Around 417 hectares of the city area are occupied by public parks and gardens. In many places, for example along the banks of the River Pegnitz, in the past few years, new footpaths and cycle paths, informal football grounds and meadows for sunbathing were created.
Particularly good spots for joggers are the People's Park Marienberg, the Wöhrder Wiese Meadows and the areas around the Zoo and Dutzendteich lake. The banks of the River Pegnitz and some parts of the People's Park Marienberg are popular spots for barbecues in summer and for romantic camp fires.