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

On day 2 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.

A top thing to do today is to explore Old Town (Altstadt), a must-see neighborhood in Zurich. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area. You can also visit Niederdorf, an ideal neighborhood for continued sightseeing.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Zurich, including a botanical garden, a historical landmark, and a zoo. Start your day with a visit to Chinagarten Zürich. This underrated botanical garden is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Lindenhof, which may be one of the most visually striking 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 Zürich Zoo, a well-known zoo in the city.

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.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Zurich by booking a table at Widder Restaurant. This popular restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern french and contemporary cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, celebrated for its delectable sharing 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 The Restaurant, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Eldorado, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Gotthard Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, La Stanza also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

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

Get ready for an exciting day in Zurich. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a museum, an art gallery, a church, an opera house and much more! Begin your adventure at Swiss National Museum. This is a curiosity-inducing museum you should not miss. Another must-see is Kunsthaus Zürich, a locally appreciated art gallery in Zurich.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Grossmünster. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Zürich Opera House, another of the city’s locally appreciated attractions.

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.

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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Lugano by reserving a table at Flamel. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional contemporary and seasonal menu. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Lanchetta Lounge Bar & Pinsa. , another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Il Fermento after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bar Oops, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

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 5 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 Neuhausen, Winterthur, Kloten, and Sellenbüren. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zurich, where you will stay for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in St. Gallen today. One of the most impressive attractions included on the itinerary is Rhine Falls. This peaceful waterfall will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Swiss Science Center Technorama and learn what makes this visually striking science center unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the worthwhile Wildpark Bruderhaus. After exploring the wildlife reserve, head to Observation Deck B. This often recommended observation deck is a highlight in St. Gallen. As your day continues, stop by Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top Of Zurich, known for its romantic features.

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

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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Alpenrose, a top-rated dining destination in Zurich. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Kafi Dihei, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Weisses Rössli. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zurich this evening.

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.

Head back to your accommodation in Zurich and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Switzerland!