Helmhaus is a hidden gem where history meets modern art. Housed in a century-old building once a haven for books and ideas, it now hosts cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions. Walk its halls and you’ll almost hear echoes of past thinkers—while new artworks pulse with fresh energy on the walls. Time never sleeps here.








Everything you need to know about Helmhaus
Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich is a top choice just a 5-minute walk from Helmhaus. This historic boutique hotel blends classical European elegance with modern luxury, featuring rooms with panoramic windows offering views of Lake Zurich and the city skyline. The rooftop Sky Lounge provides an exceptional vantage point to admire the Renaissance architecture surrounding Helmhaus. Located near the Kunst Museum Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse, it offers unbeatable access to cultural sites and shopping, making it ideal for exploring the heart of Zurich.
Walking from Helmhaus takes just 10 minutes to reach Zürich HB (Central Station), the most convenient option. Alternatively, take the U-Bahn Line 1 or 2 from the nearby Helmhaus stop, reaching downtown in only 3 stops. Several bus lines—including 14, 18, and 26—also serve the area. For seamless travel, use the ZVV Travel Card, which allows unlimited rides on trams, buses, and trains across the city, saving both time and money.
Helmhaus itself is a historic landmark once serving as a medieval pharmacy and medical center. Today, it hosts contemporary art exhibitions in a stunning Gothic setting. Guided tours reveal its rich architectural heritage and medical history. Nearby, Rindermarkt Square features weekend craft markets with local artisans and food stalls—perfect for immersing in Zurich’s creative spirit. Don’t miss a visit to Museum Oskar Reinhart, just a 5-minute walk away, housing an exceptional collection of classical paintings.
Yes, Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich offers family-friendly rooms, including interconnecting suites and family rooms with dedicated play areas. The hotel provides child-friendly services such as crib rentals, customized kids’ meals, and curated family activities. The neighborhood is quiet and safe, with Lido Park just a 7-minute walk away—perfect for children to play. The on-site restaurant also features healthy kid-friendly menus and spacious dining areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for all ages.
The area around Helmhaus buzzes with vibrant nightlife. Just a 5-minute walk leads to Sihlpost Bar & Club, a stylish venue blending jazz music with craft beer and live performances. For a more upscale vibe, visit Café Schipper, whose terrace features striking light installations creating a poetic urban oasis at night. The nearby Zurich Opera House hosts world-class opera and ballet seasons—ideal for refined cultural evenings. After dinner, stroll along the Limmat River to savor the romantic glow of Zurich under the stars.
Hotel Storchen Zürich is a top choice located just a 5-minute walk from Helmhaus. This historic boutique hotel blends classic architecture with modern elegance, offering rooms with panoramic windows overlooking the Limmat River and city skyline. Surrounded by art galleries and independent cafés, it’s ideal for culture lovers seeking an immersive experience. The hotel provides free bicycle rentals, making it easy to explore Zurich’s old town and scenic trails along Lake Zurich.
Conveniently located just 10 minutes on foot from Zurich HB Train Station, guests can easily access major attractions via public transit. With 24-hour concierge service, the hotel assists with private tours, theatre bookings, and local recommendations, ensuring a seamless and luxurious stay.
Take the Zurich S-Bahn Line 1 or 2 from Zurich HB Station to Helmhaus Station, a mere 8-minute ride with frequent departures. Alternatively, walk east along Bahnhofstrasse, passing through Lindenhof Square, for a scenic 15-minute journey through Zurich’s old town and along the Limmat River. For a dynamic option, use city bike-sharing services like Scoot, with docking stations near Helmhaus, perfect for exploring the area at your own pace. Always check real-time schedules and purchase tickets via the ZVV app, which supports digital passes and saves time and money.
Helmhaus, a 19th-century historical building, now hosts contemporary art exhibitions as part of the Zurich Art Museum. Weekend events include outdoor markets and live music performances, blending tradition with modern creativity. Just a 7-minute walk away, Lindenhof Square becomes a vibrant hub in summer with open-air cinema screenings and jazz concerts. Nearby, Münsterhof Square offers access to the Gothic-style Fraumünster Church and the historic Old Town Hall, showcasing medieval architecture. For deeper insight, join a Zurich Cultural Walking Tour, led by local guides who share stories of the city’s artistic evolution and urban heritage.
Hotel Storchen Zürich is ideal for families, offering interconnecting rooms and child-friendly amenities such as cribs, baby toiletries, and a dedicated play corner. The hotel features an indoor kids’ activity zone and partners with Zoo Zürich to provide family package deals. The restaurant serves healthy children’s meal options, allowing parents to dine comfortably. Located in a quiet residential area yet close to cultural hubs, it’s perfect for parent-child learning experiences. Opt for the Family-Friendly Package, which includes complimentary breakfast, airport transfers, and a children’s guidebook—making travel stress-free and enjoyable for all ages.
The area around Helmhaus buzzes with indie bars and artsy cafés like Café Bäckerei and Bar 22, featuring craft beers and live improvised music. Every Friday hosts Artist Nights inside Helmhaus, where local creatives showcase work and engage with visitors. In summer, Lindenhof Square transforms into an open-air stage for intimate concerts and poetry readings—relaxed and atmospheric. For upscale nightlife, head to Zurich Altstadt (10-minute walk) and visit venues like Papaya Club, known for international parties and electronic music. Check the Zurich Events Calendar in advance to catch the latest happenings and plan your evening seamlessly.
Lindenhof Square offers the perfect vantage point to capture Helmhaus framed by the spire of Fraumünster Church, especially during misty mornings or golden hour sunsets. The Limmat River promenade is lined with century-old linden trees, ideal for photos blending nature and urban life. Inside, the arched corridors and ornate wooden ceilings of Helmhaus provide striking interior shots. Bring a tripod and shoot during golden hour for dramatic lighting and enhanced architectural details. Join a City Photography Workshop led by professional photographers to refine composition techniques and elevate your travel imagery.
See what other travelers say about Helmhaus

Staying at Alma Hotel felt like coming home, even though I was far from it. From the moment I walked in, the warmth and thoughtfulness of the space were immediately apparent—the reception area is cozy with inviting nooks perfect for sipping tea or coffee, which are kindly included as part of the welcome. My room was spacious, comfortable, and impeccably clean, with a bathroom that felt luxurious and well-maintained. The rooftop terrace is a real highlight—perfect for relaxing with a drink while enjoying views of Zurich’s skyline. I also appreciated the guest kitchen, which made self-catering easy and convenient. What truly sets this place apart is the wellness area exclusively for women—peaceful, private, and thoughtfully designed. The staff, all women, were consistently kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in ensuring a memorable stay. They went out of their way to make each guest feel seen and valued. A couple of small notes: there’s no air conditioning, so guests looking for cooling should plan accordingly, and while the rooms are quiet overall, some internal sounds (like footsteps from upstairs) can be noticeable. But these minor points don’t take away from the overall experience. Alma isn’t just a hotel—it’s a sanctuary. If you’re seeking a peaceful, welcoming, and beautifully curated retreat in Zurich, this is the place.

Staying at Josephine's Guesthouse was an absolute delight—especially as a women-only space, which made me feel incredibly safe and comfortable. The room was spacious with two windows that let in plenty of natural light, and despite some street noise, they kindly provided earplugs, which worked perfectly. The beds—one large, one slightly smaller—were both super comfy, and the two radiators kept the room warm and cozy throughout the night. I slept like a baby! The cleanliness was outstanding—every corner felt spotless, no complaints at all. Located just steps away from the train station, it’s ideal for overnight stays or quick transfers. There are also tons of great restaurants nearby, so dinner options were never a problem. One quirky detail: the elevator requires you to open the door manually—something I’d never seen before, but honestly, it added a bit of charm. Check-in and check-out weren’t staffed on Saturday, so we had to figure things out ourselves. While the check-out instructions weren’t clearly mentioned in the email, I found them posted inside the elevator—just drop your key into the white mailbox on the right side of the first floor. It was a little tricky at first, but everything worked smoothly. Overall, this place offers excellent value, safety, and comfort. Highly recommend for solo female travelers looking for a peaceful, well-located stay in Zurich!

Staying at this luxury apartment in the heart of Zurich was an absolute delight. The location couldn’t be better—just steps away from public transit, shopping streets, and local cafes. Everything I needed for a short trip was right there in the apartment, from kitchen essentials to cozy bedding. It was quite hot during my visit (35°C), so I would’ve appreciated a fan, but the management team quickly helped improve airflow and ensured a comfortable night’s sleep. Their responsiveness and warm hospitality made all the difference. This place feels like home—spacious, stylish, and thoughtfully designed. Highly recommend for travelers who value convenience, comfort, and a personal touch.

This family-friendly hotel in a safe, modern neighborhood is absolutely fantastic. Just a few minutes by S-Bahn from the main train station—right in the heart of Zurich—and only a short ride away from the Sihlcity shopping center. The location makes exploring the city so convenient. The family rooms are spacious, clean, and stylishly modern, perfect for travelers with kids. Our children still talk about the pancake machine at breakfast—it was like magic! The staff are incredibly friendly and always ready to help. This place offers unbeatable value and a truly welcoming atmosphere. A top pick for families visiting Zurich.

The apartment was absolutely fantastic—spacious, clean, and well-designed with a modern touch. Located just minutes from the city center, it's incredibly convenient for exploring Zurich by public transit. The contactless check-in was a huge plus, making our arrival stress-free and efficient. While we appreciated the privacy and independence, we did notice that housekeeping wasn’t scheduled during longer stays, so we had to manage cleaning duties ourselves. That said, the overall experience was outstanding—great value, excellent location, and a comfortable home away from home. I’d definitely book again and highly recommend this place to travelers who prefer self-sufficient stays.

Our experience at Viadukt Apartments was extremely disappointing. We had trouble picking up the key upon arrival and called the emergency number listed. The manager answered, we explained our situation, but she hung up on us multiple times and insisted on communicating via message. After sending our booking details, she finally replied with a code—but it didn’t work. We tried calling back, but got no response. Then, out of nowhere, she stormed in angrily without saying hello. She entered the code she’d sent us, only to discover it still didn’t work—turns out she’d made a typo in one digit, yet offered not even a single apology. Unbelievable for a hospitality setting. The entire interaction was rude and unprofessional. Honestly, I’ve never encountered such poor service in my travels. The only redeeming factor is the convenient location—easy access to Letzigrund—but that’s really all there is to say.

The rooms at this hostel are spacious and comfortable, though it did get a bit warm during my stay. The location is absolutely perfect—just steps away from the city center with countless attractions within walking distance. I’d definitely stay here again. The lockers are generously sized, making storage easy and secure. While there seem to be only a few bathrooms and showers, I never had to wait—everything ran smoothly throughout my visit. My only suggestion would be adding another fan to improve airflow, but honestly, that’s not enough to take away from the excellent experience. Overall, a fantastic value for money and highly recommended.

Staying at Stay2Night City Center Hostel in Zurich was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the city center and minutes away from the subway, making it super easy to explore everything. What truly stood out was the owner—so friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful with any questions or recommendations. The dorm room was clean, well-maintained, and came with great amenities: a fully functional kitchen, two separate lockers for personal belongings, and even a refrigerator—perfect for storing snacks or drinks. I appreciated the thoughtfulness behind these little touches. The vibe among guests was relaxed and friendly, creating a cozy, homey atmosphere. For such a central location and the quality of service, the value for money is outstanding. I’d happily come back and highly recommend this hostel to anyone visiting Zurich.

Staying at the Cosmopolitan Apartments Zürich Seefeld was an absolute highlight of my trip to Zurich. Nestled in a quiet residential area near the lake, it’s surprisingly close to the city center—just a short walk or quick transit ride away. The neighborhood feels peaceful and safe, yet everything I needed was within easy reach: a Migros supermarket and a Coop grocery store just a few minutes’ walk. The studio is around 30 square meters—compact but thoughtfully designed. It includes a comfortable bed, a small dining table, a cozy sofa with coffee table, a TV, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a modern bathroom with shower. What stood out? The little touches: Nespresso capsules waiting upon arrival, a bottle of mineral water in the fridge, and tasteful, minimalist decor that made the space feel both welcoming and stylish. Check-in is completely self-service via code—no front desk hassle—and the hosts regularly check in to see how you’re doing. It’s perfect for solo travelers who value independence but still want attentive care. I’d book here again in a heartbeat.

The location is excellent—just a short walk from the city center and well-connected by public transit. The apartment itself has plenty of space, which was a plus. However, the overall experience was disappointing. The furnishings are extremely low quality—some cabinet doors were missing, and it felt like a student dorm with all IKEA furniture. Basic supplies like soap and shampoo were barely enough. We had to pay upfront, and communication was mostly via email, which made things difficult since the key was left in a 'secret' spot with no clear instructions. To make matters worse, we were told at checkout that we needed to vacuum and clean the entire place thoroughly—so we even filmed ourselves doing it, just in case they tried to charge us later. This is exactly what some reviews warned about: unexpected fees after check-out. While the location is great, the poor quality, lack of service, and unnecessary hassle aren’t worth it. Definitely not staying here again.

Staying at Lamira - Serviced Apartments in Zurich was an absolute highlight of my trip. The apartment itself is incredibly well-designed and offers excellent value for money—definitely one of the best deals I’ve found. The room is spacious and clean, though the bed is a bit soft and slightly shorter than expected; two women were comfortable, but it might feel tight for taller guests. What really stands out is the fully equipped kitchen with a built-in oven—perfect for preparing meals from groceries picked up at the nearby supermarket. I cooked several dinners during my stay, which saved me a lot of money and gave me a real homey feel. The bathroom is large and modern, and there’s a washer and dryer on-site, which made laundry stress-free. My unit even had a private balcony where I enjoyed morning coffee while watching the city come alive. The location is unbeatable—just a 500-meter walk left from the building to the train station, making travel around Zurich effortless. With great amenities, top-tier convenience, and a cozy atmosphere, this place is perfect for both short stays and longer visits. Highly recommended!

The staff was extremely unfriendly and gave zero flexibility regarding early check-in. I arrived at 1 PM, but check-in wasn't until 4 PM. Instead of allowing me to wait in the common area or offering to store my bags, they just left my luggage sitting around the facility and told me to leave and come back later. This was one of the worst hostel experiences I've ever had. The place is cheap and clean, which is a plus, but the facilities are basic and nothing is done to encourage guest interaction or socializing. It felt very impersonal and unwelcoming—definitely not worth it for the price.
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