Shopping in Helsinki
-
A
Academic Book Shop
A behemoth among book shops, the Academic (Akateeminen kirjakauppa to Finns) was designed by Finland's premier architect Alvar Aalto. Don't be misled by the 'academic' tag, you don't have to sew on leather elbow patches to shop here, it caters to everyone. There's a range of international newspapers and an IT department if you're missing some vital software.
reviewed
-
B
Disndat Records
Disndat records has a wild variety of local and imported sounds. Browse through Japanese hardcore, Finnish electro, 60s boogaloo and Italian disco - and that's just for starters. They also have a buy 10 get one free offer, definitely a good place to compile your own personal 'European vacation' soundtrack.
reviewed
-
Arabia Porcelain
Arabia's porcelain is a Finnish icon and if tableware and cookware are on your shopping list then go no further this factory outlet. It is located in a slightly dreary part of town but well worth a visit for that typically well-designed and functional souvenir that the Finn's are noted for.
reviewed
-
C
Mental Wear
Wondering where everyone’s getting those ‘Lost in Helsinki’ metro map threads? Or maybe you just need to tell the world ‘I am a heterosexual and drive a Volvo’ through the medium of cotton. With slogans in Finnish and English these are Helsinki’s most sought-after T-shirts.
reviewed
-
D
Stockmann
Helsinki’s ‘everything store’ does a good line of Finnish souvenirs and Sámi handicrafts, as well as Finnish textiles, Kalevala Koru jewellery, Lapponia jewellery, Moomintroll souvenirs and lots more. It offers an export service.
reviewed
-
E
Digelius Music
For music, check out Digelius Music .They stock a range of Finnish music and world music. It's one of those small independent record shops where the staff know everything and they stock obscure CDs like High Fidelity!
reviewed
-
F
Design Forum Finland
You can get some good pointers from Design Forum Finland, which operates a shop that hosts many designers’ work. You’re often better off price-wise to hunt down your own bargains though.
reviewed
-
G
Kauppatori
Famous market that’s on the waterfront and often busy with tour groups; fishmongers still sell from boats moored at the quay, with local handicrafts and souvenirs at (sometimes) inflated prices.
reviewed
-
H
Marimekko
Finland’s most celebrated designer fabrics, including warm florals and hipper new designs, are available here as shirts, dresses, bags, sheets and almost every other possible application.
reviewed
-
I
Forum Shopping Centre
For everything from Asian noodles to burgers and kebabs, head to the food court in the basement of the Forum shopping centre, where you'll also find a supermarket and Alko store.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Akateeminen Kirjakauppa Bookshop
Finland's biggest bookshop features three floors, an Aalto-designed café and a massive range of books in numerous languages. Big travel section, including maps.
reviewed
-
J
Ruohonjuuri
If you’re after specialised supplies, Ruohonjuuri stocks food that’s ethically sound, organic and often catering to special dietary needs.
reviewed
-
Arabia
The factory outlet of this legendary Finnish ceramics company is bleakly located but worthwhile. Take tram 6 to its terminus and walk a further 200m north.
reviewed
-
K
Akateeminen Kirjakauppa
Finland’s biggest bookshop with a huge travel section, maps, Finnish literature and impressively large English section including magazines and newspapers.
reviewed
-
L
Artek
Originally founded by Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino, this homewares, glassware and furniture store maintains the simple design principle of its founders.
reviewed
-
M
Stupido Records
Not so stupid when it comes to Finnish indie, rock and pop; they’re even happy to play something to see how smart it would sound on your stereo.
reviewed
-
N
IvanaHelsinki
Currently the coolest label with its own Fennofolk style, it has to-die-for dresses and T-shirts that deftly play with Finnish icons.
reviewed
-
O
Kauppahalli
The Kauppahalli was built in 1889 and remains one of the country’s best with good snacks and produce.
reviewed
-
P
Karttakeskus Aleksi
For road atlases, city directories and hiking maps, visit the map shop Karttakeskus Aleksi above Kaisaniemi metro.
reviewed
-
Q
Sauna Market
Gather sauna oils, back-scrubbers, water ladles and hundreds of other accoutrements for your own sauna.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Tapiola
Tapiola, a modern shopping centre, was hailed in its day as a masterpiece of Finnish city planning.
reviewed
-
R
Fennica Records
This grungey store does a good range of second-hand and new CDs and vinyl from Suomi-pop to jazz.
reviewed
-
Forum
The food court in Forum shopping centre has chain stores and budget eats.
reviewed
-
S
Aarikka
Specialising in wood, Aarikka is known for its distinctly Finnish jewellery.
reviewed
-
T
Moomin Shop
Stock up on all things Moomin including books in English and Finnish.
reviewed
