Yes — urban benches with a backrest high enough to lean your head against do exist, but they are not the standard low-back bench you see at every bus stop or sidewalk. They are usually called high-back benches, reading benches, or headrest benches, and they are becoming more common in newer parks, university campuses, hospital gardens, waterfront promenades, and modern public plazas.
If you are looking for one, pay attention to a few design details. The backrest should reach at least the back of your head or upper neck, and it helps if the seat has a slight recline so you do not slide forward while reading. A deeper seat also makes a big difference because it lets you sit back naturally without your knees doing all the work. High-back benches made from wood and steel are popular, but contoured aluminum benches with a curved top rail can also support your head well.
The best places to find them are often newer or redesigned public spaces. Landscape architects sometimes specify ergonomic public seating for reading areas, quiet gardens, or outdoor study zones. If you search locally for “high-back park benches” or “reading benches,” you may spot them on city improvement plans or in outdoor furniture catalogs.
If you cannot find one nearby, there are still ways to read comfortably. Sit on a bench placed against a wall or planter, bring a small travel pillow, or choose a chair-style outdoor seat with a taller back. Some people also use a backpack behind the head for extra support.
So yes, high-back urban benches for reading are real. They are just not yet the default in every city, so you may need to look a little harder or visit a newer park or campus seating area to find one.