10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Helsinki

What would the centre of Helsinki be without Stockmann? It’s Helsinki’s most famous department store, and many people have marvelled at its shop windows and clock over the years. The store has 12 floors, and you can find everything from brand-name clothes to exotic treats. There are also coffee shops, restaurants, beauty salons, a pharmacy and even a gym. Everything you could ask for under one roof.

The building dates from the 1920s, and is protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency. With its central location, it’s easy to find. There’s only one block between the front door of Helsinki Central Station and the department store; you can get there by walking one block down Keskuskatu or Mannerheimintie Street towards the sea.

Kamppi shopping centre -- also known simply as Kamppi -- offers several large grocery stores, a wide range of shops and various fashion and leisure brands and restaurants to suit different tastes. As in many other shopping centres, there are also several beauty salons, and even a bowling alley. There’s no need to skip a visit if the weather is lousy – the shopping centre has a tunnel connecting it to the neighbouring Forum shopping centre.

On the basement floor of Kamppi Shopping Centre is a metro station, and Helsinki central bus station can also be found there. It’s probably the easiest shopping centre to get to in the city. This means it’s also particularly well-suited for those going from Helsinki to other parts of Finland: you can go shopping before you catch your bus. If you want to do something other than shopping, Tennispalatsi leisure centre is right next to Kamppi. It houses the Finnkino cinema and HAM, the Helsinki Art Museum, and lots more.

Itis, in the Vartiokylä District in the eastern part of Helsinki, is a great shopping centre with lots of large shops, a range of services, a wide selection of local and international fashion shops, and lots of coffee shops and restaurants. The dining options mean that lots of people visit Itis for that alone – cheap Asian eateries are plentiful. The on-site cinema has 9 screens.

Even though Itis is a fair distance from central Helsinki, it’s not a problem: the metro can take you there fast. When the weather allows, you can continue on from the shopping centre to Rastila, just a stone’s throw away and home to the great Meri-Rastila Park. Compared to the bustling shopping centre, it has a totally different ambience.

Hietalahti Flea Market (Hietalahden kirpputori), serving customers since the 1980s, is a must-see for anyone looking for a bargain. The flea market takes place every day, at Hietalahdentori, on the western edge of Punavuori. The traders reserve tables to trade from and, with a bit of luck, you can find almost anything. A good rule of thumb is to come with an open mind about what you’re looking for; otherwise you’ll go home empty-handed. Come instead ready to make discoveries.

Right next to the traders’ tables is the historic Hietalahti Market Hall, with a large selection of coffee shops and restaurants. From Helsinki Central Station, you can get to Hietalahdentori by Tram 6. Most people make the trip on foot: first a couple of blocks south from Mannerheimintie, then Lönnrotinkatu on the right, until you see the marketplace on the left.

The Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen kirjakauppa), at the northern end of Esplanadi Street and Keskuskatu Street, is one of the most popular book shops in the country. Its reputation is well deserved, as it has a wide selection of books, not just bestsellers. That’s why many drop in before a long flight or setting off on holiday. It’s also worth noting the business’ premises, the aptly named Book House (Kirjatalo), designed by famous architect Alvar Aalto.

As well as Academic Bookstore, the building also houses the food section of the Stockmann Department Store, which moved from the neighbouring building, the Herkku Food Market. From Helsinki Central Station, the easiest way to Academic Bookstore is via Keskuskatu Street, which starts on the other side of Kaivokatu Street. It’s a few blocks; just keep looking out on the left and you’ll be sure to find it.

Kiseleff House (Kiseleffin talo), at the corner of Senaatintori, is a real heaven for design and fashion fans. It’s home to lots of boutique shops by Finnish designers, with all the best Finland has to offer. The selection varies, but from one year to the next, there can be anything from suitcases and clothes to all sorts of decorative items.

The building itself is also worth checking out: it was constructed at the end of the 18th century and, over the years, it’s been the location for a sugar refinery, the Stockmann Department Store, a police station and much more. The building was renovated in 2011, before opening in its current form. It’s not just shopping; you can also stop by for coffee. The easiest way from Helsinki Central Station to Kiseleff House is on foot. The shortest route is just 6 blocks.

Forum Shopping Centre (Kauppakeskus Forum), one block from Helsinki Central Station, has lots of clothes and leisure, beauty salons and well-being businesses, as well as restaurants, coffee shops and bars. There are also banking and legal services, a car wash and the Amos Anderson Art Museum.

The location alone means it’s visited by lots of people every day. If you see something you like, buy it -- otherwise someone else will snap it up. In bad weather, don’t forget that you can get from Forum to the nearby Kamppi Shopping Centre, the Stockmann Department Store and many other places via tunnels. You can get there on public transport, without having to go outside at all.

Sokos, next to Helsinki Central Station since 1952, won’t let you down. There’s an enormous selection of products on offer, as well as a hotel and a restaurant, known for its roof terrace with views. This shopping centre sells just about everything, so it’s a great choice for anyone who needs to find a variety of different products fast.

The great location also means you can easily get your purchases home on public transport. The building was supposed to be finished by 1940, but war and the subsequent lack of building materials delayed the project until 1952, the year when the Olympic games were in Helsinki. Over the years, it has become a classic location and always has the latest products.

If you’re looking for brand-name products or Finnish design marvels, Kämp Galleria is guaranteed to meet your needs. This shopping centre, formerly Galleria Esplanad, has a wide variety of luxury brands’ own stores, both small and large. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to quality goods. This shopping centre was named after a luxury hotel in the same block, but also serves those who wish to stay elsewhere.

As well as brand-name shops, this locale contains luxury restaurants and coffee shops. The furnishings are also worth checking out, as well as the luxurious glass roof on the upper floor. You can get from Helsinki Central Station to Kämp Galleria via Mikonkatu -- it’s only 2 blocks.

Iittala and Arabia Design Centre, with its fascinating concept, is a must-see for all fans of Finnish design. Located at Arabianranta, it offers a shop specialising in products by Iittala, Arabia and Fiskars, a free design museum and the Design Lab, which is open for all and offers lectures, workshops and shows. There’s also a coffee shop.

Because there’s so much to see, allow a little longer than for a normal shopping trip. The design centre is in the district of Toukola, to the east of Pasila. You can get there from the centre of Helsinki via Tram 6 or Bus 68. On the same trip, you can visit the nearby Technological Museum or the Arabia shopping centre.