Helsinki Shopping and Districts

(Helsinki, Uusimaa, Southern Finland, Finland)

The shopping scene in Helsinki continues to evolve and improve, with many modern and historic shops offering a range of Finnish merchandise. Particularly popular in Helsinki is the Stockmann department store on the Aleksanterinkatum, which was founded shortly after the middle of the 19th century and provides endless shopping opportunities, ranging from electrical goods to teddy bears.

The Stockmann department store is visited by many locals for its supermarket alone, Herkku. Close by, Helsinki's other two equally prominent department stores are Sokok on Asema Aukio, and Aleksi13 on the Mannerheimintie, part of the Forum Shopping Centre.

When to Shop and Opening Hours

Most of the shops in Helsinki are opened during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00 or 17:30
• Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00 or 14:00
• Shopping centres and large department stores - Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 21:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00
• Sunday - most shops remains closed on Sundays, although the largest stores and shopping centres often open of Sundays, particularly between June to August, and again in December to catch the seasonal trade

Where to Shop

Located in the very heart of Tampere, the Forum Shopping Centre is strategically placed alongside the Kamppi bus station and contains a huge selection of shops, including many clothing outlets. Both the Sokos and Stockmann department stores are linked to the Forum Shopping Centre by a tunnel, protecting shoppers from the elements on rainy days. Helsinki's train station is also close by.

Apart from the Aleksanterinkatum and Mannerheimintie, other prominent shopping streets in central Helsinki include the Annankatu, Bulevardi, Fredrikinkatu and the Kaisaniemenkatu, which are all conveniently close to each other and filled with a diverse selection of retail outlets. Also worth visiting is one of Helsinki's newest shopping malls, Kamppi. Here you can enjoy around 150 different stores and eateries, together with a bowling alley, parking for 250 cars, regularly events, and plenty of large plants offering an almost tropical feel. For the best in fresh produce and locally made handicrafts, head to the Old Market Hall and the nearby Market Square, next to the South Harbour.