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The Esplanadi Park

The Esplanadi Park, Helsinki: Address, The Esplanadi Park Reviews: 4.5/5

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The Esplanadi Park

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The Esplanadi Park
4.5
2,782
#12 of 474 things to do in Helsinki
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Parks
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The area
Address
How to get there
  • Rautatientori • 5 min walk
  • Helsingin yliopisto • 6 min walk
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Restaurants
1,441 within 3 miles
Vinkkeli
241
0.3 mi$$$$ • European • Scandinavian • Vegetarian Friendly
Ragu
902
0.1 mi$$$$ • European • Central European • Scandinavian
Finlandia Caviar
275
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Toca
293
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • European • Fusion
Pompier Espa
305
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Scandinavian • Vegetarian Friendly
Passio Keittio Ja Baari
910
0.3 mi$$$$ • European • Scandinavian • Vegetarian Friendly
Restaurant Savoy
480
0.1 mi$$$$ • French • Scandinavian • Vegetarian Friendly
Zucchini
158
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • European • Soups
Spis
250
0.3 mi$$$$ • European • Scandinavian • Vegetarian Friendly
Emo
381
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Contemporary • Scandinavian
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Attractions
448 within 6 miles
The Statue of Eino Leino
11
164 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Stockmann Department Store
803
509 ftDepartment Stores • Shopping Malls
Swedish Theater (Svenska Teatern)
66
201 ftTheaters
Kamp Galleria
27
392 ftShopping Malls
Pohjolan toimitalo
15
503 ftHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Helsinki Tram System
1,779
0.2 miTrams
Galleria Esplanad
13
317 ftShopping Malls
Johan Ludvig Runeberg Statue
8
395 ftMonuments & Statues
The Mermaid
2
439 ftMonuments & Statues
Faith Hope Love
2
330 ftMonuments & Statues
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,782 reviews
Excellent
1,246
Very good
1,200
Average
311
Poor
22
Terrible
3
sptor
Klaipeda, Lithuania81 contributions
Nice park and promenade in the city center
Jul 2020
We were just walking around when stumbled upon it, and since it was on the way to the place we headed on, walked though whole it's lengths. I have to say it was quite pleasant walk, and some interesting things were there apart walk itself. Park is not crowded (we were there on Friday afternoon) but amount of people were substantial, so keep in mind that this will not be super- serene park but rather onebustling with city energy.
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mikael F
Helsinki, Finland24,306 contributions
The most famous park in Finland
Dec 2020
This centrally located park was planned by the famous architect Carl Ludvig Engel. It was opened in 1818.

At the Market Square end of the park lies the historic restaurant Kappeli from 1867. Opposite Kappeli is Espa Stage, which offers summer concerts.

Svenska Teatern (Swedish Theatre) is located at the Mannerheimintie end of the park.

There are many statues in the park. The most famous is the statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg located next to the legendary Kämp Hotel.

In the summertime, the park is popular for picnics.

During Christmas time, the park is beautifully lit.
Written December 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aussie252
Perth, Australia305 contributions
Beautiful park decked out for Christmas
Dec 2019
We walked along the Esplanadi Park numerous times. Beautifully landscaped , great sculptures and decked out for Christmas but I think it would be lovely any time of year. Central and leads to more central city or market square and harbour at the other end. Appeared to be very popular with both tourists and locals. A great walk.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
yss97
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1,465 contributions
Nice park in town
Feb 2020 • Couples
The park is just off Market Square and runs from there for a few blocks. The park is well laid out with paths, benches and a few sculptures. There are shops on both sides of the roads bordering the park. On the right (as you walk from Market Square, the shops seem quite upmarket- branches of Prasad’s, Gucci and Louis Vuitton are here as well as some exclusive boutiques. At the end of this road is the Stockmann department store, a Helsinki version of Macy’s apparently. The shops on the left side are much less interesting. There is a supermarket and a few eateries only.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
OliwaVasicek
London, UK469 contributions
Lovely both in the summer and winter
Oct 2020
The very heart of central Helsinki and a very evocative park it is. I live nearby and often pass through it on my way to the shops, or just walk down it when the weather is good. Very clean, well manicured, with lots of benches as well as frequent free musical exhibitions on the covered stage at one end.
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
VinnieLondon
Doha, Qatar7,145 contributions
Nice park space linking city centre to Quayside
Feb 2020 • Solo
Interesting esplanade history from 18th century at centre of the city development. Nice connecting green space from main shopping area to the quayside. Top end brand outlets on one side with a number of restaurants either side and one at the end in the esplanade itself (Kappeli). Bottom end of esplanade leads across to quayside. It was a cold winter on the days I visited but sure in the summer this is a nice space to spend time in.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tomi Wickman
Helsinki, Finland2,161 contributions
Great winter lights
Jan 2020 • Business
Really nice to walk here also in a winter evening. Beautifull lights. Not so crowded as people tend to walk here normally day time.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
karingal
Helsinki, Finland161 contributions
Posh enough for the president
North esplanade in Helsinki is soooo posh that even the president wants to live on it. In the summer crowds flock here on their way to kauppatori or to catch to boats to nearby islands. If you're loaded you can go shopping at one of the many high end fashion boutiques or if you want to be seen, pull up a chair outside the Hotel Kämp and have a cup of expensive coffee and a cinnamon bun and do a bit of people watching. At the end of the road is the presidents castle and the close by is her house, both guarded by soldiers. The Havis Amanda fountain is also on the esplanade and if you're coming on May Day (Vappu) you can watch the local students perform the annual ritual of washing the central statue of a naked woman and dressing her up in clothes. Right beside the fountain is the Kappeli cafe and restaurant which is in my opinion one of the most beautiful buildings in Helsinki and in the summer there is a bandstand right opposite where local bands come to play free concerts for the public. Winter is not quite so lively but normally there are wooden huts set up along the esplanade selling traditional finnish christmas decorations, roasted chestnuts and almonds and other christmas fare. Definitely not to be missed!
Written September 22, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AstravelerCom
Klaipeda, Lithuania105 contributions
Small park but really cosy and beautiful.
Dec 2017 • Solo
In the winter this park has some nice Chrismas mood, lighting and deers. Overall it's a small but a must see park if you are in Helsinki
Written February 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kalle
Helsinki, Finland50 contributions
The finest and poshest street in Helsinki
Esplanade is truly something that everyone should experience. It's Helsinki's Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but much smaller. It is the street where the most expensive offices and apartments are and it has even the President's Home on it. You shouldn't miss this. Here are all the boutiques from Longchamp to Marimekko.
Written September 3, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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