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

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Zurich for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Get ready for an exciting day in Zurich. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a zoo, an art gallery, a church, an opera house and much more! Begin your adventure at Zürich Zoo. This is a captivating zoo you should not miss. Another must-see is Kunsthaus Zürich, a worthwhile art gallery in Zurich.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Grossmünster. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Zürich Opera House, another of the city’s worthwhile attractions.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Switzerland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Zurich by securing a reservation at Widder Restaurant. This renowned restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern french and contemporary cuisine. For another dining delight, visit IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, celebrated for its delectable sharing 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 The Restaurant, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

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

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure 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 vibrant destinations - Zurich and Winterthur. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in St. Gallen. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. The first attraction of today is Botanical Garden. This often recommended botanical garden is a mesmerizing place to see in Zurich. Continue your discovery at Zürichhorn, a serene park with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Zurich, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Chinagarten Zürich. This up-and-coming botanical garden offers a mesmerizing encounter with Zurich. Swiss National Museum is the last of our recommendations for today. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Zurich.

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. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take your self-guided tour to Swiss Science Center Technorama, an underrated science center that everyone visiting Winterthur should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in St. Gallen. St. Gallen offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in St. Gallen by reserving a table at Netts Schützengarten. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional international and country cooking menu. For a different taste experience, head to Einstein Gourmet, recognized for its delicious creative 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 Jägerhof, a local favorite known for its delightful modern and international cuisine in St. Gallen. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern and international foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Keep the evening going at News Café Music Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Baracca Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Timeout Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions St. Gallen has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in St. Gallen by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the town.

St. Gallen is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a wildlife reserve, a monastery, a church, a lake and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the up-and-coming Wildpark Peter Und Paul. Just a short distance away is Abbey Of Saint Gall, a stunning monastery that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to St. Gallen Cathedral, one of the town’s most up-and-coming spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the worthwhile Drei Weieren.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Switzerland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Thai Dragon, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Zur alten Post is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bistro St. Gallen. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in St. Gallen tonight.

Continue your lively evening at Süd Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Einstein Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Øya Bar Kafé Klub ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Melide, Pazzallo, and Lugano. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lugano, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Melide allows for both.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to St. Gallen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Melide. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 47 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Swissminiatur is an up-and-coming miniature park we recommend making time to visit today.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Pazzallo. This car ride takes around 3 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Monte San Salvatore. Spend some time admiring the mesmerizing features of the mountain range before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Lugano and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 5 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lugano beckons with new experiences!

Head to Lugano Arte E Cultura, a beloved cultural center in Lugano. Explore its photogenic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Parco Ciani. This well-known park is a top recommendation in the area.

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

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Flamel, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional contemporary and seasonal menu. Alternatively, experience a taste of Lugano at Lanchetta Lounge Bar & Pinsa. , another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Il Fermento, known for its lively atmosphere. Bar Oops is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

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

On day 6 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 Basel, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lucerne. This car ride takes around 2 hours 10 min.

Begin your journey at Swiss Museum Of Transport and explore the eye-catching features. Next, make your way to Lion Monument Lucerne, another highlight in the town. When you’re done exploring the monument, continue to Chapel Bridge, a romantic historical landmark. Nearby, you will also find Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. This often recommended historical landmark is a top place to see in the area.

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

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

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.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Schall Und Rauch Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Grenzwert Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is 8 Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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