9-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich traveling east to Lugano, St. Gallen, and Schaffhausen

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Zurich for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Zurich, including a botanical garden, a park, an opera house, a zoo and much more! Start your day with a visit to Botanical Garden. This intriguing botanical garden is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Zürichhorn, which may be one of the most remarkable places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Zurich on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Chinagarten Zürich, an underrated botanical garden in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Zürich Opera House and Zürich Zoo.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Switzerland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zurich. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Widder Restaurant, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern french and contemporary menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada is one of the best restaurants for sharing and modern cuisine in Zurich. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at The Restaurant. As a top-rated establishment with 2 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative and modern cuisine in the city.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Eldorado, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Gotthard Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, La Stanza offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.

On day 3 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Zurich allows for both. Start by heading to Swiss National Museum. This locally appreciated museum provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Fraumünster, an awe-inspiring church, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Grossmünster, an increasingly popular church. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the often recommended Kunsthaus Zürich.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Switzerland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Visit Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich for an unforgettable shopping experience. Browse unique and luxurious stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Bahnhofstrasse has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zurich's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Alpenrose, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Kafi Dihei? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Weisses Rössli as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Zurich.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Bar Babalu, known for its lively atmosphere. Kon-tiki Coffeeshop & Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Nelson offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Switzerland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Goldau, Lavertezzo, and Orselina. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lugano, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Start your adventure at Nature And Animal Park Goldau. This underrated zoo is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Madonna Del Sasso. This locally appreciated church offers an enriching experience. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lugano. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Lugano's best restaurants.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Lugano by securing a table at Flamel. An esteemed Bib Gourmand restaurant, it features an exceptional contemporary and seasonal menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Lanchetta Lounge Bar & Pinsa. , another premier location with a delectable menu.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Il Fermento offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Oops is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Locarno has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Lugano by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the town.

Start your day at Piazza Grande. This enchanting public square is a frequently visited place to see in Lugano. Then, wander over to Locarno–madonna Del Sasso Funicular. If instagrammable sites excite you, this tramway will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Parco Ciani. This instagrammable park is a favorite among visitors.

Lugano offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Lugano Arte E Cultura is an underrated spot in the town that will captivate you with its unique charm. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this locally appreciated miniature park.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Switzerland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Lugano. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa, a top-rated dining destination in Lugano. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bottegone, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar Laura. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lugano this evening.

Say good night to Lugano and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Monte Carasso, Bellinzona, and Rapperswil. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in St. Gallen. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Lugano. Some of the village’s most loved attractions await! Antico Convento Delle Agostiniane is the perfect place to start. This monastery is one of the most increasingly popular places to visit in Lugano. Next, head to Three Castles Of Bellinzona, an intriguing castle, known for its history-steeped features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Montebello Castle. This breathtaking castle is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Knie's Kinderzoo. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in St. Gallen. St. Gallen offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in St. Gallen. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in St. Gallen by booking a table at Netts Schützengarten. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of international and country cooking cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Einstein Gourmet, celebrated for its delectable creative and modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Jägerhof, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern and international menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like News Café Music Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Baracca Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Timeout Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Switzerland!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you will explore St. Gallen and Neuhausen, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Schaffhausen. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. The first attraction of today is Abbey Of Saint Gall. This often recommended monastery is a historic place to see in St. Gallen. Continue your discovery at St. Gallen Cathedral, a historic church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around St. Gallen, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Roter Platz. Next, make your way to Drei Weieren to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Rhine Falls, a famous waterfall that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in St. Gallen.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Schaffhausen, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you explore more of Schaffhausen, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at D'Chuchi, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Theaterrestaurant is another top choice with a popular menu.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Eckhaus Gmbh, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bar No13 provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Tabaco Lounge offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Switzerland.

On day 8 of your road trip in Switzerland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Winterthur, Aathal, and Sellenbüren. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zurich, where you will stay for 1 night.

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and natural wonders. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Swiss Science Center Technorama. This locally appreciated science center is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Wildpark Bruderhaus, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Aathal Dinosaur Museum, one of the most frequently visited places to see in Schaffhausen. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Üetliberg. Wander around and soak in the peaceful atmosphere this mountain range offers. Then, head to Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top Of Zurich, a top-rated observation deck that adds another dimension to your day.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zurich. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zurich's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Viadukt, a popular restaurant in Zurich. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Zurich at La Pasta, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Best Western Hotel Spirgarten. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Zurich tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Ebrietas Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Total Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Rimini Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!