Shopping spree in Helsinki
Shopping in Helsinki is easy. Helsinki offers a vast array of unique
souvenirs from folksy handicrafts to functional Finnish design and a variety of
shopping environments: shopping centres and malls, department stores, markets as well as small
boutiques.
Shopping hours
Major department stores and shopping centres are normally open from 9am till 8 or 9pm weekdays, till 6pm on Saturdays and from 12noon to 6pm on Sundays.Shops and deparment stores in Finland are allowed to be open every day of the week, excl. the public holidays mentioned below.
Retail stores (area under 400 sq metres) have no opening hour restrictions (excl. the public holidays mentioned below).Shops are closed on the following public holidays:
New Year’s Day (Jan 1), Epiphany (Jan 6), Good Friday, Easter Day, 1st of May, Mothers’ Day (2nd Sun in May), Ascension Day, Whitsuntide, Midsummer Day, All Saints’ Day, Fathers’ Day (2nd Sun in Nov), Independence Day (Dec 6) and Christmas Day (Dec 25).
On Midsummer Eve and Christmas Eve shops are allowed to be open between 7am and 12noon.
Main shopping streets and centres
Helsinki’s main shopping precincts and streets are downtown – all within easy walking distance. Pohjoisesplanadi particularly is known as the design showcase with boutiques from all the main Finnish design names, such as Iittala, Arabia, Marimekko, Aarikka and Pentik. Exclusive boutiques of major international brands are housed in the elegant Kämp Gallery.Another major shopping street is Aleksanterinkatu with several quality jewelry shops and fashion boutiques selling quality Finnish and international brands. The versatile Stockmann’s department store stands at the corner of Pohjoisesplanadi, Mannerheimintie and Aleksanterinkatu. At the other end of Aleksanterinkatu next to the Senate Square you'll find the thoroughly refurbished shopping quarter consisting of two buildings: the Kiseleff and Sunn Houses. The boutiques in this former merchant's block are fine examples of modern Finnish design and craftsmanship.
Further downtown shopping streets include Eteläesplanadi and Mannerheimintie with Forum Shopping centre and Sokos department store. Kamppi Shopping Center has shops and services on six floors housing the Helsinki Bus Station in the basement. Stockmann’s department store stands at the corner of Pohjoisesplanadi, Mannerheimintie and Aleksanterinkatu.
And not to forget the Design District Helsinki that plays a prominent role in boosting Helsinki's reputation as a city of design. It is a cluster of creative businesses and a neighbourhood association offering visitors and residents shopping, dining and design-related experiences. The Design District comprises ca 200 members including design shops, galleries, workshops, museums, restaurants etc.
In the heart of Design District Helsinki there are Design Forum Finland with its Shop, Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture. A shopping round on neighbouring streets such as Erottajankatu, Korkeavuorenkatu, Fredrikinkatu, Uudenmaankatu and Bulevardi is definitely worth a while; there are charming small boutiques selling Finnish design articles and fashion.
Helsinki also boasts the biggest shopping centre in the
Nordic Countries – Itis – located in Itäkeskus just within a 15-minute metro ride from the
centre.
Jewellery (wooden and silver) and giftware of wood. Factory shop at Nokiantie 2–4.
Pohjoisesplanadi 27
+358 9 652 277
Akateeminen is one of the biggest bookstores in Scandinavia.
Pohjoisesplanadi 39
+358 9 121 41
Design for modern living. Specializes in original 1930-1970 Finnish design.
Yrjönkatu 8
+358 9 680 2185
Ladies' overcoats made of furs, leather and other materials. In Forum Shopping Centre.
Simonkatu 2
+358 10 436 8020
Elegant fashion for women and men on five floors.
Aleksanterinkatu 13
+358 9 131 441
Astronomy and astrology themed gifts, suns, moons, stars and antique globes.
Lönnrotinkatu 15
+358 9 6227 2762
Finnish design and ceramic art by Päivi Rintaniemi.
Hietalahdenkatu 4
+358 50 468 2000
Elegant and quality fashion for ladies in Kämp Galleria.
Aleksanterinkatu 40-42
+358 9 622 5006
Located next to the Temppeliaukio Church. Hand-made Finnish souvenirs, gift items and handmade knives.
Fredrikinkatu 68
+358 9 445 823
Exclusive handmade clothes of cotton, wool and other natural materials.
Pohjoisesplanadi 23
+358 9 6811 7513
Design shopping centre with several Finnish Design related shops such as Iittala Outlet, Artebia, Finlayson, Opa and Pentik.
Hämeentie 135
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Tax-Free Shopping
Shops displaying Tax-Free Shopping sign provide special services for travellers. In these shops tourists (excl. residents of EU and Norway) can gain a tax-free benefit, meaning a tax refund of about 12 to 16% of the prices of consumer goods and about 10% of food products.
Pick-up your free copy!
The printed Helsinki This Week magazine is published monthly in summer time and it is available free of charge in nearly 200 distribution points in Helsinki region e.g. hotels, tourist information offices, airport, railway station and Stockmann´s.
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