Beautiful park in the city center of Helsinki. Great for people watching and also eating ice cream from one of the many kiosks. Many benches but they are full at peak times. read more

Esplanadin puisto - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Helsinki, 18

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Great park to walk thru to get to the center of the city. Barely a block wide but about five blocks long, I was dropped off at the west end and walked thru it to the central market area just across from the Havis Amanda fountain. The central walkway is wide and lined with beautiful mature trees. In the center of the park is a statue of Johan Ludwig Runeberg. On my return walk back to the ship there was a musician playing a violin for tips in front of the statue. A beautiful sound with a fabulous setting. Near the east end is the Kappeli restaurant, opened in 1867. Across from the restaurant is a large outdoor stage, disappointed neither was open at the early time I came thru the park. Both looked wonderful. Across from the park on the north side are several shops, cafes and hotels to wander about while near the park. A very clean area to spend the day in. read more

Esplanadin puisto - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Helsinki, 18

It would be difficult not to take a stroll on the Esplanadi in Helsinki because it pretty much amounts to that city's Central Park despite its relative smallness. Only about four blocks long, it's really an old-style promenade lined by bare-branched linden trees (at least in a wintry state) on either side of the busy boulevard, Pohjoisesplanadi to the north and Eteläesplanadi to the south (photo: http://bit.ly/2a5fvmk). Jamie W. and I were there during a particularly cold time of the year, the middle of April if you can believe it, so the local Finns were not hanging out on the green lawns or sitting on the numerous benches lining the central walkway. It was as quiet as a Twilight Zone episode. Statues dot the park, the dominant one in the middle of poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg (photo: http://bit.ly/2a6Ru0S) but none are as prominent as the provocative nude female at the eastern end of the park, Havis Amanda, which apparently increases men's sexual potency according to urban legend (photo: http://bit.ly/2a4ikVF). I felt nothing. There's an outdoor stage that was definitely closed when we were there, but we took advantage of the upscale cafe, Kappeli, and the sweet desserts they offered (photo: http://bit.ly/29Qqrao). Otherwise the walk leads you right to Market Square (Kauppatori) where plates of grilled seafood awaited us in the orange tent. read more

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This narrow green mall is a must for tourists and is clearly for the locals as well. I was here when it was sunny, and it was busy, and packed full of everyone from kids to dogs to people eating...even panhandlers...of course. Gorgeous area. It's also close to cafes, bars and the main shopping area. read more

Esplanadin puisto - Main guy with a bird on his head - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Helsinki, 18

Esplanade! This long, narrow, linear park runs about four blocks through the heart of the downtown area to the harbor. It's a block wide, with paved walkways that take you past nice statues, and beautiful landscaping. In the park, you'll find public restrooms, a bandstand, a nice diner, and lots of park benches to chill out on. It's a good place to hang out and listen to street performers, or just watch the shoppers walk by. On both sides of the park, it is surrounded by busy streets lined with high-end shopping. At one end of the park is a nice outdoor market, and at the other is a opera house. The Esplanade is a short walk from the Central Train Station, or it can be reached by streetcar. The Esplanade is a no drone zone! They have signs all over the place alerting you to this fact. It's a nice place to enjoy a picnic, or to relax in the snow. read more

Stumbled upon this on a sunny weekend and was charmed. There were 2 musicians with a sax and a guitar playing music and it was quite charming sitting there on a bench listening to them and people watching. I would recommend taking a stroll here if weather is nice. read more

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Located in downtown Helsinki, this main strip is a little piece of nature in an urban setting. It's a long skinny park in between two major roads. Along each side are very high-end shops of all nationalities. While most are clothing shops, there are still a bunch of food places. There are also a variety of shops/mini-stores inside the park that sell various things (coffee, tea, ice cream, snacks etc). In the warmer months, you'll see many people picnicking, sitting, people watching or just otherwise enjoying the weather. It leads directly to the main square (the pier where the ferry to the island picks up) so it's great for logistics too. The flowers and green grass are a beautiful touch - as are the trees that line the park. It's well worth a walk or an afternoon sitting. read more

Esplanadin puisto - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Helsinki, 18

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I'm in Finland house sitting for 6 weeks (during the summer) and I've gone to this park several times. It's great for sitting on the grass and people watching, or bringing food and having a picnic. And all around it, there's amazing upscale shopping and chic restaurants. It's also very close to the waterfront and Central Market (a five minute walk). There are often ice cream stands and stands with fresh squeezed (as you wait!) fruit juice. And for several days in July, there are live bands performing on a bandstand in the park. I've really enjoyed coming here. I'm off to a house sit in Spain soon. I hope I find a place to relax and people watch that I like as much as this location. read more

Esplanadin puisto - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Helsinki, 18

Nice little park situated in the middle of busy Esplanadi. There are a couple fountains and some benches go relax on and people watch. It isn't as quiet as other parks in the city and at night there are a few drunks wondering around so keep that in mind. Best enjoyed during the day. read more

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If you come to Helsinki you must visit the Esplanade. Only four blocks long it runs from the heart of the city down to the waterfront. It is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants and (at least in July when we visited) filled with people enjoying a bit of open space during the all too short summer. We had caffe and cakes, bought souvenirs, visited Marimekko, and most of all watched the people passing by. The closest US equivalent I can think of is San Francisco's Union Square - except that the larger size (and smaller crowds) of the Esplanade allows one to find a bit of space in which to relax. read more

It's a nice park with plenty of space (and people), and there are restaurants and higher-end stores surrounding the park. It's a nice place to take a stroll and look through, or maybe grab some lunch and eat it at the park. A lot of the surrounding restaurants have an outdoor seating area which would also be nice for a sunny day! read more