12 Best Places to Shop in Helsinki, Finland

Iittala glass and kitchenware represents the best and most stylish of Finnish design and makes classy souvenirs and gifts. Iittala's flagship store in central Helsinki is on the north side of the Esplanade, stocking the Iittala brand itself, exemplified by the Ultima Thule and Kastehelmi glassware lines, as well as other top Finnish design brands such as Fiskars, Hackman, and Arabia. There is also an Iittala store in the Mall of Tripla in the Pasila suburb, and the brand is prominent at the Iittala & Arabia Design Centre.

At this Helsinki institution, open year-round on the South Harbour quayside, wooden stands with orange and gold awnings bustle in the mornings when everyone—tourists and locals alike—comes to shop, browse, or sit and enjoy coffee and conversation. You can buy a variety of fish for dinner along with an array of forest mushrooms, a bouquet of bright flowers for a friend, or a fur pelt. In summer the fruit, berry, and vegetable stalls are supplemented by an arts-and-crafts and souvenir market. The crepes, made to order by one of the tented vendors, are excellent, while locals swear by the meat pies and fresh jam-filled doughnuts. In summer there are several vendors selling lunch plates. In early October, there's a Baltic Herring Market, a tradition dating back to the 18th century, with small boats from the outlying islands docked at the quay to sell their wares.

Aarikka specializes in quality wooden jewelry and decorative items. Earrings and Christmas decorations are especially popular and make perfect, very Finnish gifts. The classic Pässi sheep, made from small wooden spheres, are less compact but no less charming.

Artek Helsinki, opposite the Stockmann department store on the Keskuskatu pedestrian street, offers two floors of premium classic Finnish design items in addition to international brands. Artek's original product range comprised items by Alvar Aalto, probably the country's best-known designer and architect, including the classic three-legged stool and other bent-birch furniture. These have stood the test of time and are still on show and for purchase at Artek. Many other smaller accessories, tableware, books, magazines, and wellness products are also for sale.

Arabia, Hackman, and Iittala tableware, glassware, cutlery, and cookware are sold here at outlet prices, along with Finlayson textiles and Fiskars garden tools and scissors. The shop is on the site of the old Arabia factory in the Arabiankeskus (Arabia center) and is some way out of central Helsinki in the Arabianranta district, but it's worth the diversion if you are looking for a one-stop shop for practical Finnish design items for your home or as gifts. It's a great spot to find Moomin character mugs!

Ivana Helsinki has earned international recognition for its women's whimsical sweaters and dresses, done in either solid colors or bold and bright patterns and including timeless designs by its founder, the talented Paola Suhonen. The brand "merges traditions, Slavic melancholy, sleek Scandinavian aesthetics and nostalgic vintage vibes." You need to venture out to the Marjaniemi suburb to visit her charming and elegant gallery boutique, and you won't find the brand anywhere on social media.

This company bases its distinctive jewelry designs for necklaces, pendants, earrings, and rings on traditional motifs dating back as far as the Iron Age; designs are inspired in part by the imagery of the Finnish national epic, The Kalevala, all on display at the flagship store in central Keskuskatu. Designs are also available at jewelry shops around Finland and in the Stockmann department store. 

Fish, meat, fruit, berries, fresh vegetables, bread and pastries, local cheeses, spices, coffee, and tea—the brick Old Market Hall on the waterfront, close to the outdoor Market Square, is a treasury of delicacies. A soup station, café, and seafood bar make it ideal for a quick lunch, and there is even a small branch of the Alko wine and liquor outlet. Permanent stalls are adorned with decorative carved woodwork, giving the hall a historic feel.

This company, with several stores in and around Helsinki, is known for its classy but country-home style of ceramic dishes and other housewares, including bed linens, cushion covers, and duvet covers (the Peony design is a classic). Inventive gift items and cards are also for sale. One of the main stores is in the new Mall of Tripla in the Pasila suburb, reachable by any commuter train heading out of the city.

At the outdoor flea market (open weekdays 8–7, Saturday 8–4) that's held here, you can get an ever-changing assortment of used items; the indoor market brims with food, flowers, fish, and more.

Visit Kauppatori, Helsinki's Market Square, to browse among the colorful stalls or just relax with a coffee.

At the Old Market Hall, almost adjacent to Kauppatori, you can browse and shop for flowers, vegetables, meat, and fish.