One-Week Relaxed Switzerland Road Trip from Basel to Zurich

Your relaxed road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Basel, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Basel and begin your adventure in Switzerland.

When you're ready to see some sights, middle bridge is a great place to start. This road bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,025 visitors.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Basel. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Switzerland. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

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

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Schall und Rauch Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink.

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.

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Switzerland, you’ll go deep into Basel, where you'll stay for 2 nights, 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 Basel, and meet locals along the way!

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Dreiländereck. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,756 visitors.

Next, make your way to Kannenfeldpark. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,501 reviews.

While in Basel, we also recommend a visit to Museum of Natural History Basel. This museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,084 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Basel Minster. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,442 travelers, this cathedral is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Basel.

Make your way to Tinguely Fountain, perhaps the most famous park in Basel. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,117 reviews.

Switzerland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Switzerland also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

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

Dine in style at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, KLARA 13 AG boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Basel.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Basel and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Switzerland.

Day 3 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Basel, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Switzerland are extraordinary.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Basel Zoo, a remarkable zoo where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,178 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 2,012,511 visitors.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Fine Arts Museum Basel. This museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,049 travelers.

Wettsteinbrücke is another must-visit attraction. This renowned road bridge offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 942 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 Museum Tinguely. This well-loved art museum boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 2,311 reviews.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Basel, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available for your relaxed road trip across Switzerland.

Exploring the food culture in Basel offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

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 could also check for a table at WERK 8. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice 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 relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Switzerland!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the town of Neuhausen and drive in the direction of the city of Winterthur for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the town of Kloten, where you’ll stay for 3 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Neuhausen, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Basel to Neuhausen may take around 1 hour 28 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Neuhausen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Rhine Falls your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this waterfall an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 reviews.

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

Make Swiss Science Center Technorama one of your first sightseeing stops in Winterthur. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,644 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Kloten, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Winterthur to Kloten may take around 30 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kloten, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Observation Deck B. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,332 reviews.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Zurich in this laid-back road trip in Switzerland. You'll stay here for 3 nights.

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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Zurich by booking a table at Widder Restaurant, renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern french and contemporary menu. For a different culinary experience, IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious sharing and modern cuisine in Zurich. 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, The Restaurant is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative and modern cuisine in Zurich. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Zurich. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

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.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Switzerland!

Day 5 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!

When you're ready to see some sights, Botanical Garden is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,198 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Zürichhorn. This river delta has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,512 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Chinagarten Zürich. The park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,420 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Zürich Opera House. This opera house is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,213 reviews.

Zürich Zoo is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this zoo, rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,267 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Zurich by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Switzerland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Zurich.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Aurora, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Kafi Dihei? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Weisses Rössli as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Zurich.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Zurich and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Ebrietas Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Rimini Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation.

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

On day 6 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!

Make Swiss National Museum your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this organization an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,085 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Kunsthaus Zürich. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,594 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this art museum every year. In fact, this attraction welcomes 382,603 annual visitors.

Kronenhalle is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This architectural structure has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,764 visitors.

When you’re finished at Kronenhalle, the perfect next stop is FIFA Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 4,338 reviews.

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.

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.

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

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

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Switzerland!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Switzerland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Zurich. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Basel, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Lindenhof. This popular square has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,365 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Grossmünster. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,297 visitors, this church building deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Fraumünster. This church building has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,411 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Old Botanical Garden, Zurich. This botanical garden and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,648 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Arboretum Zürich. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,796 travelers, this arboretum is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Zurich.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Basel. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Switzerland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Basel, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Boo Klybeck, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Flanagan's offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss KaBAR. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Basel.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Basel and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

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

Day 8 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.

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.

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.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Basel is the remarkable Gate of Spalen. This tower and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,475 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Gifthüttli, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Schlüsselzunft offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Basel and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.