10-Day Relaxed Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich to Basel

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Switzerland begins when you reach Lugano, where you’ll stay for a total of 5 nights.

Lugano is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Lindenhof. Around 11,259 visitors have rated this fascinating square and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Lugano offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Weisses Rössli. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Zeughauskeller serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Lugano has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7,976 reviews.

Swiss Chuchi Restaurant is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,383 customers, Swiss Chuchi Restaurant is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Lugano looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Kennedy's Irish Pub, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,395 reviews.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Switzerland! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, you'll explore the best attractions in Lugano at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Lugano, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 4 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous MFO-Park. This incredible urban park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,417 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Switzerland by seeing another popular site in Lugano, the wonderful Swiss National Museum. This organization is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,417 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Kunsthaus Zürich. This art museum has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,485 visitors. Up to 382,603 people visit this popular attraction each year.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Lugano itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Switzerland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Lugano.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Lugano and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Markthalle. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,771 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Rimini Bar. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Switzerland gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Lugano and visit more of its attractions.

Lugano has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Fraumünster, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Fraumünster has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,365 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Grossmünster. This city feature got an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from its 8,203 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Lugano is the notable Chinagarten Zürich. The popular Chinagarten Zürich is a highlight of many travel packages in Lugano. As a matter of fact, this remarkable park has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 5,297 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Lugano, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Zürichhorn. Take your time exploring this wonderful river delta and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 2,483 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Botanical Garden. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,132 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Botanical Garden is something to look forward to in Lugano.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Lugano by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Lugano.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Lugano, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Cantinetta Antinori is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Lugano-based food place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,379 guests.

This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from.

Toast to an amazing time in Lugano and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Switzerland on a great note!

Day 4 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Switzerland gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Lugano and visit more of its attractions.

Lugano has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,318 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Rieterpark. This city feature got an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from its 1,220 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Lugano is the notable FIFA Museum. The popular FIFA Museum is a highlight of many travel packages in Lugano. As a matter of fact, this remarkable museum has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from around 4,219 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Lugano, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Arboretum Zürich. Take your time exploring this wonderful arboretum and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 2,782 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Zürich Opera House. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,119 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Zürich Opera House is something to look forward to in Lugano.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Lugano by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Lugano.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Lugano, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Lugano, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars given by 870 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Rio Bar. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.3 over 5 stars by 992 customers.

This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from.

Toast to an amazing time in Lugano and end day 4 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Switzerland on a great note!

Day 5 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Switzerland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Lucerne. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Basel, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Lion Monument Lucerne is waiting for you. This sculpture has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,987 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Church of St. Leodegar. This unique church building is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,624 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Swiss Museum of Transport. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,371 visitors, this technology museum is one of the top sights to visit in the area. In fact, the spectacular Swiss Museum of Transport welcomes around 562,605 visitors on a yearly basis.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Chapel Bridge. This popular top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,664 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. This attraction is a valued wooden bridge in the area that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,021 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Lucerne has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Basel. In Basel, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Switzerland.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 520 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Restaurant Stucki - Tanja Grandits.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like tibits. Tibits is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is KLARA 13 AG. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,460 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Switzerland!

Day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Switzerland serves as your introduction to Basel. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Switzerland and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Basel, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,036 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 4-star Spalentor. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,234 guests, Spalentor is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Rochat offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Rochat is a top-rated budget hotel in Basel with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,375 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Basel. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Basel, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Tinguely Fountain. This park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Basel. The fascinating Tinguely Fountain has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,054 travelers.

Basel is also home to the captivating Basel Minster, a local cathedral and another popular attraction in the city. About 7,367 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Palatinate (Pfalz) Viewing Platform is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Switzerland. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 travelers, Palatinate (Pfalz) Viewing Platform proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Museum of Natural History Basel. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing museum and attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,071 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic middle bridge. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating road bridge and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 5,992 visitors have rated the famous middle bridge an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Basel, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Switzerland. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Basel, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Basel is WERK 8. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 996 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Gifthüttli for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Basel. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Another alternative is Za Zaa - Lebanese Soul Food. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 926 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Basel. At NOOHN, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 829 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Switzerland!

On day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, you'll explore the best attractions in Basel at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Basel, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Basel Paper Mill. This incredible paper museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,386 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Switzerland by seeing another popular site in Basel, the wonderful St. Alban. This quarter of the city of basel, switzerland is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,386 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Fine Arts Museum Basel. This museum has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,982 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Wettsteinbrücke. This road bridge is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from 939 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Dreiländereck. This amazing site is a wonderful top-tier point of interest with more than 1,724 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 7 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Basel itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Switzerland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Basel. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Restaurant Boo Klybeck. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 551 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Ufer7 Basel, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Ufer7 Basel is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 573 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Schlüsselzunft. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 563 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Basel and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Schall und Rauch Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 104 customers.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 8 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Switzerland gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Basel and visit more of its attractions.

Basel has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 1 night more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Grand Casino Basel, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Grand Casino Basel has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 1,755 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Kannenfeldpark. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 2,474 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Basel is the notable University of Basel Botanical Garden. The popular University of Basel Botanical Garden is a highlight of many travel packages in Basel. As a matter of fact, this remarkable botanical garden has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 1,042 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Basel, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Gate of Spalen. Take your time exploring this wonderful tower and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 2,435 visitors.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Basel by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Basel.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Basel, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from.

Toast to an amazing time in Basel and end day 8 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Switzerland on a great note!

On day 9 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in Switzerland. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Switzerland.

Your first destination is the beautiful city of Basel. You’ll spend 1 night in Lugano.

Take the opportunity to relax while admiring what the city has to offer. While on a relaxed road trip, one of the best places to explore in the city is the remarkable Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel. This museum and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.6 over 5 stars from 344 visitors.

Another top sight worth checking out is the amazing Gate of Saint John. This tower and go-to attraction has an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars from 246 travelers.

If you’re looking for another unforgettable attraction to explore during your laid-back trip, the wonderful Museum Tinguely is the perfect place for you. This art museum and travel location has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,274 reviewers.

While exploring the city of Basel, we highly recommend you join one of its top-rated tours. Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in Switzerland, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in Switzerland and discover the wonderful Schaffhausen.

While in Schaffhausen, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Rhine Falls. This waterfall and popular site has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 69,929 reviews.

Most travelers find that this park and travel destination lives up to its rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 319 reviews.

This travel spotis a go-to place in Schaffhausen.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in Switzerland comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Lugano. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In Lugano, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in Lugano.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in Lugano. The popular The International Beer Bar has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 773 customers and is the perfect place to fully appreciate your unhurried and relaxed road trip vacation in Switzerland.

You could also relax with a drink at another popular bar like Ebrietas Bar. This hang-out has an average rating of 4.6 from 560 individuals.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through Switzerland with a toast at a top-rated bar in Lugano!

Day 10 of your relaxed road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Lugano.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Lugano once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Switzerland on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Old Botanical Garden, Zurich is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Lugano. This top sight is a popular botanical garden, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,633 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 10 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Lugano or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Lugano and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 10-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.