Helsinki & Stockholm Shopping areas

Keep some room in your suitcase if you are visiting Helsinki and Stockholm.

Helsinki – fashion

Finnish design is known for its minimalism, functionality and simple beauty. Explore the lovely small boutiques, the famous fashion and designer stores in Helsinki city centre, within walking distance from your tour hotel. You can find several designer stores including Marimekko and Iittala on the streets by the Esplanade Park. In the high-end Kämp Gallery on the Pohjoisesplanadi shop for Finnish and international high quality fashion brands.

We love the Artek 2nd Cycle shop off Mannerheimintie (Pieni Roobertinkatu 4-6, artek.fi, open Thursday to Saturday only), which has seconds and vintage pieces from designers such as Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen. More quality Finnish brands can be found in the Stockmann department store right in the centre of town.

Stockholm – fashion

Stockholm has four popular shopping neighborhoods; the city centre with its big department stores and major clothing chains, specialty design and fashion shops in Östermalm, Gamla Stan with its authentic handicraft shops and the bohemian Södermalm with vintage fashion stores. All with their own special character and within easy access by foot or public transport from your Director's choice hotel.

If you are heading out to the archipelago, Vaxholm has some lovely boutiques to explore in the back streets, near the Tourist Information centre. It has that 'long Sunday afternoon' feeling with small seats in front of the shops and lots of beach and sailing gear.

Looking for some specific stores to visit?

For stylishly printed fabrics, ceramics and jewellery, head to HAPPYsthlm, Stora Nygatan 36. Handmade housewares are available at Iris Hantverk, Kungsgatan 55; their wooden brushes are absolute classics. Fans of hipster chic will want to head to Grandpa, Sodermannagatan 21, which stocks a well-chosen selection of vintage items and accessories as well as jewellery and fashion.