The Best Shopping Streets and Areas in Helsinki: Ultimate Guide
Helsinki’s best shopping can be found along key city streets, department stores, shopping malls, and market squares.
Helsinki Shopping Locations
Below are our favorite shopping locations and streets to explore, whether for fashion, accessories, arts and crafts, or gifts and souvenirs.
1. Market Square (Kauppatori)
A tourist favorite, it is famous for its traditional market cafes, herring dishes, crafts, and souvenirs. It’s also the departure point for Suomenlinna ferries and various island cruises.
Locals love Snellman Cafe for its cinnamon buns and meat pies.
At the beginning of October, take advantage of the Baltic Herring Market.
The adjacent old Market Hall features gourmet shops, cafes, and restaurants. Although the prices there might be on the higher side, it is definitely worth a visit (for more information on prices in Helsinki, read our other article).
Location: Google Maps
2. Pohjois-Esplanadi
Pohjois-Esplanadi is a major shopping street for tourists, stretching about a kilometer from Market Square to the Stockmann Department Store.
Many cafes and restaurants line the street. Halfway along, you’ll find the Kämp Galleria shopping center.
You can find well-known Finnish design brands like Marimekko and Arabia on this street.
Check out our article what to buy in Helsinki for ideas on purchasing design products and other Finnish items.
Location: Google Maps
3. Aleksanterinkatu
Running parallel to Pohjois-Esplanadi, this street leads from Senate Square to Stockmann. It houses the Kluuvi shopping center, CityCenter mall, and fashion stores.
The street used to be one of Helsinki’s principal shopping streets, and it still remains an important thoroughfare.
However, the rise of online shopping and remote work is starting to show its impact here, with a decrease in the number of physical stores.
Location: Google Maps
4. Stockmann Department Store
Stockmann is the largest department store in Northern Europe and a Helsinki landmark since 1930.
It’s a popular meeting spot under the clock at the main entrance.
The 8th floor assists with tax-free shopping and offers tourist discount coupons.
Famous for its fashion and beauty brands, it also features a recycled fashion shop, Relove.
The basement floor has the best food market in the city center, and you can also buy public transport tickets at the information point beside the food market. There is also a liquor store beside the food market.
- Website
- Address: Aleksanterinkatu 52
- Location: Google Maps
5. Sokos Department Store
Sokos Department Store is another large department store in the city center, offering a wide selection of fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and underwear.
Besides international brands, Sokos has its own affordable brands. The basement floor houses a grocery store and a liquor store.
The building is also home to one of the classic hotels in Helsinki, the Sokos Hotel Vaakuna. The 10th floor boasts a summer terrace and a year-round restaurant.
This building was completed in 1952 in time for the Helsinki Olympics. It has since been a significant part of the Helsinki landscape.
- Website
- Address: Mannerheimintie 9
- Location: Google Maps
6. Forum Shopping Center
A compact shopping center near Sokos, specializing in fashion and leisure.
It’s connected underground to Sokos, the railway station, and the Kamppi shopping center.
- Website
- Address:
- Location: Google Maps
7. Kamppi Shopping Center
Known as the busiest urban shopping center, it has a diverse range of restaurants and cafes, especially on the top floor.
A large grocery store and liquor store are on the first floor of Kamppi Shopping Center.
You can read more about shopping centers in Helsinki in our other article.
- Website
- Address: Urho Kekkosen katu 1
- Location: Google Maps
8. Bulevardi
Bulevardi is one of Helsinki’s most stylish streets, starting near Esplanade Park and ending at Hietalahti Square.
It’s filled with interior design and fashion stores, and halfway along is the traditional Ekberg cafe.
Additionally, the street is home to the fascinating Lapland Hotel and the compact Sinebrychoff Museum.
Location: Google Maps
9. Fredrikinkatu
Known for its small shops, it’s great for window shopping, especially near Bulevardi (between Eerikinkatu and Fredrikintori).
Many second-hand fashion boutiques like Relove, UFF Vintage, and Preporte offer unique finds.
A mix of interior design stores offer some eye candy.
Location: Google Maps
10. Korkeavuorenkatu
Korkeavuorenkatu, in the heart of the design district, is a pleasant street lined with small boutiques and great architecture, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Our favorite, Café Succes, serves some of Helsinki’s best and largest cinnamon buns.
Shops like Ferrer, Valkoinen Elefantti, and Maranello Woman offer high-quality women’s fashion and accessories.
Putinki Paper Shop sells lovely cards and all sorts of paper goods. Fasaani Antiques offers old furniture and a variety of small items.
The Design Museum is located at Korkeavuorenkatu 23. In our other article, you can read more about museums within walking distance of Helsinki’s city center.
Location: Google Maps
11. Hietalahti Flea Market
This popular flea market is perfect for finding treasures like decorative items, toys, books, and clothing from spring to fall.
Next to it is the historic Hietalahti Market Hall (at Lönnrotinkatu 34), which houses a variety of small eateries and cafes.
Location: Google Maps
12. Hakaniemi Market Hall
Hakaniemi Market Hall is a classic building loved by locals, offering quality food, clothing, and crafts.
Open since 1914, it underwent a significant restoration in 2023.
On the second floor, the Kirsikka restaurant remains open in the evenings. When the market hall is closed, you can directly access the restaurant by taking the elevator at the main entrance.
- Website
- Address: Hämeentie 1
- Location: Google Maps
13. Arabia Design Centre and Iittala
Arabia Design Centre is outside the city center but is accessible by tram. The area features stores like Iittala and Fiskars and a design museum showcasing Finnish ceramic and glass artistry.
- Website
- Address: Hämeentie 135 A
- Location: Google Maps
14. Tripla Shopping Center
The largest shopping center in the Nordics, located in Pasila outside the city center. It has over 250 shops, around 70 cafes and restaurants, and is popular for its leisure offerings and good transport links.
- Website
- Address: Fredikanterassi 1
- Location: Google Maps
Shop Opening Hours in Finland
Shops in Helsinki set their hours freely. Department stores and chain stores typically open from 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, with shorter hours on Sundays. Some grocery stores are open 24/7.
Hours may vary on public holidays, with different schedules for shops and restaurants.
Alko Opening Times
Alko, Finland’s monopoly for wine and spirits, has the sole rights to sell beverages with over 5.5 percent alcohol content.
Supermarkets in Finland are limited to selling beers, ciders, and long drinks with an alcohol content below 5.5 percent.
- Opening times for Alko are different than those of supermarkets.
- The Alko stores are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 20:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 to 18:00.
- Check the specific opening times on their website.
Similar monopolies exist in neighboring countries, Sweden and Norway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Most Famous Finnish Clothing Brand?
Established in 1951, Marimekko is known for its colorful and bold patterns.
What Are Small Finnish Clothing Brands?
Brands like Ivana Helsinki, Samuji, Uhana Design, and Gugguu offer a range of styles, from clean Scandinavian aesthetics to playful designs for children and adults.
