The best shops in Helsinki

Best for: finding a new wall calendar and an adorable birthday card

When you’re in the mood for something cute but don’t really need anything, head to Fredrikinkatu. There you’ll find Papershop, a charming little stationery store that’s perfect for topping up your card stash, picking up some stickers or simply admiring all things beautiful. Its expertly curated selection of paper goods makes it almost impossible to leave empty-handed – at the very least, you’ll end up with a card or a notebook. The shop also houses a print studio and regularly hosts workshops, where you can dive into the worlds of embroidery, calligraphy or watercolours – or craft your own Christmas cards with the help of Papershop’s talented team.

Fredrikinkatu 18

Best for: everything you need for the kitchen

When you’re after a specific piping nozzle, a small two-decilitre saucepan or the loudest kitchen timer imaginable – or really anything at all to do with cooking – we think there’s only one place to go in Helsinki: Chez Marius. Beloved by both professional chefs and home cooks alike, this specialist kitchenware store offers an astonishingly wide selection and truly warm, welcoming service. There’s no need to know the jargon or show off your culinary skills here – you’ll be treated with the same friendly respect as any top chef. Chez Marius is also worth visiting just to browse: the range is huge, and you’re guaranteed to spot at least a few gadgets whose purpose even seasoned cooks might struggle to guess.

Fredrikinkatu 26

Best for: beautiful jewellery

Founded in 2017 by Elina Siira, Aida Impact began with delicate tassel earrings crafted in collaboration with immigrant mothers. Over the years, the range has grown, and today Aida Impact is one of Finland’s most on-trend jewellery brands. Its collection features elegant pearl pieces, statement necklaces with a social message and custom-made necklaces and bracelets. Alongside the jewellery, the shop also hosts changing exhibitions in its gallery space and includes a small bookshop. The origins of all materials used in Aida Impact’s designs are listed on the brand’s website.

Hämeentie 26

Best for: Finnish design finds

Located in the Kannelmäki district, Muija Second Hand is Helsinki’s best spot for picking up Iittala, Arabia or Marimekko pieces – unless you’re after the very latest collections, in which case you’ll want to look elsewhere. Muija offers an excellent selection of items from past seasons and is a real deep dive into Finnish culture. You might come across sought-after Moomin mugs (at collector’s prices, of course), pristine Marimekko fabrics straight from the 1970s or beloved Ultima Thule glassware. The small shop’s selection is superb, and you’ll want to set aside some time for your visit – there’s no rushing past these racks and shelves without a thorough browse. This place is a true treasure trove. And even if you’re not a collector, you might just find something new for your kitchen cupboard – after all, we Finns are known for sipping our weekday coffee from mugs worth tens of euros.

Soittajantie 1

Best for: sustainable women’s clothing with colour and attitude

Known for its vibrant, playful prints, Vimma is anything but boring. Almost every piece has a clever twist – maybe a giant word wrapping around a jumper, tassels woven into the pattern or a bold, eye-catching print. Of course, there are also high-quality basics where the details are dialled down, but there’s always something special. Vimma’s shop on Fredrikinkatu is the perfect place to browse, touch and try on pieces to see which one will linger in your mind this time.

Fredrikinkatu 18

Best for: stylishly simple everyday shoes

Finnish shoe designer Terhi Pölkki is known for elegant simplicity, high-quality craftsmanship and footwear perfectly suited to Finnish conditions – all great reasons to visit her studio shop in Kruununhaka. Every pair is made in Portugal at a factory long familiar to the designer, using vegetable-tanned leather and even pony hair, brushed to a soft, luxurious finish. The range includes plenty of timeless classics, making Terhi Pölkki a sustainable choice for everyday shoes. And while the focus is mainly on women’s footwear, there are also styles available for men.

Vironkatu 8 C

Best for: past-season finds from a Finnish classic brand

We know, Marimekko isn’t exactly a small independent label – but the Outlet store in Herttoniemi is simply too good to leave off this list. Take your time browsing the sample racks, where you’ll find pieces from previous collections at very reasonable prices. The outlet also doubles as a factory store, as part of Marimekko’s fabric printing takes place in the same building. You can’t really get much closer to the source: the shop even sells fabrics printed right there on site. For those who love to sew, the fabric section is especially exciting, offering not only Marimekko’s classic cottons but also rarer jersey materials that are hard to find anywhere else.

Kirvesmiehenkatu 7

Best for: picking up wardrobe-care essentials

If you haven’t yet discovered the world of clothing care, now’s the time to start. Located inside the Kamppi shopping centre, Arkive Atelier – part of the Muji store – specialises in everything to do with garment maintenance, offering not only products but also expert advice. You can pick up your first shoe brush or some stain remover, and there are handy starter kits too – like care sets for suede or leather, or a beginner’s mending kit. Arkive Atelier’s team are passionate about looking after clothes, shoes and accessories, and the knowledgeable staff can offer both product recommendations and practical care tips. And if you don’t fancy (or trust yourself with) cleaning your leather bag, you can simply leave it in Arkive Atelier’s care service for professional treatment. The shop also features a curated selection of second-hand garments that have already been carefully restored.

Kamppi shopping centre, 4th floor

Best for: a versatile selection of yarns

When the knitting bug bites, there’s only one cure – a trip to the yarn shop. Located on Yrjönkatu in the city centre, Snurre is a paradise (and a bit of a danger zone) for knitters, since it’s all too easy to spend your entire month’s pay here if you’re not careful. The shop stocks only yarns made from natural fibres, and the knowledgeable staff are happy to help you choose the right material and calculate how much you’ll need. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your ideas – they genuinely love to help. The range includes alpaca, merino wool, hemp and mohair from both Finnish producers and international spinning mills. Naturally, you’ll also find needles and all the other knitting essentials you could need.

Yrjönkatu 34

Best for: colourful home décor and inspiration

Furniture might not be the kind of Finnish design you can take home on a whim, but Hakola’s shop on Annankatu is well worth a visit – especially if you have an eye for colour. This family-run brand is best known for its sofas, which come in a wide range of shades and shapes, but the collection also includes smaller home accessories such as candleholders, vases and mirrors. Adjoining the shop is an apartment furnished entirely with Hakola pieces, which you can usually visit during in-store events when its doors are open to the public.

Annankatu 5

Best for: finding high-quality wardrobe staples

Deeply rooted in Finnish hearts, Kajaani-born R-Collection is best known for its iconic anorak, but the brand’s quality, simple yet practical design and delicious colours have earned it a place in many a Finnish wardrobe. Founded in 1978, this family-run company has had to close many of its brick-and-mortar shops over the years, and today only two remain: the factory outlet in Kajaani and a small store on Fredrikinkatu in Helsinki. R-Collection’s prices are, of course, higher than those of ordinary high-street brands, but quality comes at a price – and it lasts. Case in point: my partner’s winter coat, bought in 2009, is still in excellent condition (bar one replaced zip) after more than 15 years of regular wear.

Fredrikinkatu 34

Best for: interior details and a coffee break

At Moko Market in Punavuori, shop and café blend together so seamlessly that the line between them disappears. In this bright space, housed in a former factory building, the aroma of coffee mingles with the scent of wood furniture and textiles. The shelves are lined with furniture, tableware and small home accessories, many of which are Mokos’s own imports. The café serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and on Saturdays a lively brunch fills the room with chatter. Moko is a place to shop, eat or simply linger – and that’s exactly why it’s such a beloved local favourite.

Perämiehenkatu 10