One-Week Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to St. Gallen, Lugano, and Basel and surrounding area

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

Make time for Zürich Zoo, a well-known zoo that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Kunsthaus Zürich, enchanting visitors with its eye-catching appeal. Continue your exploration at Grossmünster. This church is one of the city’s most often recommended spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Zurich at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Zürich Opera House.

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.

For an unforgettable shopping experience, visit Bahnhofstrasse, the top shopping destination in Zurich. Browse local shops and luxury stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Bahnhofstrasse has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Zurich by reserving a table at Widder Restaurant. Renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern french and contemporary menu. For a different taste experience, head to IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, recognized for its delicious sharing and modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit The Restaurant, a local favorite known for its delightful creative and modern cuisine in Zurich. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 2 Michelin star is an ideal choice for creative and modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Eldorado stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Gotthard Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. La Stanza is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Zurich and Winterthur. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in St. Gallen, where will spend 2 nights.

No visit to Zurich is complete without Botanical Garden. This worthwhile botanical garden is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Zürichhorn, 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 Chinagarten Zürich. This frequently visited botanical garden is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Swiss National Museum, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Zurich, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Winterthur. This drive usually takes around 31 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Swiss Science Center Technorama, a curiosity-inducing science center that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

At the end of the day, you will drive to St. Gallen, 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in St. Gallen, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Begin your culinary exploration in St. Gallen by securing a reservation at Netts Schützengarten. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of international and country cooking cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Einstein Gourmet, celebrated for its delectable creative and modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Jägerhof, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern and international menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, News Café Music Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Baracca Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Timeout Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Day 4 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Zurich. You’ll stay in St. Gallen for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Let Wildpark Peter Und Paul set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this visually striking wildlife reserve before continuing your journey. Abbey Of Saint Gall is your next stop. This often recommended monastery is one of the best-rated sights in St. Gallen.

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 St. Gallen Cathedral. This stunning church is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Drei Weieren.

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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of St. Gallen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Dine in style at Thai Dragon, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Zur alten Post boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Bistro St. Gallen. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in St. Gallen.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Süd Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Einstein Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Øya Bar Kafé Klub offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Switzerland!

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Melide, Pazzallo, and Lugano. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lugano, where you'll spend 1 night.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Melide.

When you’ve had your share of St. Gallen, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Melide. Your travel time is around 2 hours 47 min.

Swissminiatur is a beloved miniature park we recommend visiting today.

Set your GPS to Pazzallo and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Pazzallo beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Monte San Salvatore, an intriguing mountain range known for its eye-catching features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lugano. This car ride takes around 5 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Lugano is Lugano Arte E Cultura, a curiosity-inducing cultural center that draws attention for its picture-perfect features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Parco Ciani, a romantic park that stands out in the village.

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

Lugano 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 Lugano.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Lugano by reserving a table at Flamel. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of contemporary and seasonal cuisine. Looking for something different? Lanchetta Lounge Bar & Pinsa. Offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu.

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

Head back to your accommodation in Lugano and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Switzerland.

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Lucerne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Basel, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking in Lugano’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lucerne. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 10 min. When you arrive in Lucerne, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Swiss Museum Of Transport, a notable museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Lion Monument Lucerne and admire its picture-perfect features.

When you’re ready, continue to Chapel Bridge, a popular historical landmark beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

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.

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.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Schall Und Rauch Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Grenzwert Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, 8 Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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