5-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel to Lausanne and Zurich

Your road trip adventure in Switzerland begins as soon as you reach Basel and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Basel for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Basel is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out middle bridge or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Basel. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Basel. 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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Basel by booking a table at Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional classic french menu. For a different culinary experience, roots shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious modern and seasonal cuisine in Basel. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Stucki - Tanja Grandits is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative and modern cuisine in Basel. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Schall und Rauch Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Switzerland!

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you will explore Basel, 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 Lausanne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Basel Minster. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,442 visitors.

When you’re finished at Basel Minster, head to Fine Arts Museum Basel. This one-of-a-kind museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,049 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Tinguely Fountain. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,117 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Basel Zoo. This zoo is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,178 visitors. Around 2,012,511 travelers visit Basel Zoo every year.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Lausanne. Lausanne offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you explore more of Lausanne, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Start your culinary exploration in Lausanne by securing a reservation at Le Berceau des Sens. This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of modern french and classic cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Anne-Sophie Pic, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover La Table du Lausanne Palace, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

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

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip 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 2 vibrant destinations - Veytaux and Lucerne. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Zurich. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Veytaux’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lausanne behind. This drive usually takes around 37 min. Veytaux welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Chillon Castle. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,331 reviews.

Set your GPS to Lucerne and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 15 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lucerne beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Swiss Museum of Transport. This technology museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Lucerne, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,571 visitors. Around 562,605 people visit this attraction every year.

Lion Monument Lucerne is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 20,294 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Chapel Bridge. Visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 29,995 reviews.

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.

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 , it's a top choice for creative and modern cuisine in the city.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Rio Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, La Stanza offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Zurich and Neuhausen. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Basel, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Make Lindenhof your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,365 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Zürich Opera House. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,213 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this opera house every year.

Chinagarten Zürich is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,420 visitors.

When you’re finished at Chinagarten Zürich, the perfect next stop is Zürich Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,267 reviews.

Neuhausen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Zurich behind. This drive usually takes around 48 min. Neuhausen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Rhine Falls. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Basel, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Make sure to book a table at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, a popular restaurant in Basel. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Basel at KLARA 13 AG, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Basel tonight.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Basel before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Switzerland, take time to indulge in shopping at Basel’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Switzerland. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Switzerland forever.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Kannenfeldpark. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,501 visitors.

Before you conclude your road trip in Switzerland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Basel.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant Fiorentina Basel, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Unternehmen Mitte is another top choice with a popular menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Basel. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Switzerland!