SHOPPING IN HELSINKI

Helsinki is a great city for shopping with many commercial centres and boutique shopping strips in close proximity to each other. You can find unique hand made crafts, locally designed clothing and home furnishings and much more in the city centre.

The Finnish themselves are generally into high quality handmade goods, and several stores have a particularly good reputation for hand made items. Kiseleff Bazaar is a great place to look for gifts. They have lots of shops in the one area making everything from clothing and accessories, to candles, jewellery and ornamental homewares.

Close by is Taito Shop Helsky which specialises in traditional Finnish handicrafts including woollen socks and other accessories made from local sheep wool, linen table dressings and embroidery. They also stock a range of specialities such as hand made liquorice and sweets, and seasonal teas.

For something a little less traditional and more contemporary, you must visit the Design District in the city centre. It's a combined shopping and exhibition area where you can meet with Finland's young designers and buy from boutiques, showrooms and galleries. Here you'll find textiles, jewellery, artworks, glasswork, ceramics, textiles and more. There is also a selection of good restaurants where you can stop and take a break from your shopping for lunch or a coffee.

For boutique shopping, head to Uudenmaankatu street, Pohjoisesplandi, Fredrinkinkatu and Koreavuo where you will find a range of fashion and home decoration boutiques. For edible delights of the Finnish kind, head to Hakaniemi Market Hall  in Kallio. This area is also a good stop for souvenir shopping.

For antique lovers, check out the Heitalahti Flea Market in Kamppi (tram line 6) for clothes, fabrics, jewellery, furniture and odds and ends. There is also a small arts and crafts section and food available.  If you don't find the bargain of the century, you will enjoy walking around this charming market hall.

The Forum Shopping Centre is a popular commercial shopping centre and the Finn's favourite department stores are Stockmann or Sokos.

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