A guide to Finnish Design in the Helsinki Design District

In the heart of Helsinki lies a vibrant tapestry of creativity and innovation: the Helsinki Design District. Spanning over 25 streets and nearly 200 design-forward establishments, this compact area is a living showcase of Finland’s rich design heritage and contemporary flair. From time-tested icons to fresh ideas by local artisans, the district offers an immersive experience into the world of Finnish Design.

Walkable, welcoming and full of surprises, the Helsinki Design District invites you to explore design that’s functional, beautiful, sustainable—and quietly radical in its simplicity.

Design Museum, Helsinki with many windows and cars parked on the side
Aku Pöllänen
Kasarmintori square statue
Beatrice Bucht

What makes Finnish Design, Finnish?

Clean lines. Natural materials. Honest functionality. These are the hallmarks of Finnish Design—but just as important are the values beneath the surface: sustainability, accessibility and care for both people and planet.

That means small-scale production, recycled materials, and slow, considered processes. It means second-hand is celebrated, not second-best. It means timelessness matters more than trends. You’ll feel these values not just in the objects you find, but in the way the district itself is built—open, green and designed for wandering.

Shop local gems and Finnish design highlights

Photo Katja Hagelstam
a room at Lokal in the Helsinki Design District with chairs and a table

While you’ll spot familiar names like Iittala and Marimekko nearby, the real spirit of the Helsinki Design District lives in its side streets, studio spaces and neighbourhood favourites. Look out for:

  • Finarte – Unique fabrics made from sustainable materials. Old world Finnish textile heritage meets contemporary Nordic design.
  • U26 SHOP – A treasure trove of colourful, ethically made pieces from a cooperative of 8 Finnish designers.
  • Lokal – Part gallery, part concept store, Lokal is an award-winning curated ode to small-batch ceramics, textiles, and everyday art.
  • Tingeling Toy Shop – A small, unique toy shop in the heart of Helsinki. 
  • Relove & Kaunis Veera – Helsinki’s second-hand scene at its most stylish: pre-loved fashion, curated vintage, and circular design culture.
  • Lilja the Label – A sustainable Finnish swimwear brand that aims to create premium high-quality swimwear ethically and sustainably.
  • Liike – Carefully curated new movements in style and the modern flow of fashion. Meet the designers at the store to hear more about their pieces.
  • Jeans & Towels – Founded by Creative Director Samu-Jussi Koski, the space presents the two new brands and their universes, as well as a carefully curated collection of visiting brands and artists.
  • Atelier Eklöf – A goldsmith’s and engraver’s studio and shop in the heart of Helsinki.

Check out the full map and up-to-date guide

Culture, context and conversation

Photo Mariia Kauppi
Jugend architecture in Helsinki

No design journey to the Helsinki Design District is complete without stepping into the institutions that help shape it:

Pause for coffee and a bite to eat (and more design)

Photo Camilla Bloom, camillabloom.com
Kasarmitori - Food, drinks and cosy surroundings

Yes, even the cafés here are design-forward. From minimalist bakeries to artful brunch spots, this is the perfect area to take a break surrounded by beauty.

Favourites include:

Make it a weekend

With so much to see, touch and taste, why not stay a while? Our 72-hour Finnish Design itinerary is designed for a long weekend of thoughtful wandering, and our list of 7 must-visit design spots will get you started on the essentials.

Explore the Helsinki Design District