What is "esplanadi"

In the heart of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, Esplanadi is an esplanade consisting of the Esplanadinpuisto park and the parallel one-way streets on its sides named Pohjoisesplanadi (Finnish for North Esplanade, Swedish: Norra Esplanaden) and Eteläesplanadi (Finnish for South Esplanade, Swedish: Södra Esplanaden). They lead from Erottaja Square to Market Square (Kauppatori), and North Esplanade extends along the border of Market Square up to Katajanokka Channel. Parallel to Pohjoisesplanadi, a little northwards, is Aleksanterinkatu. Esplanadi is colloquially called "Espa".

The big green area between the two streets is very active in summer, where many Finns come to have a picnic. There are also numerous live music performances on a special outdoor stage in front of Cafe Kappeli. There is a statue of Johan Ludwig Runeberg by his son Walter Runeberg in the park. The park was originally opened in 1812.