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City Guide - Helsinki - Shopping | ||
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Shopping The city's main shopping streets are Pohjoisesplanadi, Aleksanterinkatu and Fredrikinkatu. A walk around the Esplanadi reveals most of Finland's best-known design stores, including Artek (Alvar Aalto's store), Aarikka (jewellery), Design Forum Finland (cutting-edge furniture and accessory design) and Marimekko (fashion). Stockmann, the oldest, largest department store in Helsinki, is the place where most Helsinkiläiset buy their staples and doubles as a good hunting ground for souvenirs. Forum, Mannerheimintie, is the city centre's largest shopping centre while Itäakeskus, the largest shopping centre in Finland, can be found a short metro ride from the city centre. For smaller, one-off boutiques try Fredrikinkatu, the street for nick-nacks and fashion, and Annankatu for antique furniture. The biggest and best markets are: Kauppatori and the nearby Market Hall. Both have everything from Sami dolls to reindeer skins and are probably the best place for finding more unusual souvenirs (see Key Attractions section). At the end of one of Helsinki's most upmarket streets, the Bulevardi, is the Hietalahti Flea Market, where rich Helsinkiläiset discard their designer gear. The range is huge, with covetable purchases, including Russian accordions, second-hand jewellery and general junk (open weekdays 0800-1400, Saturday 0800-1500). Shops are generally open weekdays 0900-1700 and Saturday 0900-1300/1400. Department stores and shopping centres open weekdays 0900-2100 and Saturday 0900-1800. VAT, charged at 22.5% is included in the marked price. Foreign visitors who are not EU citizens can claim 12-16% on departure, on items over FIM250 purchased from stores with the 'Tax Free for Visitors' sign. Presentation of receipt and passport will be required. |