Experience Finnish design and shopping
Is Helsinki the Nordic design capital? Well-known glass, clothing and furniture designers for museums and events speak for it.
Book NowHigh quality fashion and design
Finnish design is world famous. Who doesn’t know Iittala, Marimekko or Finlayson? Not to forget the design district, or Design District Helsinki as the association behind it is called, which is a cluster of nice galleries and small shops with local upstarts. Get to know the design gems in Helsinki
Five stops for Helsinki’s best design
Amos Rex Shop
Amos Rex Shop is a bridge between the world underneath the Amos Rex mounds and your everyday life.
Vist us: Mannerheimvägen 22–24
Marimekko flagship store
Few Finnish clothing brands have achieved as much global success as Marimekko – and they have certainly put Finnish design on the map.
Visit us: Norra Esplanaden 33
Alvar Aalto’s home & loft
Here you get Alvar Aalto’s thoughts on architecture and design as close as possible.
Visit us: Rievägen 20
Kämp Garden
Carefully selected brands, high-quality products and personal service are the essence of our philosophy. Welcome to the most stylish shopping center in Finland, Kämp Galleria.
Design Museum Helsinki
This is where you go to learn more everything about the history of Finnish design!
Visit us: Högbergsgatan 23
Finnish design in a nutshell
Finland has a long tradition of high-quality and simple design that has attracted international attention for decades. Well-known brands in Finnish design are Alvar Aalto, Marimekko, Iittala and Arabia.
Marimekko Esplanadi
Marimekko was founded in 1951 by Armi Ratia and mainly produced home textiles. Today, their classic designs can be found on all types of home furnishings and are appreciated worldwide. Visit Marimekko’s flagship store in Esplanaden.
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Iittala & Arabia Store
The Iittala glass factory was founded in 1881 by a Småland resident in Finland. 217 square meters of beautiful glass art in all its forms – you’ll find that at Iittala’s flagship store on Esplanaden.
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Artek Helsinki
If you want to look through the window at beautiful furniture and interior design in classic Finnish design, Artek Helsinki is a hot tip. Artek is best known for the furniture designed by Alvar Aalto, but there are also other internationally known design brands here.
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Design District Helsinki
25 streets in central Helsinki that make up the official design district. Jewelry manufacturing, design and antique shops, shopping malls, museums and design agencies are represented here. The members of Design District Helsinki range from beautifully designed hotels to local artisans and renowned establishments.
Read moreMust be places to visit in Helsinki
The Design Museum
The history of Finnish design. With a collection of 75,000 objects and information on 1,000 designers, the Design Museum is a real candy factory for design lovers. This is where you go to learn more everything about the history of Finnish design!
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Alvar Aalto – visit the designer’s home & studio
Visit Alvar Aalto’s home and studio in Helsinki! Here you get Alvar Aalto’s thoughts on architecture and design as close as possible. The studio and the home are only 500 meters apart and can be visited during the same cruise.
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The Academic Bookstore
If you like Alvar Aalto’s design language, swing by the The Academic Bookstore on Esplanade street, which Aalto designed in the 60s. Café Aalto is also located here for those who want to tick off three interests in one visit: design, books and coffee.
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The nicest library in town
Helsinki Central Library Ode – or Oodi in Finnish – is a real beauty for the eyes. The library, inaugurated in 2018, was designed by the architectural firm ALA and stands out with its massive wooden facades, powerful angles and large glass windows.
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The Glass Palace
Lasipalatsi (“Glass Palace”), a stunning functionalist building from 1936, was fully restored in the late ’90s to its original splendor. Today, it serves as a vibrant media and cultural hub, home to Amos Rex art museum, Bio Rex cinema, Lasipalatsi restaurant, Lasipalatsi Café, and various shops.
Read moreOutlets in Helsinki
Source: Jussi Hellsten / Helsinki Partners
Marimekko factory store
Make sure to stop by the famous Marimekko factory store during your shopping trip. Discover a wide selection of brand products, including popular items and patterns from previous seasons. Visit at Kirvesmiehenkatu 7.
Nanso
Nanso, a brand dedicated to responsible production and consumption, is crafted by Finnish designers who believe that clothing should be durable and timeless, fit for multiple seasons. We share this philosophy! Visit at Työmiehentie 33.
Haglöfs
Discover unbeatable deals on Haglöfs’ renowned sports and casual wear at their outlet store on Nilsaksenpolku Street. With a rapidly changing selection, it’s worth visiting often to snag the best offers.
Helsinki’s Best Markets and Flea Markets
Hietalahden Market
Located right next to the Hietalahden Market Hall, this popular outdoor market attracts both tourists and locals. Especially vibrant during the summer, it features many vendors and is a favorite spot for second-hand treasures. Visit at Hietalahdenranta 11
Old Market Hall
Serving customers since 1889, Helsinki’s Old Market Hall offers a variety of fresh and high-quality goods. From local artisan cheeses and fish to fruits, meats, and handmade crafts, it’s a must-visit. Visit at Eteläranta.
Hakaniemi Market Hall
Hakaniemi Market Hall boasts around 70 different stalls across two floors. The first floor offers a wide variety of food products, while the second floor features souvenirs and other handmade goods. Visit at Hämeentie 1a
Market Square
Located in Helsinki’s South Harbour, this well-known market square is beloved by both locals and tourists. It features a wide selection of local and international food items, as well as numerous souvenirs and cozy outdoor cafés where you can enjoy beautiful harbor views. Visit at Eteläranta
Helsinki Design Week – A must for design enthusiasts
Every year, the Nordics’ largest design festival takes over Helsinki, celebrating creativity and innovation across the city. Since 2005, Helsinki Design Week has brought together designers, artists, and design lovers with exhibitions, talks, and events.
In 2025, the festival runs from September 5–14—don’t miss it!
Helsinki Design Week websiteBook your trip to Helsinki