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

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Zurich. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Lugano, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Start at the locally appreciated Grossmünster, a breathtaking church in Zurich. Next, go to Zürich Opera House.

After visiting Grossmünster and Zürich Opera House, take time to explore Zurich's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Chinagarten Zürich. This instagrammable botanical garden offers a unique experience. Zürich Zoo is another noteworthy stop.

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.

Start your culinary exploration in Lugano by securing a reservation at Flamel. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of contemporary and seasonal cuisine. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Lanchetta Lounge Bar & Pinsa. , a popular restaurant in Lugano. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Il Fermento. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Bar Oops, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you will explore Lugano, Melide, and Bellinzona, 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 St. Gallen. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s itinerary in Lugano covers several incredible sights, including a park and a cultural center. Start your adventure at Parco Ciani. This interesting park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the eye-catching wonders of Lugano Arte E Cultura, a must-see cultural center in the town.

Set your GPS to Melide and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 8 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Melide beckons with new experiences!

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Swissminiatur, an often recommended miniature park that draws visitors from near and far.

Set your GPS to Bellinzona and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 32 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bellinzona beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Three Castles Of Bellinzona. Spend some time admiring the grand features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

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.

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Netts Schützengarten, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional international and country cooking menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Einstein Gourmet, known for its delicious creative and modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in St. Gallen is Jägerhof, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious modern and international menu.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, News Café Music Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Baracca Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Timeout Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Neuhausen. This car ride takes around 1 hour.

Your self-guided tour starts at Rhine Falls, an impressive waterfall that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Neuhausen and set your GPS to Winterthur. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 29 min. Upon reaching Winterthur, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Swiss Science Center Technorama, an intriguing science center known for its visually striking features.

After soaking in Winterthur’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Aathal. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 29 min. When you arrive in Aathal, it's time to take a break from the road.

Your self-guided tour starts at Aathal Dinosaur Museum, a beloved museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

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

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Zurich by booking a table at Widder Restaurant, a 2-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern french and contemporary menu. For a different flavor experience, head to IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, renowned for its delectable sharing and modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit The Restaurant, a local gem known for its delightful creative and modern cuisine in Zurich. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Keep the evening going at Eldorado, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Gotthard Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is La Stanza, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Switzerland!