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Cities are becoming more and more adept at turning urban eyesores into memorable icons. “Urban renewal” is the name of the game, and travelers like us benefit from unique parks and public spaces perfect for whiling away an afternoon.

The High Line, courtesy of the American Society of Landscape Architects

Here are four must-sees that used to be must-avoids:

The High Line: Located on Manhattan’s West Side, this is perhaps the most well-known urban reuse park. The park is built on an old elevated rail line skirting the Chelsea neighborhood. Snique members can stay along the High Line at The Standard High Line.

Gas Works Park: Jutting out into Seattle’s Lake Union, Gas Works Park provides stunning long views of Seattle in the shadow of an abandoned coal plant. The Park is a popular kite-flying spot, and offers a prime view of the July 4th fireworks.

The Rose Kennedy Greenway: What do you do when your city is bisected by a large, noisy highway? Bury it and put parks where the road used to be! That’s what we did here in Boston, and the Greenway, which connects the North End to Chinatown, has become a local favorite.

Citygarden: This 2.9-acre park in the heart of downtown St. Louis used to be a series of abandoned, overgrown lots. Now it’s a thriving public hub, with fountains, art installations and walking paths.