Forget fast fashion and the same old high-street chains. In Helsinki, the best shopping happens in second-hand stores. These places are full of genuine treasure-hunting joy. Each shop feels like its own little trove of discoveries, and best of all, shopping second-hand is both trendy and sustainable.
The city’s pre-loved scene is broad and varied: you’ll find charity shops, flea markets and boutiques specialising in high-quality vintage. They’re dotted all around the city centre. You could even call Helsinki one of Europe’s leading second-hand capitals – after all, there’s even a stylish pre-loved boutique at the airport.
Broadly speaking, the shops fall into three categories. Charity shops rely on donated clothes. Flea markets and second-hand boutiques mostly run on a consignment basis, where people bring in their own clothes to sell and pay either a small rack fee or a share of the sale price.
Then there are vintage shops, which source fashion gems from past decades across Finland and beyond, curating them carefully for resale.
Many of these stores focus on women’s fashion, but there are also some excellent options for men looking for stylish, well-made finds.
Finally, two golden rules for successful second-hand shopping: always check the zips and seams, and invest in quality – good materials last for decades. Second-hand is the perfect way to buy pieces built to last.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A small, charming shop in Kallio specialising in vintage fashion. The large mural of David Bowie on the wall sets the mood — and many of the pieces are from pop culture’s golden age, the 1970s.
Agricolankatu 5, Kallio. Mon 2pm–6pm, Tue–Thu noon–6pm, Fri noon–5pm, Sat noon–4pm.
On the same street as Ansa, 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.
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.
Founded by Ritva Wächter, Miss Finland 1961, Penny Lane is as eccentric as it is elegant. A grand piano sets the tone downstairs, while a mirrored ceiling creates the illusion of endless floors in this charming two-storey boutique. Upstairs you’ll find tailcoats and evening dresses for hire, and the rails mix true vintage with more recent pieces.
Runeberginkatu 37, Töölö. Mon–Fri noon–5pm, Sat noon–3pm.
The name says it all — preloved clothes get a new dose of love here. Relove has turned the second-hand concept into a full lifestyle experience, pairing its curated fashion selection with in-store cafés serving breakfast, lunch and coffee. It’s become Finland’s best-known second-hand brand, with multiple locations in Helsinki — including Stockmann, Töölö and Punavuori — and even one at the airport.
Sandelsinkatu 6; Fredrikinkatu 25; Aleksanterinkatu 52; Helsinki Airport. Open daily (hours vary by location).
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