Helsinki’s best thrift stores for vintage and second-hand finds

One of Helsinki’s oldest vintage stores, Play It Again, Sam has been a fixture in Kruununhaka since 1987. Nothing made after the 1970s is sold here — founder Arja Könönen says clothes simply weren’t made to last after that. You’ll find garments up to a hundred years old that still look new, plus an amazing selection of shoes and untouched 1950s lingerie in its original packaging. Many vintage pieces are also available to rent.
Rauhankatu 2, Kruununhaka. Mon–Fri noon–6pm, Sat noon–3pm.

Helsinki’s longest-running second-hand shop is still one of its best. Located in Punavuori, Kaunis Veera specialises in high-end fashion — and it’s worth coming here even from abroad, since the prices are much lower than in most other European cities. The reason? Finland’s luxury fashion market is small, and demand is limited.
Albertinkatu 8, Punavuori. Tue 11am–5pm, Wed 11am–7pm, Thu–Fri 11am–5pm, Sat 11am–3pm.

Stepping into this menswear shop feels like arriving on Jermyn Street in London. The impeccably dressed staff welcome you warmly — perhaps with a coffee or a soft drink, included in the service — and the racks are filled with quality suits, jackets, trousers, shirts and coats. Thanks to the friendly service and fair prices, you’ll rarely leave empty-handed.

Arkadiankatu 19, Töölö. Tue–Thu noon–6pm, Sat noon–4pm.

Run by sisters Tiia and Tuuli-Maria, this stunning Töölö boutique combines two distinct brands. Frida Marina is bold and feminine, while Victor Victoria is more minimalist and androgynous. Expect treasures from the 1930s to the 1990s, with a special focus on ’70s glamour and early-’90s chic. You’ll also find gorgeous Finnish labels from before the country’s textile industry declined — a reminder of just how good Finnish fashion once was.

Museokatu 46, Töölö. Wed–Fri noon–6pm, Sat noon–4pm.

A staple of Helsinki’s second-hand scene, Ansa has moved from the corners of Karhupuisto to a new spot by Brahenkenttä. Small and full of charm, the shop specialises in carefully curated vintage pieces. Its previous location was marked by a large David Bowie mural that set the tone for a distinctly ’70s mood - and plenty of the clothes on the racks still channel pop’s golden decades.

Agricolankatu 5, Kallio. Mon 2pm–6pm, Tue–Thu noon–6pm, Fri noon–5pm, Sat noon–4pm.

For menswear and design lighting, Kasino Vintage is worth a visit for its setting alone. This second-hand gem sits tucked away in a courtyard in the Torikorttelit, right in the heart of Helsinki. Hidden just enough, it feels like a proper find when you finally track it down.

Owner Sakari personally curates the selection, so there are no rental racks here - everything has been handpicked by him. The mix runs from Dolce & Gabbana to The North Face, but somehow it all works together. The vibe is spot on, too: the music’s so good you’ll be tempted to stay just to listen.

The real charm kicks in when Sakari casually offers customers a free beer, ‘Go on lads, have a beer, it’s Friday.’ And this isn’t your standard lager, but a carefully chosen craft brew. As he puts it: ‘I think the bottle should look good in here.’

Katariinankatu 1 C, courtyard, Torikorttelit, next to Senate’s Square. Opening hours: Thu–Sat afternoons to early evening.

A newcomer on Lönnrotinkatu, Kato! opened in September 2025 with a focus on streetwear. The owners, Inka and Toni, are always ready to help you browse the racks, and the shop stands out for its friendly service, fresh interior and affordable prices. There’s plenty of space to move around, and the selection is balanced between men’s and women’s clothing.

Lönnrotinkatu 15, Kamppi. Tue–Fri 11am–7pm, Sat 11am–6pm, Sun noon–5pm.

Another Kruununhaka gem, Urbaani Legenda mainly sells newer second-hand fashion in a beautifully curated setting. The décor alone is worth a visit — there are art exhibitions on the walls and design details everywhere, many of them for sale. Alongside the preloved clothes, you’ll find new kimonos and artisan-made jewellery and homeware. On the same street, their sister shop Urbaani Legenda Home & Lifestyle focuses on interiors.

Mariankatu 17, Kruununhaka. Mon–Fri 11am–6pm, Sat–Sun 11am–4pm.

Another great option for men, Almost New focuses on streetwear and menswear, though there’s also a small selection for women. You can’t help but fall for its nostalgic charm — think an Iron Maiden army jacket next to a Cindy Crawford poster. Downstairs, there’s a collection of old concert tees from decades past.

Hämeentie 28, Kallio. Mon noon–6pm, Tue–Thu noon–8pm, Fri–Sun noon–6pm.

Hoochie Mama Jane is a small but fabulously named boutique specialising in women’s occasionwear, mostly from the pre-1980s decades. If you’re after a show-stopping outfit for a party, this is the place.

Agricolankatu 11, Kallio. Wed–Fri noon–6pm, Sat noon–3pm.