Esplanadi Park
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Why go
- Free summer concerts on the Espan lava stage, opposite the Kappeli restaurant
- Lunch and a drink at Kappeli, a restaurant in the park since 1867
Don't miss
- Johan Ludvig Runeberg statueThe statue of the national poet is the work of Walter Runeberg, the poet's son.In the middle of the park.
- Havis Amanda statueA statue at the eastern end of the park, next to the market square.Eastern end, by Kauppatori market square.
- Swedish TheatreThe Schwedische Theater stands at the western end. Its predecessor, the first theatre building in Helsinki, was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.Western end of the park.
- Topelius and Leino memorialsStatues and memorials honour Zacharias Topelius and Eino Leino, alongside the Runeberg statue.In the park.
- Public artworks by Viktor Jansson, Gunnar Finne and Lauri LeppänenOther public artworks in the park are by these three artists.In the park.
What's in season
- Jun – AugIn summer the park is very busy, with many people coming for lunch and drinks.
- Jun – AugThe stage hosts free public concerts every summer, across from the Kappeli restaurant.
What you see
- Kauppatori market square at the eastern end, and the Südhafen harbour.
- Stockmann, Kämp Galleria, Louis Vuitton and Hotel Kämp on the park's edges.
- Streets beside the park lined with luxury shops, cafés and ministries.
- The street beside the park runs past the presidential palace to a canal.
With kids
- Birds can be aggressive toward anyone carrying ice cream or a sandwich.
- The park is split into three named sections by north-south streets: Teatteriesplanadi, Runeberginesplanadi and Kappeliesplanadi.
Facilities
- Restaurant Kappeli restaurant, where many people come for lunch and drinks in summer.
History
- early 19th centuryThe name first refers to a fortress on Tähtitorninvuori hill.
- 1812Johan Albrecht Ehrenström's town plan first shows the park.
- 1820The name Esplanadi is officially confirmed for the park zone.
- 1827The whole park is finished when Helsinki's first theatre building is completed, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.
- 1867The Kappeli restaurant begins its stay in the park.
Sources: Esplanadi - Wikipedia · Helsinki/Central - Wikivoyage (see) · Esplanadi - Wikipedia · Esplanadin puisto - Wikipedia · Esplanadi - Wikipedia · Esplanadi Park: how it describes itself (its ow… · checked 26 Oct 2026
- Phone
- +358 9 31022111
Plan from here: Evening walk →
Questions and answers
Are the summer concerts in Esplanadi Park free?
Yes. The Espan lava stage, opposite the Kappeli restaurant, hosts free public concerts every summer, often by local artists.
Where is Esplanadi Park and how do I get there?
Esplanadi Park lies in central Helsinki between Erottaja square and Market Square (Kauppatori), between Pohjoisesplanadi and Eteläesplanadi streets.
What can you do in Esplanadi Park in summer?
Many people sit on the lawn for picnics, meet friends with a drink, or have lunch at Kappeli. Street musicians often perform, and concerts take place on the stage.
Is there a restaurant in Esplanadi Park?
Yes. Kappeli, a restaurant and café in the park, has stood there since 1867 and is busy with lunch and drinks in summer.
Are there birds to watch out for in Esplanadi Park?
Yes. Visitors carrying ice cream or a sandwich should watch out for aggressive birds in the park.
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