7-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to Lucerne and Basel and surrounding area

Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

No visit to Zurich is complete without Chinagarten Zürich. This underrated botanical garden is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Swiss National Museum, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Zurich, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Kunsthaus Zürich. This curiosity-inducing art gallery is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Zürich Zoo, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zurich. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Widder Restaurant, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern french and contemporary menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, known for its delicious sharing and modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Zurich is The Restaurant, a renowned restaurant with a 2-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious creative and modern menu.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Eldorado, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Gotthard Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, La Stanza provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Switzerland.

On day 3 of your road trip in Switzerland, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Zurich and Goldau are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lucerne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Let Fraumünster set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this breathtaking church before continuing your journey. Grossmünster is your next stop. This beloved church is one of the best-rated sights in Zurich.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Zürich Opera House. This picture-perfect opera house is a sight to behold.

When you’ve had your share of Zurich, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Goldau. Your travel time is around 40 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Nature And Animal Park Goldau, a curiosity-inducing zoo that everyone visiting Goldau should see.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Lucerne, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Lucerne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Lucide in Lucerne by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Lucide offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious contemporary and classic menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Colonnade, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern french and seasonal cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Bar 58 after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Blue Bar & Smokers Lounge, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Penthouse also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Lucerne. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Basel, where will spend 2 nights.

Whatever your travel style is, Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne is an essential stop in Lucerne. This locally appreciated historical landmark provides an insightful glimpse into the town's identity. Next, discover Jesuit Church, Lucerne, an enchanting church, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Chapel Bridge, a popular historical landmark. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the interesting Lion Monument Lucerne. Round off your day at Swiss Museum Of Transport, another gem in Lucerne with visually striking features to discover.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Basel. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Basel. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Have a memorable dining experience in Basel by booking a table at Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, a 3-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional classic french menu. For a different culinary experience in Basel, roots shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern and seasonal cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee consistently earns high praises, 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 in Basel for its delicious creative and modern cuisine. 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. Similarly, Grenzwert Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out 8 Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Switzerland.

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Basel. You’ll stay in Basel for 1 night.

Middle Bridge makes a great addition to your morning plans. This intriguing historical landmark is a respected place to see in Basel. Continue your discovery at Basel Minster, a romantic church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Basel, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Tinguely Fountain. This locally appreciated art installation offers a breathtaking encounter with Basel. Next, make your way to Basel Zoo to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Basel.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Basel is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Basel.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Essential by Dorint Basel City, a top-rated dining destination in Basel. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hasenburg, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Smilla Café. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Basel this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Consum, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, L'atelier provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Landestelle - Freiluft-loung & Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 4 stops and features some of the highlights of Neuhausen, Winterthur, Kloten, and Sellenbüren. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zurich, where you'll spend 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Neuhausen. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 28 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Rhine Falls, a famous waterfall that everyone visiting Neuhausen should see.

Winterthur’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Neuhausen behind. This drive usually takes around 29 min. Winterthur welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Winterthur is Swiss Science Center Technorama, a worthwhile science center that draws attention for its instagrammable features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Wildpark Bruderhaus, a stunning wildlife reserve that stands out in the town.

Set your GPS to Kloten and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 33 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kloten beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Observation Deck B, a frequently visited observation deck that draws visitors from near and far.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Zurich. Zurich offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Zurich, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Alpenrose, a top-rated dining destination in Zurich. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Kafi Dihei, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Weisses Rössli. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zurich this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar Babalu, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Kon-tiki Coffeeshop & Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Nelson is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Say good night to Zurich and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Switzerland!