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 and Sokos are the best known department stores. Forum, Mannerheimintie, Kluuvi and the new Kamppi are the the city centre's main shopping centres, while Itäkeskus, the largest shopping centre in Finland, can be found a short metro ride from the city centre. The Kämp Gallery, adjacent to the hotel of the same name, offers a range of big name stores.

For smaller, one-off boutiques, Fredrikinkatu is the street for nick-nacks and fashion and Annankatu for antique furniture. The biggest and best markets are the Market Square (see Key Attractions), situated by the South Harbour, and the nearby Market Hall, where shoppers can purchase wonderful fresh food and handicrafts. The market is open from Monday to Thursday 0800 to 1700, Friday 0800 to 1800 and Saturday 0800 to 1500. Hakaniemi Market Hall has everything from Sami dolls to reindeer skins and is probably the best place for visitors to find more unusual souvenirs. 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. The market is open on weekdays from 0800 to1400 and Saturdays from 0800 to1500. Hietalahti Market Hall is an organic produce market located in a newly restored building in art nouveau style and open from Monday to Friday 1000 to 1700 and Saturday from 1000 to 1500.

Shops are generally open on weekdays from 0900 to1800 and Saturdays from 0900 to 1300/1400. Department stores and shopping centres open on weekdays from 0900 to 2100 and on Saturdays from 0900 to 1800. VAT, charged at 17% or 22% dependent on the type of goods, is included in the marked price. Non-EU residents can claim 10-16% tax back upon departure, for items over €40 purchased from stores with the 'Tax Free for Visitors' sign. Presentation of receipts and a passport will be required.