esplanade

An esplanade is a level, open area along a shore or extending along a river, designed for public walking, leisure, and scenic viewing. Typically a promenade, a waterfront esplanade may run alongside harbors, bays, or parks, and is often paved and landscaped with benches, trees, and monuments to invite casual strolling and outdoor gatherings. The term derives from the French esplanade, itself from Italian esplanare meaning to level or flatten ground, reflecting its original function as an expanded, level space in front of cities or fortifications. In urban design, esplanades serve as public amenities, provide views of water, and can be part of a park system or cultural district.

Common features include long, broad walkways, access to the water, sometimes promenades above sea level on levees or terraces, and integration with seating, planting, and sometimes stages or temporary event spaces. Some esplanades were built as part of military or ceremonial grounds and later repurposed for recreation, while others were created specifically as leisure corridors to improve waterfront public life.

Notable examples are found worldwide; in Singapore, the Esplanade waterfront area includes Esplanade Park along the Singapore River and the adjacent Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, a prominent performing arts centre on Marina Bay. More generally, many coastal and riverside cities feature streets or promenades referred to as esplanades, reflecting their function as accessible, scenic public space.