Design District Helsinki creates a lively hub of twenty-five blocks stretching from Kamppi and Esplanade to the core of the area called Punavuori, which still for many is the only real Design District. Imagine meeting creatives from all fields of design forming a network of over two hundred members and a neighbourhood that blurs with originality, ideas and lots of energy.
To locate the shops, stops and studios they are marked with round black-and-white Design District identity stickers. It is not only for navigating the area, but also to give the shopkeepers a sense of belonging to a community and being part of a good cause. Design District Helsinki also hosts a variety of events throughout the year – Design District Week, Design Markets, Late Night shopping evenings and a popular Christmas Market at just about the same time as the first snowflakes colour the streets in cosy white. Design District Helsinki visitor guides and maps for the area are available in any of the shops, studios, cafés, restaurants, galleries and museums in the area. Local guides have hosted design walks since 2005 and they still count as a popular walking tour for the design, art and architecture enthusiasts. Lately wine and food walks have been attracting a bunch of foodies to the area.