Rental apartments in Arabianranta

Contrary to popular belief, Arabianranta was not actually named after the Arabia factory located in the area. The name Arabia first appeared already in documents from the 1700s as the area was at that time found to be very distant from the centre of Helsinki. Today the location of this district northeast of the centre is no longer a challenge as the bus or tram will take you to the centre in 15 minutes.

See our three tips to get to know Arabianranta.

1. Art in the park

Tapio Wirkkala Park (Arabiankatu 5) is a major attraction in Arabianranta. This design park is named after the Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala and designed by the US artist and director Robert Wilson. The park is divided into nine rooms surrounded by hedges. This inspiring comprehensive artwork provides a very atmospheric meeting place.

2. University studies in a former factory

At Hämeentie 135 C, Arabia’s oldest factory buildings are from 1874. Famous for porcelain and other industrial art products, Arabia is a valued brand today. The old factory building is still standing tall and several companies operate in its premises today. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is also located in the same block.

3. Homely community cafe

Serving fresh coffee and delicious cakes and pastries straight from the oven, Kaffila Bokvilla is a homely community cafe in Arabianranta. Run mainly by volunteers as well as a cook and trainee, new people are always welcome to join in for a cup of coffee or to give a helping hand.

Things you didn’t know: In addition to the very many new SATO home buildings in Arabianranta, there is also a large housing company on the other side of Hämeentie street called Sato n:o 9. This is one of the first buildings we constructed in Helsinki after the Second World War.