Other shopping in Finland
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Pikku-Pietarin Market Alley
Just off Puistokatu, Pikku-Pietarin Market Alley is an atmospheric narrow lane of renovated red wooden houses converted into quirky shops stocking jewellery, clothing, handicrafts and other items. Halfway along is an excellent cafe with cosy upstairs seating and a great little back deck for the summer sun.
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Kauppahalli
At the southern end of the kauppatori is this classic Finnish indoor market hall. Here, wrapped in foil, stalls sell local speciality kalakukko, a large rye loaf stuffed with whitefish and then baked. It’s delicious hot or cold but you’ll probably have to buy a whole one (around €20), enough for several picnics.
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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.
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Marttiini Old Knife-Factory
This former factory of Finland’s famous knife manufacturer is now a shop open to visitors with a small knife exhibition, and cheaper prices than you can get elsewhere. It’s near the Arktikum. They’ve another shop at Napapiiri.
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Wanha Naantali Kauppa
Wanha Naantali Kauppa is a popular shop selling old-fashioned Finnish sweets (brace yourself for liquorice and tar drops), bottled soft drinks, postcards and souvenirs – it’s a slightly pricey nostalgia trip.
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Swamp Music
Swamp Music is a good place to pick up Finnish music, and they also have an online store. There’s also a good-value secondhand outlet (Verkatehtaankatu 11) around the corner.
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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.
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Tallipiha Stable Yards
Tallipiha Stable Yards is a restored collection of 19th-century stable yards and staff cottages that house artists and craftworkers who make handicrafts, chocolates, ceramics and shoes.
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Kuusamon Uistin
Kuusamon Uistin, north of the centre on the main road (Rd 5) to Ruka, sells its beautifully crafted world-famous fishing lures and sheath knives from its factory.
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Judy’s Hantverk & Inredning
This backstreet find does hand-painted ceramics and if you’re lucky you’ll see them being painted and fired. They also stock the bold textiles of local designers Korpi and Gordon.
reviewed
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Yesterday Once More
If you’re looking for fashion, wander Kauppapuistikko for boutiques like Yesterday Once More, which recycles vintage styles into new takes.
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Ruohonjuuri
If you’re after specialised supplies, Ruohonjuuri stocks food that’s ethically sound, organic and often catering to special dietary needs.
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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.
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Akateeminen Kirjakauppa
Finland’s biggest bookshop with a huge travel section, maps, Finnish literature and impressively large English section including magazines and newspapers.
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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.
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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.
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Salt
Features local artists and craftspeople selling textiles, ceramics, silverware and other jewellery. They also sell, well, salt.
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Kauppahalli
The Kauppahalli was built in 1889 and remains one of the country’s best with good snacks and produce.
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Karttakeskus Map Shop
Route maps and guides may be purchased at Karttakeskus map shop, which takes orders via its website.
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Verkaranta Arts & Crafts Centre
This small former factory building by the river features exhibits and sells extraordinary textiles and handicrafts.
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Sauna Market
Gather sauna oils, back-scrubbers, water ladles and hundreds of other accoutrements for your own sauna.
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Guldviva
Broaches, cufflinks and necklaces from this goldsmith make top-notch gifts or souvenirs of Mariehamn.
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Fennica Records
This grungey store does a good range of second-hand and new CDs and vinyl from Suomi-pop to jazz.
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Laukontori Market
This is a produce and fish market at Laukontori, also called alaranta (lower lakeside).
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Vaasa Centre for Handicrafts
Vaasa Centre for Handicrafts is an excellent spot to find locally made gifts.
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