6-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel traveling east to Bern and Zurich

Say hello to Basel! Your exciting road trip through Switzerland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Basel for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

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.

Find your way to your hotel in Basel. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Switzerland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Basel by booking a table at Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, a 3-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional classic french menu. For a different flavor experience, head to roots, renowned for its delectable modern and seasonal dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Stucki - Tanja Grandits, a local gem known for its delightful creative and modern cuisine in Basel. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Schall und Rauch Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Switzerland!

On day 2 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 Basel. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bern, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Drop by the renowned Basel Minster. This popular cathedral has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,442 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Fine Arts Museum Basel. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,049 visitors, this museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Tinguely Fountain. This park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,117 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Basel Zoo, drawing over 2,012,511 yearly visitors. This zoo and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,178 local and international travelers.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Bern. Bern 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 are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bern. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at ZOE, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional vegetarian and modern menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Steinhalle, known for its delicious creative and international cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Bern is Wein & Sein, a renowned restaurant , known for its delicious modern menu.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Adrianos Bar & Café.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bern, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Bern, Harderkulm, and Innertkirchen. You still have 1 night left in Bern.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,755 visitors.

Bear pit is another popular attraction you could visit today. This architectural structure has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,960 visitors.

Harderkulm’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bern behind. This drive usually takes around 58 min. Harderkulm welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Harderkulm, a remarkable mountain where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,635 reviews.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Titlis Cliff Walk. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,537 reviews.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bern. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Make sure to book a table at McCarthy's Irish Pub Bern, a popular restaurant in Bern. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bern at Aarbergerhof, 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 Hotel Bellevue Palace. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Bern tonight.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg 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 Lucerne and Neuhausen. 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.

Lucerne’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bern behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 25 min. Lucerne welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Journey into the unknown at Swiss Museum of Transport, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable technology museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,571 reviews. Every year, Swiss Museum of Transport welcomes more than 562,605 curious visitors.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Lion Monument Lucerne is a recommended place to visit. This sculpture is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 20,294 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Lucerne is Chapel Bridge. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,995 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Lucerne offers an experience you will remember.

Neuhausen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lucerne behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 20 min. Neuhausen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Rhine Falls. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 70,505 visitors.

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

As you explore more of Zurich, 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.

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.

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

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

On day 5 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 Basel, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Lindenhof. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,365 reviews.

Grossmünster is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This church building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,297 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Kunsthaus Zürich. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,594 reviews. Every year, around 382,603 travelers visit this site to discover its unique features.

Zürich Zoo is another outstanding experience in Zurich. Around 26,267 travelers have rated this zoo an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Basel, 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 Basel's best restaurants.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, KLARA 13 AG is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Basel tonight.

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

Day 6 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.

Make the most of your final day in Switzerland by visiting Basel’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Switzerland. Take home a piece of Switzerland with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

Make Kannenfeldpark your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,501 reviews.

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

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Unternehmen Mitte, another top spot with a mouthwatering 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!