Esplanade Park

Esplanade Park
About

Esplanade Park is a spacious and centrally located green space in Riga, covering 8.75 hectares between Elizabetes, Kalpaka, Valdemāra, and Brīvības streets. Once an uneven hill known as Senais or Kubes kalns, the area was levelled in 1784 for military use and later transformed into a public park during Riga’s 700th anniversary celebrations in 1901. Today, Esplanade Park is a popular urban retreat, offering shaded paths, open lawns, and seasonal attractions. It is flanked by some of the city’s most prominent landmarks, including the Birth of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, the Latvian National Museum of Art, and the Art Academy of Latvia. Statues of national figures such as poet Rainis and military leader Oskars Kalpaks add cultural depth to the landscape. The park’s blend of historical significance, architectural surroundings, and recreational space makes it a favourite for both quiet reflection and community events in the heart of the Latvian capital.

Riga Latvia
Location

Esplanade Park, known locally as Esplanāde, is a spacious and vibrant green space located in Riga’s Central District, just outside the Old Town. The park is bordered by Kalpaka bulvāris and Reimersa iela, making it easily accessible from the city’s main thoroughfares. Esplanade Park is renowned for its beautifully manicured gardens, tall trees, and open-air cafés, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. The park is home to several of Riga’s most notable landmarks, including the striking Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, the Latvian National Museum of Art, and the Art Academy of Latvia. Visitors will also find monuments to Latvian cultural figures such as Rainis and Oskars Kalpaks scattered throughout the park, as well as charming sculptures and fountains. Its central location places it within easy walking distance of Bastejkalns Park, the Freedom Monument, and the bustling shops and cafés of Brīvības Street, making Esplanade Park a perfect spot to relax while exploring Riga’s cultural and historical highlights.

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Riga Art Nouveau Museum Art Nouveau Museum Riga Riga Motor Museum Riga Motor Museum Riga Latvian National Museum of Art Latvian National Museum of Art Riga Latvian National Opera and Ballet Latvian National Opera and Ballet Riga Daile Theatre Daile Theatre Riga New Riga Theatre New Riga Theatre Riga Riga Castle Riga Castle Riga House of the Blackheads House of the Blackheads Riga Bastejkalns Park Bastejkalns Park Riga Vērmanes Garden Vērmanes Garden Riga Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia Riga St. Peter's Church Tower St. Peter's Church Tower Riga Riga Cathedral Tower Riga Cathedral Tower Riga Rātslaukums Rātslaukums Riga Dome Square Dome Square Riga Freedom Monument Square Freedom Monument Square Riga Riga Old Town Riga Old Town Riga Rīgas Centrāltirgus Rīgas Centrāltirgus Riga Three Brothers Three Brothers Riga Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum Riga Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck Riga Laima Clock Laima Clock Riga

User attributes