9-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to St. Gallen, Lugano, and Bern and surrounding area

Day 2 of your road trip across Switzerland promises a magnificent time exploring Zurich. You have 2 nights left in Zurich. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots in the charming city of Zurich. Your adventure starts at Zürich Zoo, an interesting local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Grossmünster. This underrated church is known for its eye-catching appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Zurich's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Zürich Opera House. This historic opera house offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Swiss National Museum is also worth visiting.

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.

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Widder Restaurant in Zurich by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 2-star Michelin distinction, Widder Restaurant delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern french and contemporary cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, acclaimed for its delectable sharing and modern specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at The Restaurant, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 2-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for creative and modern cuisine in the city.

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.

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 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zurich, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and romantic experiences. Whether you decide to explore Zurich on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Swiss Science Center Technorama is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this visually striking science center before continuing your journey. Aathal Dinosaur Museum is your next stop. This worthwhile museum is one of the best-rated sights in Zurich.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top Of Zurich. This instagrammable observation deck is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Nature And Animal Park Goldau.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Zurich and your accommodation.

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.

Savor the flavors at Alpenrose, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Kafi Dihei beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Weisses Rössli. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Zurich tonight.

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

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, Kreuzlingen, and Hagenwil. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in St. Gallen, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Zurich, including a waterfall, a monastery, a museum, a park, a castle and much more! Start your day at Rhine Falls. This romantic waterfall is a spectacular place to see in Zurich. Then, wander over to Kloster Allerheiligen, Schaffhausen. If monumental sites excite you, this monastery will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Museum Zu Allerheiligen. This visually striking museum is a favorite among visitors.

Zurich offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Seeburgpark is a locally appreciated spot in the town that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the park, don’t forget to check out the romantic Hagenwil Castle. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this curiosity-inducing castle.

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

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Netts Schützengarten in St. Gallen by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Netts Schützengarten delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious international and country cooking cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Einstein Gourmet, acclaimed for its delectable creative and modern specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Jägerhof, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern and international cuisine in the city.

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

Relax and reminisce about your day in Switzerland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland, you’ll start and end your day in St. Gallen, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to St. Gallen for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Hundwil and St. Gallen to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in St. Gallen, including a tramway, a hiking area, a lake, a church, a monastery and much more! Start your day with a visit to Säntis - Schwebebahn. This frequently visited tramway is a must-visit in the hamlet. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Lillyweg, which may be one of the most idyllic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring St. Gallen 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 Drei Weieren, a beloved lake in the hamlet. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for St. Gallen Cathedral and Abbey Of Saint Gall.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in St. Gallen.

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Thai Dragon, a popular restaurant in St. Gallen. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of St. Gallen at Zur alten Post, 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 Bistro St. Gallen. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in St. Gallen tonight.

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

Relax and reminisce about your day in Switzerland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you will explore Lugano and Lucerne, 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 Bern. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Lugano, including a park, a museum, a monument, a historical landmark and much more! Start your adventure at Parco Ciani. This notable park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Swiss Museum Of Transport located in Lugano for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Lion Monument Lucerne. Its breathtaking features will captivate you. After the monument, continue your tour of the town with a visit to Chapel Bridge. Visitors usually appreciate the romantic features of this historical landmark.

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

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at ZOE, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible vegetarian and modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Steinhalle is one of the best restaurants for creative and international cuisine in Bern. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Wein & Sein. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

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

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