Which capital cities in Europe are the best for theme parks? | Ubuy
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After a fun activity to try for your holiday? From lounging by the pool to hurtling down a water slide or a rollercoaster, exploring a city’s amusement, theme or water park is a great way to see more of a new place that’s off the usual tourist track.
Whether vacationing with children, teens or adults, every attraction has plenty of fun-fuelled things to do, from pedalo renting to thermal pools and green reading spots - making fuss-free trips easy.
At Ubuy Uk, we decided to compile a top 20 ranking of the best capital cities in Europe for both adrenaline fans and quiet lovers alike - no matter their age. So, why not take advantage of the leading water parks, theme parks, amusement parks and water sports in the continent on your next holiday? Our list compiles the European capital cities that have the most on offer, as well as the total number of public parks for visitors to enjoy.
Methodology
Using a travellers review platform, we looked into the total number of theme parks, water parks, public parks, amusement parks and water sports offered in each capital city in Europe. Each city was then ranked from 1-80 on each of the mean of these combined factors.
The top 20 ranking
London
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Heading the ranking with 75 points, London, United Kingdom was found to be the best city in Europe for theme, amusement and water parks, water sports and public parks! In the English capital, visitors can find an impressive 190 parks, the highest number in Europe, as well as 20 theme parks and water sports activities to throw themselves into.
You can also venture out of the capital. Approximately an hour’s drive southwest of the city is Chessington World of Adventures. Not only is it home to jaw dropping rides including Vampire and Dragon’s Fury, but also SEA LIFE Aquarium, zoo and Gruffalo adventures. Bringing the whole family? There’s something for everyone.
Or, if something more scenic is on your mind, why not check out Hyde Park? One of the city’s stunning Royal Parks, you can enjoy the Serpentine Lido in the summer sun, with pedalos or row boats to hire to venture onto the water. Happy sailing!
Prague
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Following in second place with 73 points is Prague, Czech Republic. There are 14 theme parks (the highest number of any capital city in Europe) plus 9 water and amusement parks can be found. What’s more, there’s also a great number of water sports activities to enjoy, at 13.
For younger adventurers, Dino Park can be found in the northeast of the city - a trip taking visitors back millions of years. Find gigantic dinosaurs towering around the park alongside a 4D cinema, where dinosaur fans of any age can learn all about them.
Or, for slightly older thrill seekers, why not check out ActionPark? Its name reflects its nature - an outdoor amusement park set as the go-to for memorable activity days. What better than human table football, archery or paintball to set the pulses racing?
Rome
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In the third place, with 67 points, Rome, Italy. With 4 theme parks, 71 parks and 8 water sports classes, in the ‘Eternal City,’ there is also plenty to see and explore for all eternity!
Just under a 40-minute drive south of the city, Cinecittà World has 40 attractions and 6 theatre shows. Find the Jurassic War adventure alongside the Horror House and 10 metre high Volarium flying theatre at this movie inspired theme park. Fancy some swimming with your film? No problem - it has the world’s first cinema pool.
But, if being in the water is more your bag, why not spend the afternoon with Roma Rafting? Explore the Tiber River from all angles, as you venture down mini rapids in your raft with the help of local, insightful guides.
Budapest
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Fourth place goes to Budapest, Hungary who scored 66 points. The setting of the beautiful Danube River, it’s also where 43 parks, 9 water sports activities, 6 theme parks and 2 water or amusement parks can be found, too!
Famed for its bath culture, heading down to the exclusive Széchenyi Thermal Spa Palm House isn’t to be missed. That’s because pools, saunas and steam rooms will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised, as will their unique tropical greenhouse.
Or, the city’s Palatinus Bath complex is another great option to take in Budapest’s bathing culture. It features multiple indoor and outdoor pools, alongside thermal and wave pools. Whether you want to sightsee or take it easy, you can be sure to find both here.
Berlin
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In fifth position is Berlin, Germany. Scoring 65 points, the city dates back to the 13th century and is one of the few in the world to be the site of three world heritage sites. But, their attractions are anything but old fashioned.
Thanks to 61 parks, 4 theme parks and 8 water sports activities, Berlin is brimming with fun ready to be explored. A short drive from the city is Wannsee, the famous lido and one of Europe’s largest outdoor swimming areas in inland waters. So, put your feet on the sand, and why not rent a boat, put on your SPF and get your swimming costume ready?
After a peaceful swim at Wannsee, Naturpark Barnim could also be your next favourite spot to discover. Straddling the Berlin and Brandenburg regions, this nature park and reserve covers 75,000 hectares, and has been a favourite for hikers and visitors since the 19th century. Find trails, brooks, local wildlife and more!
Stockholm
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Joining Berlin in fifth place, Stockholm, Sweden followed with 65 points. The Swedish capital is home to 32 fun-filled water sports activities, the second highest amount in Europe. Alongside, there are also 3 theme parks.
With 30 rides to choose from, the wonders of Gröna Lund Amusement Park overlook the water, uncompromising on great views and great rides. If you have time to plan about 15 minutes drive from Stockholm, you can enjoy the Monster or Insane roller coasters. Or you can try The Pop Express, where you can disco spin at maximum volume and maximum speed. There are also plenty of concerts and restaurants on site, making this a one stop shop for all things entertaining.
But, if being by the water has got you longing for some waves, be sure to check out the Kitesurfing Center, Stockholm. The small class sizes taught by friendly instructors are ready to take you under their wing with ease.
Paris
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Following in sixth place, was Paris, France. The ‘City of Love’ has also proven itself to be the city of parks. Scoring 64 points, in Paris, you can find a whopping 182 public parks, plus 2 theme parks, 3 water or amusement parks and 4 water sports activities to explore.
Approximately an hour's drive outside the city, the world renowned Disneyland Paris can be found. First opened in 1992, the French branch of the iconic theme park is home to attractions from Buzz Lightyear’s Laser Blast to the thrilling Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. What better way to shape lasting memories.
Or, 40 minutes drive north from the centre, Parc Asterix is also a must-see amusement complex. There, visitors can enjoy family-friendly rides, roller coasters, shows and characters inspired by the iconic cartoon.
Lisbon
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Sharing sixth place with Paris, Lisbon, Portugal also scored a respectable 64 points. The cultural hub offers the most water sports compared to any other city in Europe, with 44 to choose from! There are also 12 water and amusement parks to take in.
So, when not exploring the 28 parks they have to discover, why not trade land for water with Lisbon’s plethora of water sports to learn? Those like surfing and kayaking around the coastline with GoSurf or Epic Surf School are not to be missed, as you ride the waves under the sun.
Or, if you’re wanting to explore some water as opposed to being in it yourself, then the Oceanário de Lisboa could be the perfect place for you to discover. Less than a 30 minute drive from Lisbon city centre, the aquarium is one of the largest in Europe. There, over 15,000 marine creatures spanning 500 species can be found.
Helsinki
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Scoring 63 points, is Helsinki, Finland in seventh place. The verdant city is home to world-class historic and modern architecture, alongside abundant things to do for thrill seekers or park dwellers.
Home to 73 parks, 6 water sports activities and 3 theme parks, whether peaceful chilling or adrenaline fuelled fun takes your fancy, you’ll be covered in Helsinki. Ridenjoy, for example, is the site of cable wakeboarding, sup, kayak and raft rental along the waters of Tarvonsalmi bay. Refreshments can be found there too, for reviving snacks and sips in-between lessons with experts.
Linnanmäki is also another great attraction to explore. The theme park, home to children’s playgrounds, thrilling roller coasters and tasty food both sweet and savoury, can be found only a short 20 minute drive away from Helsinki Airport.
Madrid
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Rounding up our 10 cities, in the eighth place is Madrid, Spain, scoring 56 points. There, an impressive 102 parks can be found, in addition to 3 water and amusement parks, plus 2 water sports activities to join.
To get the most out of your next Spanish getaway, why not travel about 40 minutes by car to the Parque Warner Madrid? With an on-site hotel leaving you more time to enjoy their countless water attractions, you can fly like Batman or relax like Daffy Duck on their rides and chutes, spanning soft to moderate intensity, suiting all preferences.
Or, swapping water for land, Parque del Retiro is definitely not to be skipped. Since becoming public in 1868, the 142 hectare park was first created in 1630 and is one of the largest parks in Madrid, with its 15,000+ trees offering perfect spots for lounging.
Get adventure ready
With a chance to experience some adrenaline alongside a relaxing getaway, heading to an amusement, theme or water park can be the perfect medium for all the family to get their fix of adventure and attractions. So, if having an easy surf peaks your interest or plunging down a waterslide feels like more your thing, we hope that this list offers some inspiration to help you get the most out of your trip. The only question that remains is this - which one will you choose?