My name’s Celina and from March to September 2024 I lived in a Comodo apartment in Ullanlinna. I didn’t realize it at the time but the unexpected move allowed me to experience life in Helsinki from a different perspective. After I moved back home I decided to continue the adventure by spending more time in the other districts of Helsinki. So join me, as I see what life would be like in Punavuori, Kallio/Hakaniemi, Jätkäsaari and Töölö.
It’s different arriving by boat
You know the saying, sometimes you need a different perspective in life? I guess the same can be said about how you enter a room or even a place. Arriving at Kalasatama by boat from Matinkylä was an exceptional experience and it’s also something you can experience too should you come live in Helsinki. The city offers boat rentals and there’s tours as well.
So, we arrived at Kalasatama, which translates to “fish port” just around 8pm. It’s a relatively new and upcoming neighborhood. And can I just say, when you come to the neighborhood by sea it’s stunning. We even found a place to tie the boat up. Apart from having all the normal amenities one might need, Kalasatama also has office towers, sports facilities, city parks and its own shopping mall- Redi.
Redi Mall – Kalasatama’s Living Room
Something unique about the shopping mall Redi is what’s called “Kalasatama’s Living Room”. It’s located on the second floor of the mall and is divided into sections, for hanging out, exhibitions and workshops etc. Redi is also a very large mall, sporting 175 shops and 43 restaurants sprawled over several floors.
A Neighbourhood still growing and Modern Architecture
Kalastama to me is like this new, bright shiny toy but it is still labeled “as upcoming” due to be finished by 2035. The architecture is interesting– I think it’s the architecture that differentiates all the neighborhoods in Helsinki– you have the old, the historical, the down to earth and then you have the new funky, modern vibes. So if modern is more your vibe, whilst still being relatively close to town and next to the sea, maybe you want to stay at one of Comodo’s apartments in Kalasatama.
Dining with a View – BisouBisou and Harbour Tap & Taste
Talking about new, a restaurant that’s been popping up on Instagram feeds everywhere is BisouBisou. It’s making news not only for its concept of “French Attitude. New York Attitude” and its cuisine but also its views, being that it’s located on the 24th floor – which for Finland is rare. I actually had the pleasure to eat here and can confirm, it is worth all the hype.
This time, I went to Restaurant Harbour Tap & Taste, since one can conveniently park their boat right in front. I think it’s the neighborhood local place. It had good drinks, nice food and good customer service.
Everyday Art and Playfulness
Then I had some fun goofing around on one of Kalasatama’s sculptures– obviously designed for a photo op.
I googled it and found it’s called “Early One Morning, Eternity Sculpture.” It was designed by Jacob Dahlgren and its intention is exactly as I wrote– to encourage and inspire play and creativity. It is part of a project in Kalasatama called Percent for Art Scheme, managed by HAM.
Family fun outdoors: Helsinki Zoo, Tennis, Summer theater and more
The nearby Island called Mustikkamaa, which translates to “Blueberry Land”, unfortunately does not offer year-round blueberries. The 2016 built Isoisänsilta (“grandfather’s bridge”) is your pathway to check it out.
You can however find a beach, cafĂ©s, restaurants, kiosks, tennis courts and even a famous summer theater. You can also test your courage in the heights of the Korkee Adventure Park. Most importantly for a great family activity you can access the Helsinki Zoo, Korkeasaari, from the Southern tip of Kalasatama, by Nihti’s Finkensilta Bridge.
The perfect balance of Access and Escape
Kalasatama is beautiful and playful. It’s young and hip and upcoming but it wasn’t noisy. It’s easily accessible by metro, bus and tram. The people I saw varied from couples, to young adults.
Choosing which Comodo apartment you want to stay in really depends on who you are and where you are in your life, but one thing’s for sure– whilst you can have fun anywhere, Kalastama inspires it.
Some people experience black swan events (sudden renovations) which lead them to searching for temporary accommodation and staying in one of Comodo’s many apartments. Others live abroad and have family in Finland and end up staying with Comodo to visit them, like Paul for example, who lives on the other side of the world in […]
The Sudden Disruption “When’s the soonest you can move out?” my landlord asked me. Reason being, water damage in an apartment on the fifth floor had very inconveniently made its way to my hallway and bathroom ceiling on the third floor, and now my apartment also needed repair work. I said I’d do my best […]
exploring Kallio, Hakaniemi and Sörnäinen My name’s Celina and from March to September 2024 I lived in a Comodo apartment in Ullanlinna. I didn’t realize it at the time but the unexpected move allowed me to experience life in Helsinki from a different perspective. After I moved back home I decided to continue the adventure […]
Furnished Apartments and Urban Living in Jätkäsaari When cargo operations moved to Vuosaari, the city began developing Jätkäsaari, an island off Helsinki, into a residential area and that is just what it has become. It now boosts urban living, with close proximity to both the sea and the city. As the residential neighborhood continues to […]
If you want to feel at home and are seeking a flexible way to live in the Helsinki region or Tampere, Comodo's fully furnished apartment is the best choice. We have thought about every detail so that you would feel at home. You may cook in your well-equipped kitchen and wash your laundry whenever you wish. Our apartments are centrally located and near services and main office hubs. Also, our rental agreements are flexible.
The rent includes a fully furnished apartment, electricity, water, wi-fi, bed linen, and towels. We even make the bed ready for you.
The easiest way is to book online. If you need an apartment the same or the next day, or you cannot find what you're looking for, please give us a call at +358 10 470 4380 or send us a message via the contact form.
When you are staying over a month and have an estimate regarding the length of your stay, we recommend choosing a Flexible & Fixed contract type and picking a suitable length and notice period. Eg. with the contract type 1-3 months you agree to stay at least one month, but not more than three months. Should you need more flexibility for the length of your stay, we recommend our Until Further Notice contract type, where the length of your stay is not limited.
When you are planning to stay at least one, six or 10 months, but do not wish to commit to a specific end date, we recommend that you choose the contract type Until Further Notice. By choosing this contract type, you make sure that you have the apartment at your disposal for as long as you need. All you need to do is to choose a suitable minimum length for your stay and the desired notice period!
Of course! There are different types of rental agreements. When you make a booking, simply choose a flexible contract.
Comodo Asunnot Oy
Mechelininkatu 44, katutaso
00250 Helsinki
info@comodo.fi
