One-Week Switzerland Road Trip from Basel traveling east to Lucerne, 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 2 nights 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.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl in Basel by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 3-star Michelin status, Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious classic french menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore roots, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern, and seasonal cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Stucki - Tanja Grandits, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional creative, and modern menu.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Schall und Rauch Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Grenzwert Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, 8 Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Switzerland!

Day 2 of your road trip across Switzerland promises a magnificent time exploring Basel. You have 1 night left in Basel. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

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 2,111 visitors.

Next, make your way to Basel Minster. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,564 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 4,141 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 2,350 travelers, this art museum is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Basel.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Basel has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Basel offers and add your favorites to your Switzerland travel package below.

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

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 satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Basel this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Consum, known for its lively atmosphere. L'Atelier is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Landestelle - Freiluft-Loung & Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you will explore Basel, and Goldau, 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 Lucerne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Gate of Spalen, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable tower has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,523 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Kannenfeldpark is a recommended place to visit. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,538 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Basel is Basel Zoo. This spectacular zoo gets over 2,012,511 visitors every year. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,396 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Basel offers an experience you will remember.

After soaking in Basel’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Goldau. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 23 min. When you arrive in Goldau, it's time to take a break from the road.

Take the opportunity to see Nature and Animal Park Goldau. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,187 visitors.

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

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Lucide, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional contemporary, and classic menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Colonnade, known for its delicious modern french, and seasonal cuisine. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Bolero. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Lucerne tonight.

Keep the evening going at Bar 58, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Blue Bar & Smokers Lounge, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Penthouse, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Lucerne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zurich, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Make Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne one of your first sightseeing stops in Lucerne. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,153 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Chapel Bridge is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This point of interest is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 30,595 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Church of St. Leodegar. This church building has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,678 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Lion Monument Lucerne. A trip to this popular sculpture is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.5 out of 5-star rating as given by 20,757 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is Swiss Museum of Transport. This technology museum enjoys an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,843 local and international travelers. Approximately 562,605 people visit this attraction every year.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Zurich. 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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Widder Restaurant, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern french, and contemporary menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada is one of the best restaurants for sharing, and modern cuisine in Zurich. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at The Restaurant. As a top-rated establishment with 2 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative, and modern cuisine in the city.

Continue your lively evening at Widder Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Rio Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, CP First - Cocktailbar & Lounge ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zurich has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Zurich by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Lindenhof. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,519 visitors.

When you’re finished at Lindenhof, head to Grossmünster. This one-of-a-kind church building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,428 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Kunsthaus Zürich. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,760 visitors. Visiting Kunsthaus Zürich means you'll be one of 382,603 people who do so every year.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Zürich Zoo. This zoo is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,599 visitors.

You can learn more about Zurich today by going on a tour. Zurich offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

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

Savor the flavors at Cantinetta Antinori, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, El Lokal beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Aurora. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Zurich tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Eldorado, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Gotthard Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, La Stanza is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Switzerland.

On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Swiss National Museum. This organization is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Zurich, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,221 visitors.

FIFA Museum is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,523 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Zürich Opera House. Visitors have rated this opera house an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,349 reviews.

Chinagarten Zürich is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,600 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Botanical Garden, perhaps the most famous park in Zurich. This attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,272 travelers.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Zurich on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Zurich. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Alpenrose, an iconic dining spot in Zurich. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Kafi Dihei, a popular restaurant in Zurich. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Weisses Rössli, a hidden gem nestled in Zurich. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

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

On day 7 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 Sellenbüren, Winterthur, and Neuhausen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Basel, where you will stay for 1 night.

Sellenbüren’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Zurich behind. This drive usually takes around 31 min. Sellenbüren welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

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 2,099 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top of Zurich. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,434 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Sellenbüren, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Winterthur may take around 39 min. Upon your arrival in Winterthur, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Wildpark Bruderhaus. This extraordinary wildlife park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,615 visitors.

Next, make your way to Swiss Science Center Technorama. This technology museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,784 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Basel. Basel 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 explore more of Basel, 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.

Esteemed as a much-enjoyed restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Hotel Les Trois Rois, a top-rated dining spot in Basel. If you're in the mood for something new, try HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurant Atelier (im Teufelhof). Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Basel.

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

Day 8 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. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Switzerland.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Tinguely Fountain. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,202 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 Warteck Brewery Basel, 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!