Athens Ranks 99th Among World’s 100 Cities for Green Spaces
Athens, Greece – March 10, 2026 – Athens, the capital of Greece, has been ranked 99th out of 100 global cities for its number of green spaces, according to data collected and analyzed by Freepik, a Spanish technology company. The study, which assessed cities based on attractions listed in the “Nature and Parks” section of Tripadvisor and Google reviews, placed Athens at the bottom of the list, with only two recognized green spaces.
Tokyo topped the list with an impressive 159 green spaces, including parks and other nature-related attractions. Following Tokyo were London with 78, Paris with 63, Singapore with 55, and New York City with 46. Just above Athens on the list were Dhaka (Bangladesh) at 96th place, Forth Worth (US) at 97th, and Monterrey (Mexico) at 98th place, each with a total of four green spaces.
Methodology of the Study
Freepik’s methodology involved scraping Tripadvisor for attractions in the “Nature and Parks” section to create a seed list. Subsequently, Google reviews for 2,300 green space attractions across the world’s 100 most populous cities were analyzed to determine the quantity and popularity of green spaces. Additionally, Google Keyword Planner was used to gather an overview of monthly searches for each attraction. The company also utilized an AI image generator to visualize how cities with the most green space might appear in fifty years.
Athens’ Green Havens
Despite its low ranking, Athens does offer some notable green spaces that serve as vital retreats for both locals and tourists. These include the National Garden, Philopappos Hill, and Lycabettus Hill.
The National Garden
Situated in the heart of Athens, the National Garden spans approximately sixteen hectares between Syntagma Square and the Panathenaic Stadium. This historical landmark, created between 1838 and 1840 by order of Queen Amalia, is considered the true green lung of the city. American novelist Henry Miller once described it as “the quintessence of a park.” The garden offers a serene escape with exotic plants, sculptures, lush flower beds, and ancient ruins, featuring trees such as Australian pines, Chinese heavenly trees, Judas trees, and Canary Island date palms.
Philopappos Hill
Overlooking the Acropolis, Philopappos Hill is a beloved spot for its stunning vistas of the city and the Aegean Sea from its 147-meter summit. The hill is known for its pleasant shade and the scent of pine trees. It is also believed to be the location where Socrates spent his final days. Attractions on the hill include the 16th-century Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, adorned with frescoes and marble floors, and the monument of Julius Antiochus Philopappos, a prince from the Kingdom of Commagene, at its peak.
Lycabettus Hill
Rising 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in the Greek capital, offering a challenging yet rewarding walk. At its summit stands the whitewashed Greek Church of St. George. Visitors who choose to hike rather than take the cable car are treated to winding paths, birdsong, and breathtaking panoramic views of Athens and Piraeus. The sunset view from Lycabettus Hill is particularly renowned, with illuminated landmarks such as the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, and the Ancient Agora gradually emerging into view.
While Athens may lag behind other global cities in terms of overall green space, its existing natural areas provide significant ecological and recreational value to the urban landscape.
