Diomidis Botanical Garden, Athens

Besides the famous National Garden right in the heart of Athens, the city also boasts the lesser-known Diomidis Botanical Garden. According to the article, this garden has over 2,500 different plant species. Visitors can explore its arboretum, colorful flower beds, a historic section with plants mentioned in ancient texts, and themed areas like medicinal and rare plants. There’s even a small café to relax in.

El Capricho Park, Madrid

Located on the outskirts of Madrid, El Capricho is one of the city’s lesser-known parks. Built in 1784 by the Duke and Duchess of Osuna, it once hosted 18th-century artists including Francisco Goya. The park features a small lake, a maze, a music pavilion, and a manor house.

Onion Garden, London

In London, you’re never far from a garden — the city has about 3,000 parks, making up 20% of its public green spaces. One of the smallest is the Onion Garden near Victoria Station and St James’s Park. It has over 200 plant species — and plenty of onions! — along with artwork like mosaics and sculptures.

Anne Frank Garden, Paris

This small, fenced garden hidden on a dead-end street in the Marais used to belong to the Hôtel de Saint-Agnan, which today houses the Jewish Museum of Art and History (mahJ). The garden is dedicated to Anne Frank and is open to the public.

Brera Botanical Garden, Milan

Hidden behind the southern wall of the Palazzo Brera in central Milan, this ancient medicinal garden was once connected to the Humiliati religious order in the 14th century and later the Jesuits, who cultivated plants and prayed there. In 1775, Empress Maria Theresa turned it into a botanical garden. Since 1935, it has been managed by the University of Milan.

Centralbadets Garden, Stockholm

Just outside the shopping street Drottninggatan, this quiet garden in the heart of Stockholm features a pond, lovely flower beds, scenic paths, and plenty of shade. Nearby, three restaurants offer outdoor seating.

Royal Library Garden, Copenhagen

Between Christiansborg Palace and the Royal Library, in a historic corner of Copenhagen, there’s a peaceful public garden with benches under the trees and a statue of philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, whose manuscripts are kept in the library.

Károlyi-kert, Budapest

Hidden near the royal palace area, Károlyi-kert is considered Budapest’s oldest garden and is home to Hungary’s oldest mulberry tree. Once the private garden of the Károlyi Palace, it has been a public park since 1932.

Roof Garden of the University of Warsaw Library

This rooftop garden is one of Europe’s largest of its kind. Opened in 2002, it remains a relatively unknown tranquil refuge in the busy Powiśle district.

Vrtba Garden, Prague

Although near popular sights like Charles Bridge and the Lesser Town Square, this garden on Petřín Hill is hard to spot. Those who find it are rewarded with baroque beauty, statues, and stunning works of art decorating the space.

So if you ever want to explore some calm green spaces away from tourist crowds, these hidden gardens across Europe are definitely worth a visit!