Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital and the leading industrial and seaport city of Finland. It is nestled in the southern part of the country on the coastline of the Gulf of Finland. It’s a bustling hub of culture, spectacular nature, and art, boasting stunning architecture and world-class attractions.
While museums like the Ateneum Art Museum, Suomenlinna, and the Central City Library Oodi should always be part of your itinerary, you can’t leave without shopping in Helsinki. The city is a stellar destination for hunting classic Finnish designs, Nordic fashion, international luxury brands, and second-hand items.
Discover several high-end shopping centers, including one of the largest in the country. There are also countless vintage boutique shops, independent stores, Finnish fashion design stores, and vibrant flea markets dotted throughout Helsinki’s colorful districts. It’s a true paradise for fashionistas and shoppers looking for something new to take home. There’s no limit to what you can buy in the city, so be sure to have a safe and secure place to store your bags in Helsinki.
Top Helsinki Shopping Centres and Stores
Itis Shopping Centre
Formerly known as Itäkeskus, Itis Shopping Centre is a massive shopping complex with about 250 shops, thirty restaurants, and several offices and department stores. It opened in 1984 and is now one of the largest shopping centres in the country and Northern Europe. It is ideally located close to the Itäkeskus metro station, so it’s accessible to travelers from different parts of the city and beyond.
With hundreds of stores in Itis Shopping Centre, you can find different items under various categories, such as fashion, healthy & beauty, sports, and jewelry. Some of the brands here include Aleksi 13, a premier Finnish clothing store that will dress you up from head to toe. There’s also Stockmann and Kultajousi, as well as a number of restaurants, office spaces, and family-friendly entertainment.
Location: Itäkatu 1-7, 00930 Helsinki, Finland
Kamppi Shopping Centre
Located right in the heart of Helsinki is the Kamppi Helsinki, a shopping complex most notable for its architecture, designed by Juhani Pallasmaa, a renowned Finnish architect. The property construction took four years, and it is considered the largest singular construction site in Finland's history.
Kamppi Shopping Centre is one of the biggest shopping centers in the country. Aside from leisure, it also plays a big part in the commerce of Finland and Europe in general. The mall complex houses the most extensive public transport hub, which consists of three terminals: the central bus terminal, the long-distance coach terminal, and the Kamppi Metro Station. You can visit the area anytime as it is open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and closes earlier on weekends.
Location: Urho Kekkosen katu 1, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Kämp Galleria
Kämp Galleria opened its doors in the center of Helsinki in 1999. It has become home to the finest selection of Scandinavian design and international fashion for over two decades. Upon entering its premises, you can instantly feel the vibrant and stylish aura of the shopping center as premium and luxury brands are found all over the area.
The unique shopping environment of the mall gives shoppers an exquisite retail experience. As it is located in the center of the capital, it is usually busy with a steady flow of mall-goers. Moreover, visiting the area as a tourist will be easy as there are various nearby hotels and attractions.
Location: Pohjoisesplanadi, 33, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Stockmann Department Store
Another thing to add to your shopping trip is the Stockmann Department Store, the largest in Northern Europe. The store was founded in 1862, and after more than a century of business, it has maintained its beauty and high-quality customer service.
Shoppers would never get bored with Stockmann's wide selection of quality products from cosmetics, fashion, souvenirs, food, and grocery. Also found inside are must-try cafes and restaurants. It is open every day, from 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays, and closes an hour earlier on Saturdays. On Sundays, the store operates for only half a day from 12 to 6 PM.
Location: Aleksanterinkatu 52, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Kluuvi Shopping Centre
Another shopping spot in Helsinki's heart is the Kluuvi Shopping Centre. It was opened on March 15, 1989, and remains one of the city's most popular and visited shopping centers. You can find a wide range of products, from uniquely selected fashion for men and women to cafes and restaurants available.
Kluuvi Shopping Centre has around 35 businesses. Aside from the premium brands and international labels, the basement area of the center caters to 500 small Finnish producers selling local Finnish delicacies. Some of the notables are McDonald's, G-Star RAW, Superdry, Tiger of Sweden, Robert's Coffee, and more. You can also find newly opened international brands here, most of which are the first and only in Finland.
Location: Aleksanterinkatu 9, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Citycenter
If you're looking for the most accessible and multifunctional mall in Helsinki, it would probably be the Citycenter. Also located at the heart of Helsinki, the Citycenter is one of the most visited malls in the city. Inside the mall, you will find over 70 shops, numerous cafes and restaurants, and many more amenities in Helsinki's renovated area. It is very convenient to locate, just opposite the Helsinki Central Railway Station.
For your daily grocery, the place is full of shops to choose where to buy your goods. The mall's second level is where you can find the trendiest restaurants in the city. In terms of multifunctionality, Citycenter is a mall and a coworking building with excellent office space on its upper floors.
Location: Kaivokatu 8, 00101 Helsinki, Finland
Mall of Tripla
Another must-visit shopping spot in the city is the Mall of Tripla, one of the largest shopping malls in the nation and the Nordic countries. It has about 250 shops and over seventy cafes and restaurants. It offers a wealth of culture, flavors, and experiences for everyone of all ages.
One of the main offerings of the shopping mall is the Finnish Music Hall of Fame, a wonderful spot for music lovers. It represents virtually all music genres, featuring several notable songwriters, composers, and musicians. If you’re shopping with the family, stop by the Surf House and the indoor playground for kids.
Location: Fredikanterassi 1, 00520 Helsinki, Finland
Best Shopping Squares and Flea Markets in Helsinki
Hietalahti Flea Market
Located next to the Hietalahti Market Hall, the Hietalahi Flea Market is one of the largest and most famous flea markets in the Finnish capital. Every day, it is filled with around 150 stalls offering everything from second-hand clothing and vintage gems to household items, antiques, and arts and crafts.
The marketplace is open daily in summer from 8 AM to 6 PM Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays and 10 AM to 4 PM on Sundays. However, it’s mainly active during weekends, so come early and prepare for great bargains. Make sure you bring enough cash and take your time discovering treasures among piles of different items.
Location: Lönnrotinkatu 34, 00180 Helsinki, Finland
Market Square (Kauppatori)
Situated at the South Harbour, the Market Square is the city’s famous market with scenic ocean views. It’s where locals gather to buy traditional products and eat fresh salmon. It’s also one of the main tourist spots in Helsinki and a central shopping area for locals and visitors who want to sample delicious Finnish cuisine.
The stalls at the Market Square sell everything from souvenirs and art to food, coffee, and seafood. The warm salmon soup with rye bread is definitely a must-try, but even if you’re only here to eat, check out the local products and support Finnish artists and merchants.
After shopping at the cobbled market square, venture further and explore the gorgeous attractions and sights in the area. In the middle of Market Square is the Stone of the Empress, Helsinki’s oldest public monument, erected in 1835.
Location: Eteläranta, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
Old Market Hall
A short walk from the iconic Market Square is the Old Market Hall, a historic market serving unique Finnish specialties and traditional treats. It opened its doors to customers in 1889 with merchants selling fresh produce and food items, including local cheeses, seafood, fruits, vegetables, cakes, spices, teas, coffee, and more.
The Old Market Hall is right next to where fishing boats dock, so you can sample the fresh seafood in a historic atmosphere. The convenience shops, souvenir vendors, and charming food stands have plenty of wonderful things to satisfy your cravings.
Location: Eteläranta 125, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
Hakaniemi Market Square
Another lovely place to try squid rings and creamy salmon soup is the Hakaniemi Market Square. The food stalls here take their food seriously, so don’t be surprised to find some dishes at the square that are on par with some of the city’s upscale restaurants!
Hakaniemi Market Square is also an excellent place to shop for gifts and souvenirs made by local artisans and artists. While there, check out the Hakaniemi Market Hall, an authentic Finnish market hall, that opened in 1914. This charming building was designed by a great architect, Karl Hård af Segerstad, with two floors of shops selling mouthwatering food, pastries, handicrafts, home décor, and more.
Location: Hämeentie 1, 00530 Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki Shopping Streets and Areas
Pohjoisesplanadi
Pohjoisesplanadi is one of the main shopping streets in Helsinki, home to numerous major shopping malls and department stores. It includes Kämp Galleria, the COS clothing store, and Aarikka Oy, a Finnish company established in 1954 representing unique Nordic and Finnish design.
As you walk along the one-kilometer street, you’ll also find art galleries, boutiques, and stores of all kinds. Swing by the Iittala Store at Pohjoisesplanadi 25 to find top-quality cutlery, cookware, tableware, and design gift items from Arabia. There’s also the Torikorttelit, an active shopping mall with restaurants, cafes, and small boutiques.
Mannerheimintie
Mannerheimintie is another main street in Helsinki. It was named after Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, a statesman, and Finnish military leader. Wandering through the street will take you to some favorite high-end shops, retail outlets, and shopping centres, including the Forum shopping centre not far from the railway station. It opened in 1985, boasting 150 stores, service enterprises, restaurants, and cafes.
If you’re looking for fine wine and drinks, a liquor and department store, Alko Helsinki keskusta Sokos, is found at Mannerheimintie 9. For those shopping for clothing, H&M is at Mannerheimintie 20. And if you stroll through the street, you’ll locate the Makia Flagship store, Glass Palace, Moomin gift shop, and many more.
Design District
Discover the beautiful, classic creations made by Finland’s famous and up-and-coming designers at Design District, one of the city’s most stylish areas. Centered around Diana Park, the place officially became the Design District of Helsinki in 2005, featuring about 200 stores, galleries, and restaurants across twenty-five streets.
Design District is a true haven for shoppers who want to visit one store after another without traveling far. You don’t have to limit your shopping adventure to shopping malls, as the area is filled with antique shops, design boutiques, and fashion stores. Many of the country’s big names in fashion are here.
And if you’re done with your shopping spree, several art galleries, museums, and restaurants are also within the district, providing plenty of entertainment and dining opportunities.
Have Fun Retail Therapy in Helsinki!
There’s no doubt Helsinki is one of the top city destinations for shopping in Finland and Scandinavia. It has numerous shopping outlets, malls, and historic markets that will surely pacify the shopaholic within you. Apart from the shopping centers, there are also cozy little specialty shops, antique stores, and vintage boutiques that combine shopping with art, history, and culture. No matter your interest or budget, shopping in Helsinki is guaranteed to be a fun and exciting experience. Before you head back to Helsinki Airport, shop and enjoy!