Shopping in Helsinki
Discover 49 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Helsinki, Finland. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
-
Verkkokauppa.com
Located 2 km from the Helsinki city center in the Western Harbour (Länsisatama). Northern Europe's and possibly Europe's largest home-electronics store with 20 000 m2 of retail space. The best spot for electronics, computers, digital cameras, mobile phones and gadgets in general in Helsinki. They not only sell electronics but also imported snacks (mainly from the USA) to enjoy while watching TV or barbecuing - think soda, chips, barbecue sauce, candies and such. In addition to being a store it features a couple of fast food outlets one of them with Australian meat pies, and a computer game museum on the 5th floor. Literally on the top of it all, the 7th floor features Finland's largest sightseeing terrace with views of Helsinki, the sea and prime view of cruise ships in the summer and in the middle of it a real MiG-21BIS fighter plane, the entrance is free. Free parking underground and on an outdoor parking area behind the complex.
-
Itis
The largest shopping mall in the Nordic countries with some 240 shops. If that's not enough, there is a separate Prisma hypermarket right across Kehä I, a Citymarket across Itäväylä and the "grandfather" Puhos (opened in 1965) behind Itis itself, all with small stores. Comes with an unexpected African and Middle Eastern vibe due to the high number of immigrants residing in the nearby neighbourhoods, who spend free time there with friends and family. Formerly named Itäkeskus (Eastern Center), the mall has now turned made it's colloquial name official.
-
Stockmann
Northern Europe's largest department store. The flagship of Finland's premier department store chain. When Helsinkians meet "under the clock" (''kellon alla''), they mean the one rotating under the main entrance to Stockmann. Large selection of souvenirs and Finnish goods, and the Herkku supermarket in the basement offers an amazing range of gourmet food from all over Europe. There are also smaller branches of Stockmann at the malls of Itäkeskus, Jumbo, Tapiola and the airport.
Corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie Website -
Hakaniemi Market Hall and Open-Air Market
A busy market frequented by locals, this is where you can find specialities at affordable prices. The first floor of the market hall is largely food. Head to the second floor for handicrafts and souvenirs. The open-air market offers fresh vegetables and seasonal products, and a flea market on the first Sunday each month.. Walking up Hämeentie from Hakaniemi market, you'll find most of Helsinki's African, Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian grocery stores.
-
Inttistore
Military and outdoor equipment store; you can probably find anything made for the Finnish military here (and some American military clothes as well), except guns, ammo and vehicles. Hardcore hikers and hunters will certainly enjoy this store, the same is true if you're collecting military paraphernalia. How about a really sturdy sleeping bag, a greatcoat, night vision binoculars or just a keyring with the Finnish coat of arms?
-
Eat&Joy Farmers Market
In the heart of Helsinki at Kluuvi shopping center, another one at Helsinki Airport. The markets are open seven days a week and have delicacies from more than 500 small producers across Finland: wild reindeer (poro), salmon, artisan cheeses, berry jams, fish roe, hand-crafted beer and cider, mushrooms, rye bread, smoked specialities, kyyttö forest cow, artisan chocolates and much more – all direct from the producers.
Aleksanterinkatu 7-9 -
Market Square
At the end of Esplanadi facing the sea, this open-air market sells fresh fish and produce from all over Finland. Open year round. It's busiest in summer, although the Christmas Market in December is also worth a look. One section of the market is devoted to souvenirs, but best buys here are the fresh berries and other produce. In summer, try the sweet green peas (''herne''). Just pop open the pod and eat as is.
-
Sokos
A large department store conveniently located right next to the railway station. Good place for buying clothes, you can often find the same products here as in nearby Stockmann but at a lower price. On the downside, despite being a department store they have a rather limited selection of everything else. The restaurant at the top floor has a nice view of central Helsinki.
Mannerheimintie 9 Website -
Kluuvi
Re-opened after extensive renovations in Autumn 2011, the Kluuvi shopping centre features a range of international and domestic brands. Perhaps the most interesting concept is the Eat & Joy Markethall selling organic and local food in the basement. Grind your own flour and fill your bottles with crude milk but be prepared for steep prices.
Aleksanterinkatu Website -
Academic Bookstore
The largest bookstore in Northern Europe, with extensive selections in English too. An underground passage connects the bookstore to Stockmann. If for no other reason the bookstore's architecture (Alvar Aalto) and pleasant second floor cafeteria (one of the few with to-table service in Helsinki) might be enough reason to visit.
Keskuskatu (''opposite Stockmann'') Website -
Moko market & café
Things to furnish and decorate your home of the more expensive kind as well as organic products. They have a café too, serving sandwiches, good hamburgers and a range of beverages - on Saturdays you can enjoy brunch there. Moko has another branch in Punavuori in the southwest of the city.
-
Marimekko
Innovative and unique Finnish interior design, bags, and fabrics. This is the flagship store, but items can also be found at the Kämp Gallery, Kamppi Centre, Hakaniemi Market Hall, or their factory shop (Kirvesmiehenkatu 7, tel. ''+358 9'' 758 7244).
Pohjoisesplanadi 33 Website -
NOMO jeans
Similar to LSC but for jeans, and for both genders. NOMO makes tailored jeans with the help of a body scanner for a reasonable price (starting around €100) - the idea is, why buy designer jeans when you can get tailored ones at the same price.
in Kampin Keskus mall, fourth floor Website -
Left Shoe Company
Step on a high tech gadget that measures your foot and then choose what sort of shoe you would like to wear. Get the tailored shoe sent home by post. Only mens shoes. Prices start at around €300 and go up €450 depending on the materials used.
Eteläesplanadi 8B (also inside Stockmann department store) Website -
Paloni
Paloni is a creative design concept store. It sells items that are designed and made by over 70 independent designers. Paloni's product range covers women's clothing, accessories, jewellery, home decor, gift items and children's clothing.
-
Aero
New and vintage design furniture, lighting, textiles, jewelery, glass. Finnish designers represented include Eero Aarnio, Alvar Aalto, Tapio Wirkkala, Timo Sarpaneva and Ilmari Tapiovaara. Not for the budget traveller.
Yrjönkatu 8 Website -
Helsinki 10
This bright-white "lifestyle department store" sells both international and Finnish (designer) labels such as Raf Simons, Wood Wood, Acne and April77 as well as second-hand clothes, accessories, records, magazines etc.
-
Eho Perheleipurit factory store
A major bakery selling bread, buns and cakes fresh from the oven at discount prices. The store is however a bit hidden between the industrial buildings and car dealerships.
Lämmittäjänkuja 2 Mo-Fr 7.30AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-2PM -
Old Market Hall
Right next to Market Square, this old brick building houses Finland's best collection of gourmet food boutiques. Try to find the stall which sells '''beaver sausage'''!
-
Kauppakeskus Ruoholahti
Quite small compared to the suburban malls along the ring roads, but this urban mall still has a Citymarket and a couple of speciality stores and cafes.
-
Arabia Factory Shop
Factory outlet for '''Arabia''' ceramics and '''Iittala''' glassware, best known for selling slightly defective goods at modestly discounted prices.
-
Myymälä2
Gallery and shop for young designers, artists and musicians. And while you are there, check out '''Lux''' shop on the opposite side of the street.
Uudenmaankatu 23 Website -
Flea market in Helsingin Jäähalli
Besides sports events, the ice hall (or more precisely the corridors around the actual sports ground) is a venue of regular weekend flea markets.
-
Saiturinpörssi
Forgot to take toothpaste, socks or some snacks with you on the trip or have you always wanted to shop in a Finnish rock-bottom prices store?
Porthaninkatu 11 Website -
Hietalahti Open Air Flea market
Next to Hietalahti Antique and Art Hall, this is the most popular flea market in Helsinki. Open year round, but busiest from May to August.
-
Iittala Shop
An airy concept store for the Iittala brand of Finnish glassware, pans, kitchen utensils and more. Personal service by the friendly staff.
-
Marimekko Factory Outlet
Fans of likely the best known Finnish fashion and interior design brand will find this a reason to venture out into the East of Helsinki.
Kirvesmiehenkatu 7 Website -
Kamppi Center
Big shopping mall in the center of Helsinki. Plenty of international brands and restaurants. Long-distance bus terminal in the basement.
-
Keltainen Jäänsärkijä
Helsinki's largest indie store, covers virtually except classical and electronic. Many indie vinyl and reasonable price. Recommended.
-
Columbus
If you're in the easternmost part and need to buy something, check out Vuosaari's Columbus, with some 50 different stores.
Vuotie 45 Website -
Streetbeat
One of Finland's dance/electronic music pioneers, but they've closed their city center store and moved into the suburbs.
Kirvesmiehenkatu 4 Website -
Levykauppa Äx
Possibly the most well-known record shop in Finland which does have plans to start a political party. Mostly new items.
-
Hietalahti Antique and Art Hall
Here you can find many antique shops in one place, five blocks southwest from Mannerheimintie.
-
Forum
Kamppi center's next door older brother with plenty of shops, restaurants and other services.
-
Kauppakeskus Arabia
A shopping mall in northwestern Helsinki with two supermarkets and some speciality stores.
Hämeentie 111 Website -
Aarikka Factory Shop
Jewellery, decoration ware and trinket maker Aarikka have their factory shop in Vallila.
-
Galleria Esplanad
Upscale shopping mall, with local brands like Marimekko, Aarikka and Iittala.
between Mikonkatu and Kluuvikatu Website -
Green Grass
Mostly second hand. Rock/pop. Old but good/cheap stuff. near Äx. Recommended.
Fredrikinkatu 60 €cheap -
Vallilan Akseli
Here you can watch and buy "design"-furniture and kitchen utilities.
Lemuntie 3-5 Website -
Ivana Helsinki
Internationally recognized designer clothes, handmade in Finland.
Uudenmaankatu 15 Website
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Helsinki: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Helsinki is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Helsinki's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 49 shopping spots in Helsinki sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Helsinki
Helsinki's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Helsinki often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Helsinki sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Helsinki
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Helsinki's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Helsinki prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Helsinki close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Helsinki, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Helsinki.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Helsinki light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Helsinki
The most meaningful souvenirs from Helsinki are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Helsinki
Like most cities, Helsinki's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Helsinki
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Helsinki — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Helsinki
Where to shop in Helsinki?
Helsinki has 49 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Helsinki.
What souvenirs to buy in Helsinki?
The best souvenirs from Helsinki are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Helsinki?
Yes, Helsinki has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Helsinki?
Helsinki has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Helsinki?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Helsinki. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Helsinki as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Helsinki is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Helsinki.
Explore Helsinki with fellow travelers
Download Nomax — It's Free
