Design District Helsinki

The Design District spreads across Helsinki's central neighbourhoods, such as Punavuori, Kamppi, Kaartinkaupunki and Ullanlinna—basically, anywhere south of the main centre with small streets and plenty of independent shops. You’ll find over 200 spots here: everything from Finnish design stores and fashion boutiques to art galleries, cafés, and a handful of museums. It's a good area for wandering. Some shops focus on well-known Nordic design brands while others showcase newer local names. Expect a mix of home goods, clothing, antiques, and art.

• Web:

  https://designdistrict.fi/en

• E-mail:

  info@designdistrict.fi

Hietalahti Flea Market

Hietalahti, or Hietsu as locals call it, is Helsinki’s biggest and best-known flea market, especially during the summer when the whole square fills up with stalls. It’s a good mix—locals clearing out their closets, vintage dealers, and the occasional oddball collection. You’ll find everything from antique Finnish glassware and retro home goods to second-hand clothes, vinyl, and the occasional piece of Scandinavian furniture. Come early if you want to grab the good stuff. Bring cash, and don’t be afraid to haggle a little—just keep it polite.

• Address:

  Lönnrotinkatu 34, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 40 1359053

Iittala & Arabia Store

If you're into Finnish design, this shop is, definitely, worth a stop. The Iittala & Arabia Store brings together two of Finland’s most iconic design brands under one roof. You’ll find glassware, ceramics, cookware and gifts—everything from classic pieces by Kaj Franck and Alvar Aalto to newer designs. Not the cheapest, but built to last and easy to actually use.

• Web:

  www.iittala.com/fi-fi

• Address:

  Pohjoisesplanadi 23, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 20 4393501

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun noon–4pm

Kämp Galleria

Tucked between Esplanadi and Aleksanterinkatu, Kämp Galleria focuses on fashion, with a mix of Finnish labels and international brands. It’s more upmarket than other malls in the city, with clean design, slower pace, and some good personal service. There’s also a small but well-curated food court downstairs.

• Web:

  https://kampgalleria.com

• Address:

  Pohjoisesplanadi 33, Helsinki

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 11am–6pm

Kluuvi Shopping Centre

Kluuvi is a compact mall right on Aleksanterinkatu, close to the central railway station. It leans towards international fashion brands and a few smaller labels you might not know. Downstairs, there’s a small food court with some decent options, including a few trendy chain-style restaurants. It's not a destination in itself, but handy if you're shopping nearby or need a quick bite in the city centre.

• Web:

  www.kluuvi.fi

• Address:

  Aleksanterinkatu 9, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 40 7796069

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 7am–10pm, Fri & Sat 7am–11pm, Sun 9am–8pm

Lapuan Kankurit Store & Studio

This is the flagship store of a Finnish weaving mill that's been around since the early 1900s. They make linen and wool home textiles—towels, blankets, scarves—using natural materials and traditional techniques. Everything’s designed and woven in Finland, and the quality shows. On the pricier side, but worth it if you care about materials and craft.

• Web:

  https://lapuankankurit.fi/

• Address:

  Katariinankatu 2, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 50 5388244