Helsinki, Finland — Shopping
Shopping in Helsinki, Finland
Markets
The biggest and best market in Helsinki is held at the Kauppatori, specializing in seasonal Finnish foodstuffs and souvenirs. Another good place to shop for local delicacies is the Hakaniemi Market Hall, close to the Hakaniemi metro stop (closed Sunday). At the end of one of Helsinki's most upmarket streets, the Bulevardi, is the Hietalahti Flea Market, where rich Helsinkiläiset discard their designer gear and bric-a-brac (closed Sunday). It's great fun sorting through the piles of hand-me-downs and the adjacent Market Hall offers a calmer alternative to the touristy market halls at Kauppatori and Hakaniemi.
Shopping centers
The main shopping centers in Helsinki are Forum, Mannerheimintie 20, Kluuvi, Aleksanterinkatu 9, and Kamppi, Urho Kekkosen katu 1. More glamorous brands are on offer at Kämp Galleria, Pohjoisesplanadi 33, adjacent to the swish hotel of the same name. Stockmann, Aleksanterinkatu 52, and Sokos, Mannerheimintie 9, are the best known department stores. Another one-stop shop for retail therapy is Itäkeskus, the largest shopping center in Finland, accessible via a 14-minute metro-ride from central Helsinki.
Key areas
Helsinki's main shopping streets are Mannerheimintie, Pohjoisesplanadi, Aleksanterinkatu and Fredrikinkatu. All the big names in Finnish design can be found at the boutiques around Esplanad Park, including Artek (Alvar Aalto's store), Aarikka (jewelry), Design Forum Finland (cutting-edge furniture and accessory design), Littala (Arabia ceramics) and Marimekko (fashion). For smaller, one-off boutiques, Fredrikinkatu is the street for nick-nacks and fashion and Annankatu for antique furniture. Fans of Finland's most famous cartoon characters should visit the Moomin Shops inside the city malls.
Shopping hours
Shops in Helsinki are generally open on weekdays from 0900 to 1800 and Saturdays from 0900 to 1300/1400. Department stores and shopping centers open on weekdays from 0900 to 2100 and on Saturdays from 0900 to 1800.
Tax information
VAT, charged at 17% or 22% dependent on the type of goods, is included in the marked price. Non-EU residents can claim 10-16% tax back upon departure, for items over €40 purchased from stores with the 'Tax Free for Visitors' sign. Presentation of receipts and a passport will be required.
