Esplanadi (
Swedish: Esplanaden), colloquially known as Espa, is an
esplanade and
urban park in downtown
Helsinki, Finland, situated between the
Erottaja square and the
Market Square. It is bordered on its northern and southern sides by the Pohjoisesplanadi (Norra Esplanaden, North Esplanadi) and Eteläesplanadi (Södra Esplanaden, South Esplanadi) streets, respectively.
Aleksanterinkatu runs parallel to Esplanadi. Esplanadi is well known as a popular walking area,[1][2] and
street performances are also often held in the park.[3]
The eastern end of the park houses the Kappeli restaurant, which opened in 1867. In front of the restaurant is an outdoor stage, which hosts numerous live music performances. Other prestigious restaurants on the edge of the park include
Restaurant Olo on Pohjoisesplanadi[6] and
Savoy Restaurant on Eteläesplanadi.[7]