Ile aux Cygnes in Paris reaches a width of approximately 36 feet at its broadest expanse, as captured in this photograph by John Kellerman through Alamy.

In the heart of bustling cities, there lies a hidden gem - urban islands that offer a unique blend of city developments, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some lesser-known, yet travel-worthy urban islands that are worth exploring.

Margaret Island, located in Budapest, Hungary, is a tranquil oasis in the midst of the city. Named after a 13th-century princess, this island features a jogging path, restaurants, theater, thermal springs, and ruins of monasteries. For the adventurous, you can even hire mountain bikes to explore the island.

Cockatoo Island, situated in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, is a former penal colony and the largest shipyard in Australia. Today, it serves as a venue for art and performance, offering camping by the water and art and performance venues in its industrial buildings.

Bowen Island, near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride. This wooded island offers beaches, lakes, waterfalls, and outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, and sailing. You can also rent a bike, kayak, or sailboat to explore the island.

Île aux Cygnes, an artificial island in the middle of the Seine in Paris, France, is known for its tree-lined path and a quarter-size Statue of Liberty.

Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA, is known for its historic charm, car-free streets, and scenic views in Lake Huron.

Hong Kong Island, a dynamic urban center in Hong Kong, offers a mix of modern skyscrapers and cultural heritage.

Vancouver's Granville Island, Canada, is a vibrant arts and food district within the city.

Penang, Malaysia, is famous for its colonial architecture, diverse culture, and street food.

Jeju Island (urban areas near Jeju City), South Korea, is a popular tourist destination with urban amenities and natural attractions.

Santa Catalina Island, California, USA, offers a small urban feel with tourism infrastructure near Los Angeles.

Singapore (beyond the central island city-state) includes smaller urbanized islands like Sentosa with resorts and entertainment.

Isle of Dogs, London, UK, is a redeveloped urban island with residential, commercial, and leisure spaces.

Manhattan, New York, USA, is often top-listed but if overlooked, it is the prime example of a highly urbanized island city.

Göteborg's Hisingen, Sweden, is Scandinavia’s fifth-largest island with significant urban areas and port facilities.

Beyond these islands, The Bronx, New York City, USA, is home to City Island, a nautical-themed island with marinas, seafood restaurants, and a backdrop for many films.

Pulau Ubin, a rural refuge in Singapore, is home to fishermen and prawn farmers, with areas of jungle, mangrove swamps, and mudflats.

Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour, New Zealand, was a Maori fortified settlement, the site of New Zealand's first lighthouse, and a military fortification. Now, it is managed by the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society and is home to Little Blue Penguins.

Fort Warren, located on Georges Island in Massachusetts Bay, Boston, USA, was built in 1847 as part of Boston's defenses.

Kampa Island, a tranquil corner of Prague, Czech Republic, is located on the River Vltava. It houses Sova's Mill, a museum of modern Czech art, and Renaissance and baroque houses surround a central square of cafes and restaurants.

Spectacle Island in Massachusetts Bay, Boston, USA, has five miles of trails, fine views over Boston Harbor, and offers free jazz concerts in the summer.

Ilha de Paquetá, a romantic tropical island in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's Baia da Guanabara, is popular among locals and filled with colonial buildings.

These urban islands combine city developments, culture, and accessibility by water, making them appealing travel destinations. Whether you're seeking adventure, history, or relaxation, these urban islands offer a unique and memorable experience.

Margaret Island in Budapest, Hungary, with its jogging path, restaurants, theater, thermal springs, and ruins of monasteries, offers a serene contrast to the bustling city.
Cockatoo Island in Sydney, Australia, once a penal colony, now provides a venue for art and performance, offering an intriguing blend of history and modern amenities.
Bowen Island near Vancouver, Canada, accessible by a short ferry ride, promises lush forests, clear waters, and various outdoor activities for an invigorating lifestyle experience.
Île aux Cygnes in Paris, France, encapsulates the essence of urban charm with its tree-lined paths and distinctive statues amidst the Seine's flow.

Ile aux Cygnes in Paris reaches a width of approximately 36 feet at its broadest expanse, as captured in this photograph by John Kellerman through Alamy.