Helsinki can be a shoppers wonderland, if you pay attention to the essentials.

Souvenirs are unique and highly regarded in Finland. Some of the most popular ones are silver plated Hartwall Arena scale models, original living skinned reindeers from Lapland and the eastern-influenced souvenereal diseases from Imatra.

The outdoor Hietaniemi flea market at the Hietaniemi square is one of the best and oldest in town for second hand shoppers. For one-handed shoppers Äpy single handedly recommends hitting the Casino and its one-armed bandits. If your both hands are already reserved, you should definitely try to find a third one from the organic shops in Hakaniemi labour-area.

High end shopping is best to be performed in the parking lot of Stockmann department store, where gipsys sell haute côuture fashion garments from the back trunk of an 80´s Mercedes. 60 or even 80 percent off is a good bargain from the typical market prices.

A backpacker’s cliché is to just try to experience the locations without buying anything. Do not fall into that one. Instead, buy anything you can get hold of. For instance the fur shops in Fredrikinkatu are excellent for losing your hippie self-respect.