5-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to Schaffhausen and surrounding area

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.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Zurich, including a botanical garden, a historical landmark, and a museum. Start your day at Chinagarten Zürich. This awe-inspiring botanical garden is an underrated place to see in Zurich. Then, wander over to Lindenhof. If romantic sites excite you, this historical landmark will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Swiss National Museum. This heritage-rich museum is a favorite among visitors.

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.

Bring home unique finds from Zurich's bustling shopping hub, Sihlcity. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Sihlcity offers plenty of options, including restaurants, primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

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

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.

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

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

On day 3 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 Schaffhausen, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today’s itinerary in Zurich covers several incredible sights, including a church, an art gallery, an opera house, a zoo and much more! Start your adventure at Grossmünster. This locally appreciated church is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the instagrammable wonders of Kunsthaus Zürich, a must-see art gallery in the city.

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 Zürich Opera House. This underrated opera house offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Zürich Zoo, where you can take in eye-catching features. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Schaffhausen by booking a table at D'Chuchi. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Theaterrestaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Eckhaus Gmbh stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar No13 offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Tabaco Lounge is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Schaffhausen, Neuhausen, and Goldau. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zurich, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites in the charming town of Schaffhausen. Your adventure starts at Reformierte Kirche St. Johann, a locally appreciated local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Museum Zu Allerheiligen. This up-and-coming museum is known for its photogenic appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Schaffhausen's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Rhine Falls. This eye-catching waterfall offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Nature And Animal Park Goldau is also worth visiting.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal 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.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Bar Babalu, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Kon-tiki Coffeeshop & Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Nelson provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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.