Moomin mugs by Arabia

©Tim Bird/Lonely Planet

Arabiakeskus

Top choice in Helsinki

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Arabia refers to a whole district where the legendary Finnish ceramics company has manufactured its products since 1873. The complex, 5km north of Helsinki, includes a design mall, with a large Arabia/Iittala outlet. Run by Helsinki's Design Museum, the free Iittala & Arabia Design Centre museum tells of the brand's history. Take tram 6 or 8 to the Arabiankatu stop.

Other shops here include an outlet of Finlayson, Finland's top home textile manufacturer, founded in 1820, which also carries a range of special collections, samples and seconds.

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