広くて開放的な空間
1 / 10

Academic Bookstore Aalto

4.3
·4k reviews·Helsinki, Finland

A Helsinki landmark designed by Alvar Aalto, this bookstore is a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and architecture admirers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful browsing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
広くて開放的な空間

Academic Bookstore Aalto

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful browsing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Helsinki landmark designed by Alvar Aalto, this bookstore is a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and architecture admirers.

4.3
(4k reviews)

"This is one of the biggest bookstores in Helsinki. It has an extensive and diverse selection of books."

Vertical photo
TIP

📚 Never Buy New Textbooks

Consider libraries for textbooks; they often have copies available for use!

🏛️ Admire the Architecture

Take time to appreciate Alvar Aalto's design, especially the courtyard and lighting.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Alvar Aalto Architecture

Alvar Aalto Architecture

Throughout the bookstore

Experience the genius of Alvar Aalto's design, from the grand courtyard to the elegant lighting.

Extensive Foreign Literature

Extensive Foreign Literature

Book sections

Find a diverse collection of books in English and other European languages, perfect for international visitors.

Cafe Aalto

Cafe Aalto

Second floor

Enjoy coffee and pastries amidst beautiful Aalto-designed lamps in this charming cafe.

Art & Stationery Selection

Art & Stationery Selection

Dedicated sections

Browse a wide array of art supplies, stationery, puzzles, and unique souvenirs.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Bookworm's Paradise

Discover a vast selection of books, including extensive foreign literature, art supplies, and unique souvenirs. Don't miss the chance to admire Alvar Aalto's iconic architecture within this Helsinki gem.

Architectural Marvel

This isn't just a bookstore; it's a landmark designed by Alvar Aalto. Plan to spend time appreciating the stunning interiors, especially the central courtyard and the elegant Cafe Aalto.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, good for people-watching
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Try this one hack to make reading scholarly articles easier! Comment other questions about research you have! #research #Libraries #LibraryTok #LibrariesOfTiktok #AcademicLibrary #Librarians #GettysburgCollege #college
@gburgcollibrary
217.3K likes • 1.4M views

📚 Never Buy New Textbooks

Consider libraries for textbooks; they often have copies available for use! TikTok

🏛️ Admire the Architecture

Take time to appreciate Alvar Aalto's design, especially the courtyard and lighting. Instagram

never buy new books, you never get close to your money back re-selling them! #college #university #collegehacks #textbooks
@scott.frenzel
125.8K likes • 902.1K views
✦ ᴀᴄᴀᴅᴇᴍɪᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋꜱᴛᴏʀᴇ & ᴄᴀꜰᴇ ᴀᴀʟᴛᴏ ✦ 디자인과 건축을 사랑한다면 꼭 방문해야 할 매력적인 디자인 도시, 헬싱키 필수코스🇫🇮 📚 Academic Bookstore 핀란드의 세계적인 건축가, 알바 알토(Alvar Aalto)의 건축 미학이 깃든 공간으로 오랜 역사와 전통을 자랑하며 문화의 중심지 역할을 하는 장소에요. 내부 어디에서나 자연광이 비치도록 설계된 대형 창문과 유기적인 디자인, 인간 중심의 설계까지 #아카데미아서점 자체가 하나의 예술 작품으로 평가받고 있을 정도! 역사적 가치와 건축 디자인, 풍부한 도서 컬렉션까지 헬싱키에서 꼭 가봐야 할 필수코스 중 하나📖 ☕️ Cafe Aalto 아카데미아 서점 2층에 자리한 #카페알토 는 알바 알토의 예술적 영감이 깃든 모던한 디...
daily__bom
173 likes • 9.9K views

☕ Relax at Cafe Aalto

Enjoy the ambiance and Aalto's lamps at the second-floor cafe. Instagram

✍️ Explore Art Supplies

Discover a fantastic selection of paints, brushes, and stationery. Instagram

Summer 2022 Finland Helsinki 🇫🇮 8/15 * 靜默教堂 * 納林卡廣場 8/16 * 北歐設計感書店 Academic Bookstore * Cafe Aalto 建築設計師咖啡廳 * 亞歷山大街 * 赫爾辛基座堂 * 赫爾辛基參議院廣場 * 烏斯佩斯基大教堂 * 赫爾辛基傳統市場 Hietalahti Market Hall * 老農貿市集 Old Market Hall 8/17 * 聖殿廣場教堂 (岩石教堂) Temppeliaukion kirkko * Moomin Shop Forum #travel #finland #helsinki #finlandtravel #summer2022 #august #2022travel #travelreels #reelsinstagram #芬蘭 #赫爾辛基
0912stephy
294 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📚 Never Buy New Textbooks

Consider libraries for textbooks; they often have copies available for use! TikTok

🏛️ Admire the Architecture

Take time to appreciate Alvar Aalto's design, especially the courtyard and lighting. Instagram

☕ Relax at Cafe Aalto

Enjoy the ambiance and Aalto's lamps at the second-floor cafe. Instagram

✍️ Explore Art Supplies

Discover a fantastic selection of paints, brushes, and stationery. Instagram

🗺️ Find Foreign Books

This bookstore boasts a great collection of books in English and other languages. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Academic Bookstore Aalto, praising its stunning Alvar Aalto architecture and extensive book selection, especially foreign literature. The cafe and art supply sections also receive positive mentions, making it a beloved spot for book lovers and design enthusiasts alike.

"Great space. Enjoyed my visit. Even though I don't speak Finnish, I still had a great afternoon appreciating the architecture and studying how Finns made or displayed their books. If I had the chance to visit Akateeminen Kirjakauppa again, I'd definitely spend more time there!"

YiWei Chyi

"This is one of the biggest bookstores in Helsinki. It has an extensive and diverse selection of books in English (as well as a few other European languages). The bookstore also offers a variety of stationary, paints, brushes, and arts and crafts materials, puzzles and board games, souvenirs and toys. There is a nice café, too. Throughout the bookstore, there are plenty of space to sit down and read books. Both on the first and the second floors of the bookstore, there are large sections with books for sale. This is definitely a place for booklovers."

E K

"One of the biggest and better stocked bookstores in Helsinki. Designed by Alvar Aalto is luxuriously clad in white marble with copper detailing in a very restraint and elegant way. It all revolves around a big courtyard which is lit by 3 giant skylights. The second floor cafe it’s also worth a visit with beautiful Aalto’s lamps."

Carlos Sarasola Orio

What People Like

Stunning Aalto architecture
Vast book selection
Great art supplies

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Academic Bookstore Aalto is centrally located in Helsinki, making it easily accessible. You can reach it by public transport, including trams and buses that stop nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from many central Helsinki attractions. Instagram

Yes, it's conveniently situated near other popular spots like Helsinki Cathedral, the National Library of Finland, and the Moomin Shop. Instagram

Absolutely! If you're exploring the city center, walking to the Academic Bookstore is a great way to see more of Helsinki. Instagram

Helsinki has an excellent public transportation system. Trams and buses are efficient for reaching the city center where the bookstore is located. Instagram

While there might be some paid parking garages nearby, public transport is generally recommended due to central city location and potential parking challenges. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Academic Bookstore Aalto is free. It's a public space for browsing and enjoying the architecture. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open daily. It's best to check their official website or a reliable local guide for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Instagram

There is no admission fee to enter the Academic Bookstore. You can freely explore its many levels and sections. Reddit

Typically, large bookstores like this offer reservation services. You can inquire at the information desk or check their website for details on how to reserve books. TikTok

Bookstores often host author signings, book launches, and exhibitions. It's worth checking their event calendar online for any happenings during your visit. Instagram

🎫 📖 Onsite Experience

You can admire the stunning Alvar Aalto architecture, relax at Cafe Aalto, browse art supplies and stationery, and soak in the atmosphere of a world-renowned bookstore. Instagram

Yes, it's known for its extensive selection of foreign literature, including a wide range of books in English. Reddit

The bookstore offers a comprehensive selection of art materials, including paints, brushes, drawing tools, and other creative supplies. Instagram

Yes, reviewers mention plenty of spaces to sit down and read books throughout the bookstore, making it a comfortable place to spend time. Reddit

While it's a great place for academic books, some travelers suggest checking libraries for textbooks as they might be more cost-effective. TikTok

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a charming cafe called Cafe Aalto located on the second floor, known for its beautiful Aalto-designed lamps. Instagram

Cafe Aalto typically serves coffee, pastries, and light refreshments, offering a pleasant spot to take a break. Instagram

It's more suited for coffee and snacks, but you can find light options. For a full meal, you might want to explore other dining options nearby. Instagram

Generally, it's not recommended to consume outside food within a cafe or bookstore premises. It's best to enjoy your purchases from Cafe Aalto. Instagram

The bookstore is in a central area, so you'll find numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding streets offering various cuisines. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of other visitors and staff. Avoid flash photography in sensitive areas. Instagram

The central courtyard with its skylights, the elegant Cafe Aalto, and the grand staircases are popular spots for photography. Instagram

Yes, you can photograph the books, but focus on capturing the ambiance and architecture rather than just rows of books. Instagram

For commercial photography or professional shoots, you would likely need to seek permission from the bookstore management. Instagram

The bookstore's design by Alvar Aalto features clean lines, natural light from the skylights, and elegant materials like marble and copper, making it very visually appealing. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While primarily an academic bookstore, families can find elements to enjoy. The architecture itself is impressive and can spark curiosity in children. Look for the selection of puzzles, board games, and souvenirs which can be fun for younger visitors. The spacious layout allows for easier navigation with strollers, and there are often comfortable spots where children can rest or look at picture books. Instagram

Consider a visit to Cafe Aalto for a treat, and make it a point to explore the art supply section, which might inspire some creative play later. It's a good option for a quieter outing in the city center, offering a different kind of cultural experience beyond typical tourist attractions.

📚 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Academic Bookstore Aalto offers a free cultural experience. Admiring Alvar Aalto's architecture is completely free, and you can spend hours browsing without spending a euro. Reddit While buying books can be an expense, consider it an investment in knowledge or a unique souvenir. For textbooks, travelers suggest checking local libraries as a more economical option than purchasing new. TikTok

Cafe Aalto can be a more affordable spot for a coffee or light snack compared to some other city center cafes. It's a great place to rest your feet and recharge without a significant financial outlay.

🎨 Art & Design Enthusiasts

This bookstore is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and design. The primary draw is, of course, the stunning architecture by Alvar Aalto, a master of Finnish design. Spend time appreciating the building's structure, the interplay of light, and the elegant materials used. Instagram Don't miss Cafe Aalto, which showcases Aalto's iconic lamp designs and offers a serene atmosphere. Instagram

Beyond the architecture, the bookstore houses an extensive collection of art books, design publications, and a well-stocked art supply section. You can find everything from fine art paints and brushes to specialized drawing tools and design-related stationery. It's an excellent place to find inspiration, discover new artists, or pick up high-quality materials for your own creative projects.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Genius of Alvar Aalto

The Academic Bookstore Aalto is not merely a retail space; it's a significant architectural landmark designed by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Completed in stages between 1969 and 1970, the design is celebrated for its harmonious integration of functionality and aesthetics. Aalto envisioned the bookstore as a cultural hub, a place where knowledge and community could flourish. The building's most striking feature is its central courtyard, bathed in natural light from three massive skylights, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. This courtyard serves as the heart of the bookstore, connecting various sections and offering a tranquil space for contemplation. Instagram

The interior design is characterized by Aalto's signature style: clean lines, organic forms, and a thoughtful use of materials. White marble and copper detailing are used extensively, lending an air of understated elegance. The lighting, a crucial element in Aalto's work, is masterfully employed throughout the space, enhancing the ambiance and highlighting the architectural features. Even the furniture and fixtures, including the iconic lamps in Cafe Aalto, are designed with Aalto's principles in mind, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience for visitors. Instagram

Visitors often remark on the feeling of peace and inspiration they experience within the bookstore. It's a place where one can easily lose track of time, surrounded by books and enveloped in beautiful design. The thoughtful layout encourages exploration, with ample seating areas allowing patrons to pause, read, and absorb the surroundings. The bookstore truly embodies Aalto's philosophy of creating human-centered spaces that enrich daily life.

A Haven for Book Lovers and Creatives

Beyond its architectural significance, the Academic Bookstore Aalto is a paradise for bibliophiles and anyone with a creative inclination. It boasts one of the largest selections of books in Helsinki, with a particularly impressive collection of foreign literature. Travelers often highlight the extensive range of titles available in English and other European languages, making it a go-to spot for international visitors seeking specific reads or simply wanting to browse. Reddit

The bookstore also caters to a wide array of interests beyond traditional literature. You'll find a comprehensive selection of art supplies, including paints, brushes, drawing tools, and various stationery items. This makes it a valuable resource for artists, designers, and students. Additionally, the store offers a curated collection of puzzles, board games, souvenirs, and toys, providing unique gift options and items for leisure. Instagram

Reviewers consistently praise the bookstore for its well-stocked shelves and the sheer variety of items available. The spacious layout, with numerous seating areas, allows visitors to comfortably spend hours exploring, reading, and discovering new treasures. It's more than just a place to purchase books; it's an experience that caters to intellectual curiosity and creative expression.

You may also like

1 of 2