Esplanadi Park, often called “Espa” by locals, is one of Finland’s most famous urban parks and the green heart of central Helsinki. The long, narrow park stretches between Erottaja Square in the west and Market Square by the sea in the east, framed by Pohjoisesplanadi and Eteläesplanadi streets. Designed in the early 19th century by Carl Ludwig Engel, its straight tree-lined alleys, flowerbeds, statues of Finnish poets and musicians, and a small outdoor stage make it a natural promenade where people stroll, sit on benches or grass and listen to live music. In summer, Esplanadi hosts concerts and events, while in winter it becomes part of the city’s festive lighting and Christmas routes
Lining the park are historic buildings, flagship stores and well-known Helsinki restaurants and kahvila: the Kappeli restaurant with its terrace, the Swedish Theatre at the western end, high-end dining such as Restaurant Olo and Savoy, Hotel Kämp and luxury boutiques. For visitors, Esplanadi is both a scenic shortcut and a destination in itself, easy to combine with a walk to Kauppatori, Helsinki Cathedral, the Old Market Hall or nearby museums. Many travellers describe it as a place to “sit and watch the city”, feel the relaxed yet energetic rhythm of Helsinki and enjoy street performances, snacks or a glass of something on a sunny terrace.
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