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

On day 2 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 Zurich. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lugano, where you will stay for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots in Zurich. Begin your sightseeing with Grossmünster. This beloved church is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Zürich Opera House, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Zurich, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Chinagarten Zürich. This increasingly popular botanical garden is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Zürich Zoo, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Flamel in Lugano by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Flamel delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious contemporary and seasonal cuisine. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Lanchetta Lounge Bar & Pinsa. ? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Il Fermento, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Bar Oops is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Switzerland!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Lugano, Melide, and Bellinzona. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in St. Gallen, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Parco Ciani is must-visit park and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Lugano Arte E Cultura, a beloved cultural center, located just a leisurely stroll away.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in St. Gallen. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in St. Gallen by reserving a table at Netts Schützengarten. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional international and country cooking menu. For a different taste experience, head to Einstein Gourmet, recognized for its delicious creative and modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Jägerhof, a local favorite known for its delightful modern and international cuisine in St. Gallen. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern and international foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. News Café Music Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Baracca Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Timeout Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Neuhausen, Winterthur, Aathal, and Sellenbüren. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zurich, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Today’s itinerary in St. Gallen covers several incredible sights, including a waterfall, a science center, a museum, a mountain range, an observation deck and much more! Start your adventure at Rhine Falls. This widely recognized waterfall is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the visually striking wonders of Swiss Science Center Technorama, a must-see science center in the town.

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 Aathal Dinosaur Museum. This often recommended museum offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Üetliberg, where you can take in instagrammable features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top Of Zurich. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Zurich. Zurich 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 Zurich. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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.

Continue your lively evening at Eldorado, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Gotthard Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, La Stanza ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!