7 must-dos in Helsinki Design District: the beautiful design neighbourhood
Discover the vibrant design scene of Helsinki, conveniently located near Helsinki Central Station! Design District’s bubbly craftsmanship community welcomes you to experience all the creative wonders the area has to offer. Explore the area, admire the display of skills, and try your hand at creating something of your own. Here are our 7 picks to deep dive into Finnish design!
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1. Deep dive into Finnish design
What is Helsinki Design District? Design District is exactly what it says on the tin: this is where Finnish design and art grow and flourishes! The district boasts 200 members who have mastered crafts from jewellery, fashion, and décor to ceramics, visual arts and so much more! Check out the small and individual businesses, antique stores, and international brands on your way through the district’s 25 streets. Or if you’re on a time crunch, head to historical Torikorttelit or the famous Kämp Galleria instead and explore the countless designer brands all in one go.
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2. Merry-go-galleries
Art is one of the defining features of Design District – in all meanings of the word. It’s no wonder the creative district is home to so many art galleries, exhibitions ranging from paintings to photography, sculptures, and contemporary pieces. The best way to get your dose of the visual fireworks is to join a guided Downtown Gallery Tour (Kantakaupungin galleriakierros) that takes you to four different art exhibitions from the rotating selection of the district’s leading galleries. Tours are held by the photography gallery Hippolyte.
3. Enjoy a museum moment
While Design District is a very lively area, there are many places to escape the bustling streets to – the area’s museums being one of the favourite ones! Relax by exploring the exhibitions of the acclaimed museum duo: Helsinki Design Museum offers a great look into modern Finnish design as well as the well-known classics, and The Museum of Finnish Architecture with a focus on (you’ll never guess) Finnish architecture. And if you feel like spending just a little longer in the quiet, the Merkki museum and archive of media is just around the corner and offers a free entrance.
4. Make your own masterpiece
Inspiration is always just one step away in this district – why not put it to use? Design District has excellent workshops where you’ll get to create your own design pieces in the guidance of master crafters! Make your new go-to leather bag at PIHKA Collection, play and relax with clay at Colour Box, or design some silver jewellery or leather accessories at Paja Design. For more workshops and handicrafts, check out CraftCorner by Taitoliitto – they also have a crafts and design specialised gallery at their location.
5. Architectural amble
Design District is simply beautiful, inside and out. Stroll around the district and rest your eyes on the art-like architecture, styles ranging over centuries – with an emphasis on art nouveau or ‘jugend’ in Helsinkian – and blending seamlessly into today’s modern builds. Some must see treats include Rikhardinkatu Library and St. John’s Church (Johanneksenkirkko), as well as the Esplanade Park lined with gorgeous buildings from various time periods. You can also spot the memorial plate for the home and atelier of Tove Jansson, the beloved mother of moomins, at Ullanlinnakatu.
6. Getting hangry?
No problem! Here are some great options to thwart the tiny tantrum. Add some locally loved Design District must-dos for your meal break. Green Hippo serves delicious lunch suited for all eaters, and Pastis has a spectacularly stylish Saturday brunch and an excellent evening à la carte menu. Restaurant Nolla serves tasty dishes with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients and does good for both body and climate. And for a bigger sweet tooth, Café Esplanad’s freshly baked, huge Finnish cinnamon rolls ‘korvapuustit’ are 100% the way to go.
7. The souvenir showdown
Ready for the last stop on your must-dos in Helsinki Design District? If you’re still short on souvenirs after visiting the various designer shops of the district, we’ve got you covered! Find an excellent bag of sugary treats from Roobertin herkku candy store or browse the huge collection of soft and adorable teddy bears from Little Teddy Shop, making a lovely friend to people of all ages.
Annan Suklaatehdas chocolaterie has a wide variety of handmade artisan chocolates, Lasikammari offers some of the most beautiful vintage glass pieces, and Rolling Cheese Viiskulma is a great place to get delicious – and delightfully stinky – savoury souvenirs. And if you’d rather make some second-hand finds, Helsinki second Hand and Fasaani Antiques vintage stores are worth a visit!
