Helsinki Design Guide by Hobo

The best design shops, museums and Aalto sites in Helsinki

Looking for the best design in Helsinki? Start at Hobo and walk outwards. Our hotel is full of Nordic and Finnish design details: Artek and Marimekko in the rooms, Hay and Transparent speakers around the house, custom-made objects created just for Hobo, vintage finds and plenty more. Think of it as a warm-up for the city.

To explore that energy further, we've gathered our favourite places to experience Helsinki design, all close to Hobo. Some are a short walk away, some are one tram ride from our doorstep. All of them are worth your time.

Artek flagship store and Artek 2nd Cycle

Artek is a Finnish legend, known for classic designs by Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl. Founded in 1935, it remains an innovative player in modern design, developing new products at the intersection of design, architecture and art. You can read more about the company on Artek's website.

Artek Flagship Store, Keskuskatu 1B. Just steps from Hobo, it works as a showroom, an Aesop shop-in-shop, a space for inspirational projects and a store all at once. Highly recommended.

Artek 2nd Cycle, Pieni Roobertinkatu 4. Even more highly recommended by us. Pre-loved pieces from the brand, vintage energy, classics and exhibitions, also super close to Hobo.

The Aalto House: Alvar and Aino Aalto's original home

The Aalto House was the home of Alvar and Aino Aalto, the founders of Artek. You can reach it with a direct tram ride from Hobo's doorstep to theirs.

It is part of the Aalto Works series, thirteen sites designed by Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in July 2026. That makes Aalto Works the first body of Finnish modern architecture on the list, and Finland's eighth World Heritage site. 

Studio Aalto: Alvar Aalto's fffice

Same story for Studio Aalto, Mr. Aalto's own office, which is also a direct tram ride away and part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Aalto Works. Guided tours are available in English, Japanese, German, Finnish, Swedish and French, and they are the best way to get the full experience, complete with cool stories you won't find on a plaque.

Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki

Every city has its design museums, and Helsinki is no exception. Ours is at Korkeavuorenkatu 23, a short walk from Hobo through the streets of Punavuori, Esplanadi and Kaartinkaupunki. There is always something beautiful going on, so please visit.

COMMON Helsinki: Japanese design meets Nordic minimalism

For smaller and special design items, head to COMMON Helsinki at Pursimiehenkatu 1. It presents a curated selection of Japanese goods and supplies that embody timelessness and formal simplicity, two qualities that often connect Japanese and Nordic ways of life.

You'll find it in beautiful Punavuori, where design shop windows, second-hand stores and cute restaurants line the streets. Easy walking distance from Hobo.

Kulttuurisauna: Nordic minimalism with a sea dip

One more special place, close to Hobo and full of Nordic minimalist energy: Kulttuurisauna at Hakaniemenranta 17. It is a classic Finnish sauna that also serves as a café with a no-phones policy, and you can take a dip in the sea afterwards. It's in a design article for a reason.

Hakola, a colourful flagship in Punavuori

Shoutout to Hakola, whose colourful flagship store and showroom you'll find at Annankatu, also in Punavuori.

Marimekko stores and Marimekko Day

For some good old Marimekko, there are two of their big stores very near Hobo. If you happen to be in town in May for the legendary Marimekko Day, the catwalk takes over Esplanadi Park. You might even be able to see it straight from your room window, so yes, also close to Hobo.

FAQ: Design in Helsinki

Where can I buy Finnish design in Helsinki? Artek Flagship Store at Keskuskatu 1B, Artek 2nd Cycle at Pieni Roobertinkatu 4, COMMON Helsinki at Pursimiehenkatu 1 and Hakola at Annankatu are all within easy reach of Hobo. Marimekko has two large stores nearby as well.

Where can I find vintage Artek in Helsinki? Artek 2nd Cycle at Pieni Roobertinkatu 4 sells pre-loved Artek pieces, classics and exhibitions, just a short walk from Hobo.

Can I visit Alvar Aalto's home and studio in Helsinki? Yes. Both the Aalto House and Studio Aalto can be reached by direct tram from Hobo. Studio Aalto offers guided tours in six languages.

Where is the Architecture and Design Museum in Helsinki? At Korkeavuorenkatu 23, a short walk from Hobo.

What is Marimekko Day? Marimekko Day takes place in May, with a catwalk in Esplanadi Park. It's a full day of Marimekko fun around the city!

Hobo Helsinki is located at Kluuvikatu 4, in the middle of Helsinki's design scene. Book your stay and explore it on foot, by tram, or from your room window.