Experience Kalasatama
Helsinki's upcoming playful Neighborhood
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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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You can however find a beach, cafés, 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.
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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.