The long, narrow park that runs from the harbour up to Erottaja square, lined on either side by the city's grandest commercial streets. Built in the 1830s when this was the edge of town, Esplanadi is now the spine of central Helsinki: the place locals come to sit on a bench in summer, eat a takeaway from one of the Kappeli kiosks, or watch the lunchtime free concerts that fill the bandstand from June through August.
The shops and restaurants flanking the park — Marimekko, Iittala, the Stockmann department store, Kappeli restaurant — are some of the most prestigious addresses in the city. Combine with Senate Square, Kauppatori, and a coffee at Café Esplanad.