Kallio, together with Sörnäinen, forms the Kallio basic district, which also includes Merihaka, Hanasaari and Sompasaari. However, in colloquial language, Kallio often refers to a wider area than the official definition, which also includes the Harju area of ​​the Alppiharju district. Many companies cite Kallio as their location, even though the official visiting address can be found on the Harju side.

Kallio apartments are often small – up to 90% of its housing stock are studio or two-bedroom apartments. Often, students who need a first home in Helsinki or single people moving to the city for work buy an apartment in the area. The popularity of the area has, however, increased the prices of apartments considerably over the years. More than half of Kallio’s residents live in rented accommodation.

The densest settlement and population structure in Finland enables Kallio to offer one of the best local services in the city. Brick-and-mortar shops and commercial premises can be found on the ground floor of almost every apartment building, bringing liveliness and life, jobs and customers to the area. The area’s restaurant and café offering has also developed tremendously over the years and more are opening all the time. Kallio has a great selection of options, especially for vegans. There are also plenty of shops and flea markets in Kallio for those looking for vintage and second-hand products and clothing.

Kallio’s unique and relaxed atmosphere appeals to its residents, and many Kallio residents enjoy spending their free time there. Kallio residents can be found starting their weekends with brunch at their local café or in the evening at one of the many restaurants in the area. Those who enjoy nightlife don’t have to leave their homes far, as Kallio has numerous pubs and nightclubs, such as Siltanen, which is known for its club nights. Siltanen is open until ten in the evening as a restaurant called Onda, but after sunset the tables move to make room for the dance floor.

Kallio is excellently located, as it is within walking distance of the city centre. In addition, Kallio’s public transport services are excellent. The area has two metro stations, six tram lines and around 60 bus lines within Helsinki and the surrounding area. The area also has daycare centres, a comprehensive school and two upper secondary schools, Kallio Upper Secondary School, which specialises in expressive arts, and Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Fine Arts.

Kallio has numerous atmospheric parks, such as Tokoinranta and Karhupuisto. The idyllic Tokoinranta in Eläintarhanlahti offers beautiful scenery and year-round recreational activities. In the summer, Karhupuisto is a great meeting place, highlighted by beautiful and colorful flower arrangements. The area is also home to one of Helsinki’s most famous landmarks, the Kallio Church, designed by Lars Sonck. Its architecture is one of the purest representatives of the National Romantic style in Finland and is definitely worth seeing.