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.
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
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.
Shop local, shop sustainably
Culture, context and conversation
No design journey to the Helsinki Design District is complete without stepping into the institutions that help shape it:
- Design Museum – Learn the stories behind Finland’s best-known designers and discover how everyday objects shape our lives.
- Museum of Finnish Architecture – Located next door, this museum explores how Finnish buildings reflect Finnish climate, identity and values.
- Bronda gallery – Showcasing contemporary Art in Helsinki since 1978 Bronda offers changing exhibits every 4 weeks and a wide range of graphic art on sale.
- Galerie Forsblom – Exhibiting regular international and Finnish artists from its roster, the large gallery space consists of two exhibition spaces and a studio, permitting 2–3 exhibitions to be held simultaneously.
- Galleria G And Grafoteekki – Managed by the Association of Finnish Printmakers’. The exhibitions’ main focus is on fine art prints and other works on paper. The site also has a versatile sales collection Grafoteekki with over 5000 art prints by professional artists.
- Galleria Sculptor – An artist-run contemporary art gallery located in the Helsinki city center, maintained by the Association of Finnish Sculptors.
Museums and galleries
Pause for coffee and a bite to eat (and more design)
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:
- Andante Coffee – Café and florist in Punavuori, which serves specialty coffee and tea, seasonal pastries as well as raw and vegan snacks.
- Café & Shop Tre – Browse Finnish brands while sipping your cappuccino.
- Mat Distrikt – Seasonal and handcrafted dishes. They offer sustainably grown meat from producers they know with plenty of vegetarian options.
- Savoy – Savoy has been making culinary history for 80 years. Looking over the Helsinki rooftops you can see the Esplanadi park and be one with the stream of timelessness.
- Restaurant Nolla – Zero-waste restaurant offering seasonal flavours using local & organic products
- Onigiri Musubi – Handcrafted Japanese onigiri are packed with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring each bite is a memorable culinary experience
- Yes Yes Yes – A plant-based bistro with bold design and an even bolder menu.
- Moko Market Café & Store Punavuori – A concept store, combining an interior design store and a café. Moko sells various interior design objects and furniture such as a collection of vintage items.
Feed your belly along with your creative spirit
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.
