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 LatviaEsplanade 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.