The World’s 100 Best Parks · 2026

The Best Palace Parks in the World

19 of the 100 parks in The World’s 100 Best Parks 2026 are palace parks, in 12 countries. The highest placed is Peterhof in Peterhof, Russia, at number 4 in the world. Gardens of Versailles in Versailles, France (number 8) and Catherine Park in Pushkin, Russia (number 10) follow.

What they are

These are the parks and gardens of palaces, castles and villas that visitors enter for the grounds. Versailles, Schönbrunn, Caserta and Peterhof are Baroque gardens laid out along an axis with fountains. Łazienki Park in Warsaw and Kadriorg Park in Tallinn are former royal parks that are now free city parks around their palaces.

Tickets

Many sell a ticket for the garden alone. The Gardens of Villandry cost less than the château, Pena Park in Sintra about half the price of the palace, and Peterhof sells park and palace separately. Schönbrunn's main gardens, the Jardín del Príncipe in Aranjuez, Lednice Castle Park and Frederiksborg Castle Gardens are free.