Relaxed 7-Day Switzerland Road Trip Starting from Basel to Zurich

Your relaxed road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Basel, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Basel and begin your adventure in Switzerland.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to middle bridge. This road bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,025 visitors.

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.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Basel.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Basel by reserving a table at Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional classic french menu. For a different taste experience, head to roots, recognized for its delicious modern and seasonal dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Stucki - Tanja Grandits, a local favorite known for its delightful creative and modern cuisine in Basel. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 2 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning creative and modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Switzerland.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Schall und Rauch Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Switzerland. Enjoy your first taste of Basel as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Basel, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Switzerland are extraordinary.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Museum of Natural History Basel. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,084 visitors.

Next, make your way to Basel Minster. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,442 reviews.

While in Basel, we also recommend a visit to Fine Arts Museum Basel. This museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,049 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Museum Tinguely. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,311 travelers, this art museum is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Basel.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Switzerland. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Switzerland and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try KLARA 13 AG? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Basel.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Basel and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Switzerland!

On day 3 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area 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.

After soaking in Basel’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Riehen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 13 min. When you arrive in Riehen, it's time to take a break from the road.

Kick off the day at Beyeler Foundation, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 332,000 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This art museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,303 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Riehen. This drive usually takes around 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Tinguely Fountain. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,117 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Basel Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,178 reviews. Usually, around 2,012,511 people visit Basel Zoo every year.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Kannenfeldpark. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,501 visitors.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Zurich. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Switzerland by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Zurich has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Zurich by reserving a table at Widder Restaurant. Renowned for its , this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern french and contemporary cuisine. For a different taste, head over to IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, renowned for its delectable sharing and modern dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore The Restaurant, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zurich.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Zurich.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Rio Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. La Stanza is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Switzerland!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Switzerland means 24 hours of making the best memories in Zurich. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Zurich!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Zürich Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,267 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Kunsthaus Zürich. This art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,594 reviews. Usually, around 382,603 people visit Kunsthaus Zürich every year.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Grossmünster. This church building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,297 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Zürich Opera House. This opera house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,213 visitors.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Switzerland more special is by joining unique tours and activities in Switzerland. Zurich offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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 Zurich, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Aurora, a top-rated dining spot in Zurich. If you're in the mood for something new, try Kafi Dihei, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Weisses Rössli. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zurich.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Switzerland.

Continue your lively evening at Ebrietas Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Rimini Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Switzerland!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Switzerland, you’ll go deep into Zurich, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Zurich, and meet locals along the way!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Swiss National Museum, a remarkable organization where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,085 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Lindenhof. This square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,365 travelers.

Arboretum Zürich is another must-visit attraction. This renowned arboretum offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,796 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Chinagarten Zürich. This well-loved park boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 5,420 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Botanical Garden awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a park, this is a top pick rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,198 previous visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across Switzerland. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in Switzerland.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Zurich has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Viadukt, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, La Pasta is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Metropol. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Zurich tonight.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Zurich’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Switzerland.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Switzerland.

Day 6 of your self-drive tour in Switzerland is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll start your day in the town of Neuhausen and end it in the town of Kloten. You’ll stay in Basel for 1 night. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Switzerland.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Neuhausen. This car ride takes around 29 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Rhine Falls is a great place to start. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 70,505 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Zurich and set your GPS to Sellenbüren. 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 31 min. Upon reaching Sellenbüren, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready to see some sights, Üetliberg is a great place to start. This mountain is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,065 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Uetliberg Lookout Tower. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,349 travelers.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kloten 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 27 min. Upon reaching Winterthur, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Swiss Science Center Technorama. This technology museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,644 reviews.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Basel in this laid-back road trip in Switzerland. You'll stay here for 1 night.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Savor the flavors at Restaurant Fiorentina Basel, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Unternehmen Mitte beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider WERK 8. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Basel tonight.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Switzerland.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Switzerland!

Day 7 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 Basel.

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.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Basel or just grab something light to keep you going.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Flanagan's, another premier location with a delectable menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Basel and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.