Telegraph: Athens is the ideal destination for… a picnic! Among the 20 best in Europe

Athens has been ranked among the 20 best European destinations for a picnic this summer by the British newspaper The Telegraph. The article offers British readers a different perspective on the Greek capital, in light of July being celebrated as National Picnic Month, especially in the U.S.

The best spot for a picnic in Athens is identified as the National Garden. As the article points out, “Behind the Greek Parliament lies a lush refuge that, in the 1840s, was Queen Amalia’s garden and features exotic plants, large palm-lined pathways, and tranquil ponds—some still home to turtles and tropical birds. Visit the small zoo, explore scattered ruins, and spot ring-necked parrots.”

The newspaper recommends staying at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, which, according to the article, has a rooftop view of the Acropolis and double rooms starting from £570.

“There’s no better place than Europe to celebrate National Picnic Month,” writes The Telegraph, adding that picnicking in Europe is practically an art form. In Europe, a picnic is not just a meal—it’s a front-row seat to a destination.

In each country, picnics offer a glimpse into local life, making them the ultimate travel activity. With a picnic, you can taste local flavors, observe daily life at your destination, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere—without spending a fortune, the British newspaper emphasizes.

Picnicking traces its roots back to 17th-century France, but today, each country has developed its own unique version of the tradition.

The 20 best picnic spots in Europe are:

Munich, Germany | Englischer Garten

Rome, Italy | Villa Borghese Gardens

Budapest, Hungary | Margaret Island

Paris, France | Champ de Mars

Ljubljana, Slovenia | Tivoli Park

Prague, Czech Republic | Petrin Hill

Dublin, Ireland | Phoenix Park

Madrid, Spain | El Retiro Park

Stockholm, Sweden | Djurgården Island

Helsinki, Finland | Kaivopuisto Park