Bohemia of Porvoo.

Today I’m ending the latest Porvoo saga with a post of a place that is probably one of my favourite meccas to shop: Bohemia second hand, interior and lifestyle shop.

Enter the boutique of boho-chic wonderland here.

A composition of autumn apples and tea mugs.

Bohemia is actually a mix of various different types of items from different sellers.

The shop itself offers a wide selection of imported boho style clothing, jewellery, decorative items etc.

There’s also hand-made local products like the jewellery made from recycled paper above.

I wish I had one of those candles. And robes. And everything.

As you may already have guessed, my favourite section of the shop is where people can rent a rack and shelves for a period of time – so you may get to find really cool and unique pieces with just pennies. Although all of the items sold in Bohemia are absolutely lovely, I do admit that the price range of many of the imported and hand-made goods are a bit too high for my budget.

There was a couple of pieces of these gorgeous old wooden toy horses around the shop.

A peek of the second hand/vintage section with the fitting room that is oh so familiar to me…

To finish this post, I have to highlight the friendly and assertive customer service that works in at least three languages, Swedish, Finnish and English. So don’t be afraid of asking for help or assistance!

When I asked the permission to take pictures for my blog, the owner came forward as super supportive and interested in reading what I’ve come up with. I know it’s a long time since visiting but I do hope that the staff of Bohemia sees this! I do love your place and I hope I can get as many people as I can to visit your shop in the nearby future.

Yours,

Miah

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Old School Toys in Porvoo.

Today I’m about to introduce you to one of the gems in Porvoo Old Town: toy shop Riimikko (in the Finnish language the word ‘riimi‘ means rhyme and that’s what I interpret the title to resonate).

The shop is located in Välikatu, near my favourite cafe Helmi and the well-known Brunberg factory shop.

Even though the prices are kinda high (understandable for an artisan shop), it’s always completely free to step in and wonder…

Toy shop ‘Riimikko’ has several smaller rooms (as many of the old buildings do) filled with treasured details that surely will fascinate children of all ages. Including me.

I just wish I could live here and get to use the stairs into the mysterious-looking rustic balcony! I also absolutely love the retro posters.

The simple-looking old door will lead you to a nostalgic trip back to your childhood – or provide an adventure for the younger generations.

Yours,

Miah

The Old Town of Porvoo (part 2).

Continuing my Porvoo trilogy with a random collection of the cutest pics of indie-businesses located in the Old Town area (totally non-sponsored, though I wish I was).

The text pretty much says ‘The Steward Manager’s Heirs’.

Starting with some retro cars, naturally.

Jeez – just look at that pink gorgeousness. I could totally see myself honking for the tourists to step aside when I am making an important emergency cake delivery to the other side of the town.

Or the van above! Initially, as we were approaching it, I thought the van would’ve sold ice cream but now I’m not so sure no more. Anyway, isn’t it just cool in such a retro spirit?

Though the price level probably isn’t from the cheapest end, Porvoo does provide you with a variety of bed and breakfast or other hotel/motel options. Speaking from experience, I’d definitely say it’s worth the investment of getting to stay overnight in such an atmosphere! Who knows, maybe there’s even ghosts wandering around in those old rooms?

Entrance to the museum from the court yard side.

Out of all the museums I’ve personally visited in Porvoo, I’d definitely rank the doll and toy museum (that is actually more of a private collection) as number one. Even if you only have half a hour of so, you are able to see the full collection – and perhaps make even small purchases yourself!

Here’s a link to the museum’s official web page (only some parts translated in English): Porvoon nukke- ja lelumuseo

Tuulian Aitta (‘Tuulia’s Shed’), selling mostly vintage table ware, is located right next to the doll and toy museum. Definitely worth visiting as well!

Traditional type of Finnish barn painted with red ochre paint.

If you love second-hand, vintage and retro reproduction – Porvoo Old Town is your place.

Porvoo vintage cafe collective – hire me, please… Don’t you just love the shade of the old ochre buildings?

I’m pretty sure Porvoo is marked into maps (or apps) as an important design area as well – and for good reason! Personally, I’d much rather invest my money into vintage jewellery and furniture but each to their own, right? At least there is a good variety of locally produced handicraft and design products to purchase in Porvoo.

Sadly, a lot of the businesses were closed on Sunday, which is an unfortunate, but important part of the flaneur. I mean, we’re probably a bit too used to living in an overall capitalist culture based on quick, cheap and disposable consumption. If you appreciate a spontaneous adventure, then you gotta accept the fact that sometimes the coolest places just happen to be closed. Then you just have to come and visit some other time…

Even the paintings on the ordinary maintenance structures were promising for vintage and second-hand lover like me!

Loving the bench perfectly matching the orange logo!

Brace yourself for the grade finale of my Porvoo series: tomorrow in my special post I am going to introduce you to the best cafe in the Old Town of Porvoo! Vegan options included, of course – so stay tuned, my lovely rainbow soul…

Yours,

Miah