes of oranges and purples illuminating the sky as the temple starts to glow. Bring your camera—you’ll want to capture this surreal moment as you pretend you’ve traveled back in time to ancient Egypt without leaving Madrid.

Having a Laugh at the Local Performers

As you wander through the park, you might stumble upon street performers and musicians, adding to the joyous atmosphere. It’s not just a trip to the park; it’s a mini cultural festival waiting to happen.

El Capricho: The Romantic Oasis

Last but by no means least, **El Capricho** is a park that should not be missed. This romantic oasis is often less crowded, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll with a loved one—or your favorite novel if you prefer a solo adventure.

This park is also a beautifully designed landscape with hedges, cuddly gardens, and stunning ornamentations. You might get lost, but in this case, getting lost equals a joyful discovery of hundreds of angles for that perfect Instagram picture.

A Place with History

Originally a private retreat for the **Duke of Osuna**, El Capricho boasts a mixture of styles from Romantic to neoclassical. As you wander through its paths, you just might feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a classic romance novel.

In sum, Madrid’s parks are not merely green patches but vibrant experiences waiting to be explored. From the sprawling **Retiro** to the thrilling **Casa de Campo** and the serene **El Capricho**, each park offers its own unique charm and story. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your picnic blanket, and dive into nature’s embrace in the heart of Madrid!

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No matter where you are, you can always find something unique and memorable to do or see for absolutely no money. This is particularly true when it comes to Berlin, where you don’t even have to search for fun and free activities – they come to you themselves. Anyway, here are a few ways to enjoy Berlin without spending a penny.

Visit Viktoriapark

Crowning the neighborhood of Kreuzberg, this hilltop park is great for a lunchtime picnic accompanied by a view over the city. As well as relaxing or playing sports amid the greenery, you can also enjoy some curious sculptures and an artificial waterfall in summer.

At the top of Viktoriapark – tian2992/Flickr

Visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Just south of the Brandenburg Gate are the 2,711 concrete slabs that make up the Holocaust Memorial, which – with its grey color and grid-like but undulating layout – brings a strange feeling of loneliness and disorientation. The haunting experience of walking through this quite abstract and unusual memorial leaves space for you to reflect on the unimaginable horror of the Holocaust. That’s why it’s one of the most important places to visit if you want to really understand Berlin.

The memorial at night – Wikipedia

Visit a flea market

Suggesting shopping as a ‘free thing to do’ is an absurdity, I know. That said, browsing is always free. The biggest appeal of Berlin’s flea markets is their atmosphere, with all kinds of arts and crafts that you can admire without buying. While you’re browsing, you’ll almost certainly see some weird and wacky things you never even knew existed. Some of the best places to do this include the flea market at Bode Museum (every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm), where you can find a great selection of antique books; Antikmarkt (Sunday – 8 am-4 pm), with lots of jewelry, art, and vinyl; and Mauerpark, where every Sunday you can also take part in the famous karaoke in the arena.

Discover the street art

If there is one city in the world where discovering the street art should be a priority, it’s Berlin. Eye-catching graffiti pops up everywhere; thought-provoking pieces by some of the world’s most famous street artists lurk around every corner, especially in the trendy neighborhood of Kreuzberg. And then, of course, there’s the East Side Gallery: the longest open-air gallery in the world, painted on remnants of the Berlin Wall.

“Pneumohumanoides” by Jens-Helge Dahmen on the East Side Gallery – Andy Hay/Flickr

Visit the dome of the Reichstag building

Book in advance and get a good view of the city from the rooftop terrace and the glass dome of the Bundestag. The building is open every day from 8 am until midnight, and groups of visitors are admitted every 15 minutes – the last session beginning at 9.45 pm. Your admission includes an audio guide, so you can enjoy some history to accompany the great views.

Inside the dome – Susanne Nilsson/Flickr

Get active at Tempelhof

What was once an iconic pre-war airport is now one of the biggest urban parks in Berlin; a historic site where you can go biking, walking, skateboarding or practice any other type of sport. Alternatively, if you feel like just lazying around, find a spot on the grass and enjoy some German beer and bratwurst. It’s not uncommon, especially in the summer, for Templehof to host an array of concurrent events. Regardless of what’s on, you owe it to yourself to visit this unusual park. After all, it’s not often you get the chance to walk down an airport runway, is it?

Nothing beats the sight of an abandoned airport – K.H.Reichert/Flickr

Visit the Museum of Unheard of Things

The oddest objects – and the even odder stories behind them – turn this tiny museum into an hour-long escape from reality, where you’ll be immersed in a world of wild imagination conceived by its creator: artist Roland Albrecht. All of these objects – small or large, everyday or special – have their own personality and make this museum a one-of-a-kind experience. Opening hours, tickets and other information about the Museum of Unheard Things here.

Pinning this post doesn’t cost a penny either, so you might as well just do it now. Who knows when you’ll find yourself in the center of Berlin with no money? 

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Whilst they may not be as realistic as an African plains safari, the wildlife parks in the UK offer a variety of exhibits and conservational efforts, with some allowing you to drive through – though watch out for animals jumping on the roof of the car! So, with that being said, here are our favourite wildlife parks in the UK to help you organise your next adventure.

Knowsley Safari Park

Knowsley Safari Park is the perfect chance to get up close and personal with exotic animals in their natural habitat – how often do you get to drive past a pride of lions or a crash of rhinos? Visitors to the Merseyside attraction can navigate the five-mile route as many times as they wish, with one drive-through journey lasting around an hour to complete. Once you’ve finished the trip, you can find a selection of rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Located in Branton, near Doncaster, the conservation and rehabilitation centre opened in 2009 and is home to an impressive 500 animals of 100 species. The park is fairly easy to get to, with London to Doncaster train tickets being available for various times throughout the day. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is known to be the UK’s number 1 Wildlife Adventure and it’s no surprise why. Not only is the park home to at-risk species like Black Rhinos and Tigers, but it is also the only place in the UK where you can find polar bears. For an in-depth experience, you can also book a behind-the-scenes experience, which you won’t want to miss.

West Midlands Safari Park

It’s not often you can get to see animals from each continent within a few miles of each other. At West Midlands Safari Park, you have the opportunity to drive through the African plains and wild Asia, where you’re sure to come across lions, tigers and bears! You can also explore the Land of the Living Dinosaur exhibit, which is currently the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur attraction. Here you’ll learn how the dinosaurs roamed the Earth from the Permian to the Cretaceous Period and become a palaeontologist for the day, searching for fossils and remain of the now-extinct reptilic creatures.

Longleat Safari and Adventure Park

Whether you decide to stay in your car or venture out on a walking safari is entirely up to you at Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. If you do decide to step outside your car in the East African Reserve, you have the chance to get face-to-face with incredible wildlife like wildebeest, ostriches and zebras. Whilst in the comfort of your own vehicle, you get to traverse the Tiger Territory and the Big Game Park, home to some of the most dangerous yet impressive animals in the whole of the world. Oh, and you cannot miss the aptly titled Monkey Mayhem, where troublesome macaques will make themselves comfortable on your vehicle – be careful that they don’t steal your wiper blades!

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Here are some of the major attractions in Brussels to choose from while making your personal first time visitor’s guidebook. (Аll names in Brussels are in French and Flemish)

Grand Place (La Grand Place/De Grote Markt)

This is the biggest square in the city. Here you will find the Town Hall, built in Gothic style back in 1448. Its tower is 96 m high. There is also the statue of Everard t’Serclaes. The legend has it that rubbing his elbow brings good luck. In the past, the houses were not numbered but rather given names connected to the statues on their facades. That is why every single house around the square has its own name and is a representation of certain craftsmen’s guild. Every two years, in August, a huge flower carpet is arranged at the square.

Atomium

This is a huge metal construction in the form of an iron atom, built for Expo 58, which has turned into a symbol of the city. It is 102 m high. Five out of its nine interconnected spheres shelter scientific exhibitions. You can reach them either by elevator or stairs and up there enjoy the incredible view to the city. More information about entrance fees and working hours is available here.

Atomium in Brussels | Dennis Jarvis

Little Man Pee/Manneken Pis

This is a popular small statue, a symbol of Brussels, which depicts a little boy peeing in a fountain beneath it. You will notice that the boy is dressed in different costumes, which are regularly changed two or three times a week. Nowadays the statue is a replica of the original, which was stolen in 1817. When in Brussels, you must take a photo in front of this statue (located close to the Grand Place, at the crossing of Rue de l Etuve and Rue du Chene). The city also has a statue of a peeing girl (Jeanneken Pis) and a peeing dog (Chien Pis).

Mini-Europe

Take a tour around the entire Europe in just a few hours. Think it s impossible? Not a whit, you can do it at the Mini-Europe Park. It shelters some of the most emblematic landmarks of each EU member state. Here you can see the windmills of Don Quixote, Mount Vesuvius, Big Ben.

Royal Palace of Brussels (Palais Royal)

The original royal palace was destroyed by a fire in 1731. Over the centuries it was reconstructed and renewed. Nowadays, it houses the offices of the King and Queen of Belgium and hosts summit meetings. The palace is open for visitors for a restricted period of time during the summer. The Throne Room, built during the time of Leopold II, with its 11 chandeliers and gold-plated ceilings, is the most impressive room in the building.

The Royal Palace in Brussels | Willtron

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (Basilique de Koekelberg/ Basilique du Sacré-Coeur)

This is the fifth-biggest basilica in the world. It is 89 m high and 167 m wide, built in Art Deco style. You may reach the top of the building using an elevator or climbing up the numerous stairs. The top of the basilica offers an incredible view to the entire city and its vicinity.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (Musée Royal des Beaux-Arts)

The exhibitions at the halls are dedicated to different centuries each. Here you can see works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Rubens, Juan de Flandes, Bruegel (father and son), and many other artists of different periods.

Museum of the City of Brussels

The museum is found inside the The King s Household (La Maison du Roi) at Grand Place. The building was restored in Neo-Gothic style. The museum features paintings, mural gobelins and other exhibits connected with the history of Brussels. It also stores the different costumes of the Manneken Pis.

European Parliament

This is the place where the MEPs hold sittings. You can examine it both from the inside and the outside. You will see the plenary hall, learn about the decisions that affect Europe’s history, and even meet some of the people making these important decisions.

Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice)

This impressive building raises high in the heart of the city. It used to be the biggest in the world back in 1883 when it was finalised, even bigger than the St. Peter s Basilica in Rome. Its dome can be seen from any part of the city. It shelters the Law Courts of Brussels until nowadays.

Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles)

Here you may sit peacefully with a book in your hand under the shadow of the giant trees and amidst the fresh aroma of the flowers or go jogging under the sun. There are many statues scattered in the park, which is situated between the building of the European Parliament and the Royal Palace. There is a summer open-air stage, first built in 1840, which is reconstructed and now used for live concerts and performances.

Park in Brussels | Frank Vassen

Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula (Cathédrale St Michel St Gudule)

It is located in the central part of the city. The cathedral was built in Gothic style in the XII century. Some of its parts are even older, dating back to the XI century. You will notice the beautiful stained glasses and the huge organ. St. Gudula is the patron saint of the city of Brussels and her relics are sheltered in the cathedral.

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History (Musée Royal de l Armée et d Histoire Militaire)

Tanks, military helicopters, jets, assault rifles, cold steel weapons, models of military ships, and many other military artefacts. The museum presents the military history of Belgium since the Middle Ages until nowadays. The terrace of the café inside the museum, on the other hand, offers a view to the aviation collection.

Royal Museum for Central Africa (Koninklijk Museum Voor Midden-Afrika)

Here you can see traditional African vessels, masks, musical instruments, minerals, photos and documents, all representing the African culture. The museum also shelters different stuffed animals, which are characteristic for Africa.

Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate (Musée du cacao et du chocolat)

Here you will get acquainted with the history and production process of Belgium s chocolate in detail. You can’taste your favorite cocoa delicacy and see how the chocolates are made. Tempting, isn’t it? The museum is situated at a cross-street of Grand Place.

Comic Strip Center

Here you can learn everything about the comic books – starting from the very first sketches, the realisation of the idea and then the publishing and distribution. Belgium has given the world several of the most popular comic books – The Smurfs, Tintin, Lucky Luke. Here you can see both black and white and colourful comic books and pictures, as well as many temporary exhibitions. There is also a reading room where you ca examine comic books in different languages. What is more, here in Brussels you can see comic characters graffiti on buildings façade throughout the entire city. Learn more about the life of the comic characters in Brussels.

Brussels museum of the Gueuze Beer (Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze)

In fact, this is a functioning brewery, producing the Gueuze Beer. You will be guided through the brewery and learn more about the beer production, while in the end you will be treated with a glass of the drink. Information about entrance fees and tours is available here.

Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon (Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon)

The church is built in Gothic style in the beginning of the XV century. You will be impressed by the detailed statues and the beautiful 14 m stained glasses, 7 of which illustrating the life of Virgin Mary. The statue of the saint, on the other hand, is said to have a healing effect and make the prayers and wishes come true.

Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique)

You will see a big glass palace of the XIX century here. In the past it used to shelter the garden itself, while nowadays it is used to stage concerts and organise exhibitions. Take a walk along the floral alleys, all the greenery and the fountains, or just sit on some of the benches circled by the huge skyscrapers of the city.

Victor Horta Museum

If you are fond of the unique and bizarre architecture, this is definitely the place to visit. Victor Horta is the father of Art Nouveau architecture. Nowadays his home and studio have been turned into a museum. Everything here is designed by him in unbelievable forms and colours.

Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert (Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert)

This is not a place for painting exhibitions, it is a place for shopping. It is supposed that these are the oldest galleries in Europe, built in 1846, as well as the longest – 213 m. They are divided into three covered markets (bedestens). Here you may give yourself up to indoor shopping. There are fashion boutiques, glass and porcelain shops, expensive furniture and decorations, stores selling tea, chocolate and candies, toys, and there are also many cafes and restaurants.

Japanese Tower

A piece of Asia in Brussels! There are different temporary exhibitions dedicated to Japan sheltered in the high red tower, while in the beautiful garden around the building you may see many typical Japanese plants. The Chinese Pavion is here, too, offering a rich collection of Chinese porcelain and traditional pieces of art.

Try Brussels mussels and fries

Belgians claim that this is their national dish and when in Brussels you should taste it at least once. The mussels are boiled in white wine and butter, while there are fast food restaurants offering fries with different sauces everywhere in the city. These places are called frietkot in Flemish and friture in French. Bon appétit!

Chocolate seafood

Calm down, it is not about shrimps or mussels dipped in chocolate. These are the typical Belgian chocolates (pralines), often made of white and dark chocolate, in the form of different sea creatures and shells.

Fruit beer

It is called kriek and has many different varieties. It can be made of cherries, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, and whatever fruit you may think of. It tastes sweetish and does not have the typical bitterness of the traditional beer. Of course, there are tens of other different types of Belgian beer that deserve your special attention, too. You will need at least a week to try all of them.

South Market (Le marché du Midi)

This is the biggest market in Europe. It is set every Sunday morning, located close to the Gare de Bruxelles-Midi railway station where its name comes from. The market offers fresh fruits and vegetables from direct producers, as well as original food products from different regions. The market is also specialized in offering the authentic Mediterranean and South African food, spices, cheese, meat, tea, and honey. It is rich in colors, voices, delicious and highly varied products and goods.

Nightlife in Brussels

House, Latino, retro, jazz… Brussels will meet everyone s music taste. The central part of the city – Grand Place and the nearby streets, offers both traditional establishments where you may have a meal or drink a beer, and modern discotheques and bars, while the Ilot Sacre quarter is known for its great variety of gourmet restaurants and music clubs. More luxurious entertainment and catering establishments are found in Sablons quarter.

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Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

What to do at Keukenhof

Before you head to the gardens, charge your batteries and bring a second memory card, because you’ll want to take thousands of photos. Besides walking around the flower beds (outdoors and in several pavilions), you can also take a flower photography course, take a canal boat tour or join a guided walking tour around Keukenhof. There’s also a retro-style labyrinth where you can lose yourself.

A special corner is dedicated to the favorite Dutch children book character Miffy the rabbit, and there’s even a mini zoo. Don’t miss the more than 120-year-old mill, whose squeaking stairs lead you up to a beautiful view. If you’re obsessed with treasure hunts like I am, take a map from the entrance and enjoy discovering the secrets of the park.

History in five sentences

Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut in the 15th century, loved horticulture and had a special garden with herbs and spices for her castle’s kitchen. That’s where the name Keukenhof came from – meaning the ‘kitchen garden’. After changing ownership a few times, the area became an English-style garden in 1857 and a tulip garden in 1949. It was the idea of the then-mayor to create a special place where Dutch growers could showcase their tulip hybrids. Nowadays, more than 800,000 visitors tick off Keukenhof from their bucket list every year.

The 120-year-old mill in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Best time to visit Keukenhof

Keukenhof is open only two months a year, when the spring flowers bloom – usually between the end of March and mid-May (2018 dates: March 22 to May 13). The best time to visit is in the middle of April, because in March many of the flowers are still buds.

Three challenges for Keukehof:

1. Find the tulip Walk of Fame.

2. Climb the mill for a panoramic view of the park.

3. Find your way through the labyrinth.

Practicalities

If you’re coming from the Hague or Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, look online in advance to buy a combined bus and entry ticket (Keukenhof is a perfect day trip from Amsterdam). You’ll get a free map of the park from the ticket office. There’s free Wi-Fi all over the park, so you can share your photos as you explore. The walking lanes are 10 mi/15 km long, but you can’t ride a bike in the park. You can, however, rent a bike and explore the surrounding tulip fields outside the park. More information here.

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A piglet at the mini zoo in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

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Not every garden in the world is just well-shaped bushes and trees + fountains + benches. Sometimes gardens keep interesting stories, tell the tales of the Universe or provide inspiration for the paintings of famous artists. Choose your next fairy-tale trip in one of these stunning colorful spots.

Keukenhof, the Netherlands

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/203challenges

This garden sees seven million flowers, hand-planted every year. There are more than 100 varieties of tulips alone. Almost one million people a year visit the park. It is located not far from Amsterdam, near the town of Lisse. Open only March – May.

The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Scotland

Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Scotland | John Lord/Flickr

If Alice’s Wonderland did exist, then it would certainly be in Dumfries, Scotland under the name of the Garden of Cosmic Speculation. Inspired by science and mathematics, black holes, DNA molecules and parallel universes, the architect Charles Jencks has created this unusual space as living proof that logic and creativity are not always mutually exclusive. The garden is private but usually opens on one day each year through the Scotland’s Gardens program and raises money for Maggie’s Centres, a cancer care charity named for Maggie Keswick Jencks, the late wife of Charles Jencks.

Miracle Garden, Dubai

Miracle Gardens, Dubai | Srilatha Sharma/Flickr

It is hard to imagine that the biggest flower garden could appear in the middle of a desert, but for years now Dubai has been showing the world it is a land of paradoxes. Dubai Miracle Garden spreads over an area of 72,000 sq. m (775,000 sq. ft) and features more than 45 million flowers, 4 km (3 mi) of passages and walkways among the flowers, and a 1 km(1,000 yd) flower wall.

Monet’s Garden, France

Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France | David Alexander Elder/Flickr

If you’ve seen the painting with the lilies by the French artist Claude Monet and you wish to see it in real life, visit the artist’s house just outside Paris. Water lilies blooming or not, sitting in the garden of the father of Impressionism is like becoming part of one of his paintings: the Japanese footbridge is just before you, the house and the garden have been restored to their appearance from Monet’s time. 

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What is the best thing about this place is that it is located in the very centre of Milan but it is rarely included in the routes of the tourists.

Milan, as any other big tourist destination, has lots of secret places, which it keeps only for the most curious travellers. Such a little, green secret you will find just a few streets away from the La Scala Opera House, on the back side of the popular Brera Gallery – this is the Botanical Garden of Milan (Orto Botanico di Brera).

The Garden is part of the University of Milan, while a walk through it is like a stroll in someone’s yard in the country. From their very beginning the alleys lead you through sweet-scented herbs – basil, thymus, salvia, oregano – each with its own name-plate. You can simply walk down the alleys, gently rub the leaves between your fingers and breathe in one scent after the other.

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After the herbs, here come the vegetables and the flowering bulbs (in spring). There is a table with metal chairs where you can rest under the shadows in a hot summer day. There are also benches, blooming shrubs, as well as one of the oldest Ginkgo biloba trees in entire Europe.

History at a glance

This place has a centuries-old history. In the past the garden was used by the students in medicine and pharmacy – established back in 1774 at the order of Austrian Empress Maria Teresa. Earlier, there was a green spot of the Society of Jesus at this place.

Bonus: Every Thursday (except on bank holidays) there is a brief tour with a guide from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The tours are organised for small groups of up to 10 people and only after advance reservation on infobrera@unimi.it.

Useful information: The Brera Botanical Garden is situated right behind the Brera Gallery, on 28, Brera Street. It is free of charge. Working hours: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (with a break between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.); Saturday – from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Sunday – closed.

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If there is something better than the feeling of being in a foreign place, it could only be the feeling of being in many foreign places at the same time. But how is it possible to get such a feeling, one might wonder. Well, Superkilen Park in Copenhagen, Denmark manages to fulfill that task quite thoroughly.

How so?

Superkilen is not your typical park. It is more like an exhibition filled with objects from all over the world: benches from Brazil, palm trees from China, neon signs from Russia, a boxing ring from Thailand and a fountain from Morocco, just to name a few.

Some of these objects are exact replicas of the original ones, while others were bought and transported from the country they originally belonged to. Next to each of them is a sign displaying where the object comes from, written in both Danish and in the language of the object’s country of origin.

The red sector of Superkilen Park/ Wikipedia

The importance of the locals

The park is part of the Municipality of Copenhagen’s plan to improve urban spaces in the neighborhood of Nørrebro. It was designed by the Danish artists’ collective Superkilen, in collaboration with Bjarke Ingels Group – a team of architects and designers based in Copenhagen and New York – and Topotek 1, a German architecture firm.

This neighborhood is actually one of the most ethnically diverse areas of Copenhagen and is home to people of dozens of different nationalities from all over the world – more than 60, to be exact. Here comes the best part of the project: those people actually took part in choosing the objects to represent their countries.

The green sector, with tables from Armenia – Fred Romero/ Flickr

The colors

The park has three different sectors, coded according to color: black, red and green.

The black sector is where you go to sit on a Turkish bench and play chess from Bulgaria, while enjoying the view of a beautiful Moroccan fountain. Fire up the barbecue and there you have it: the perfect place for chilling in the city.

The green sector is where you keep fit with the help of bike paths, a basketball court and gym facilities from all over the world. It is also the most suitable sector for families and kids, thanks to its many playgrounds.

The opportunity for physical activities continues in the red sector, too. Here you can find a Thai boxing ring, a basketball court and more cycle tracks lined with colorful German bike stands. It’s worth mentioning that this sector also contains a slide from Chernobyl and a Jamaican sound system.

How to get there:

The exact address of the park is: Heimdalsgade, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark.

It is easily accessible by subway – the closest station is Nørrebro St.

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>>> Check here for more free and fun things to do in Copengahen.

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