This review examines 217 papers on urban ecosystem services (UES) to understand the focus, methods, and implementation of UES studies. The majority of studies are from Europe, North America, and China, with an increasing number published since 1975. Regulating services, such as air quality regulation and carbon sequestration, are the most commonly assessed, followed by supporting and cultural services. Most studies use biophysical models, GIS, and valuation methods, but few studies implement findings into land use policy. The review highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches, stakeholder engagement, and integrated valuation methods to address the complexity of UES and their impacts on human well-being. The temporal dynamics of UES, the diversity of indicators, and the economic valuation methods used are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrating multiple perspectives and values in UES assessments. Finally, the review finds limited implementation of UES findings in urban planning and policy, suggesting a need for more detailed and targeted recommendations to foster practical applications.This review examines 217 papers on urban ecosystem services (UES) to understand the focus, methods, and implementation of UES studies. The majority of studies are from Europe, North America, and China, with an increasing number published since 1975. Regulating services, such as air quality regulation and carbon sequestration, are the most commonly assessed, followed by supporting and cultural services. Most studies use biophysical models, GIS, and valuation methods, but few studies implement findings into land use policy. The review highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches, stakeholder engagement, and integrated valuation methods to address the complexity of UES and their impacts on human well-being. The temporal dynamics of UES, the diversity of indicators, and the economic valuation methods used are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrating multiple perspectives and values in UES assessments. Finally, the review finds limited implementation of UES findings in urban planning and policy, suggesting a need for more detailed and targeted recommendations to foster practical applications.