9-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel traveling south to Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne, and Zurich

Welcome to Basel, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Switzerland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Basel's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Basel. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Basel by booking a table at Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional classic french menu. For a different culinary experience, roots shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious modern and seasonal cuisine in Basel. 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, Stucki - Tanja Grandits is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative and modern cuisine in Basel. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Schall und Rauch Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Switzerland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Basel. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bern. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Basel Minster. Previous visitors have rated this cathedral an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,442 reviews.

Fine Arts Museum Basel is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,049 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Tinguely Fountain. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,117 reviews.

Basel Zoo is another outstanding experience in Basel. Around 15,178 travelers have rated this zoo an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The attraction hosts 2,012,511 visitors annually.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bern.

Discover the culinary delights of Bern by securing a reservation at ZOE. Esteemed for its , this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of vegetarian and modern cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Steinhalle, renowned for its delicious creative and international dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Wein & Sein, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering modern menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Adrianos Bar & Café, where the evening is just getting started.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Switzerland promises a magnificent time exploring Bern. You have 1 night left in Bern. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Bern Minster. This church building is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bern, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,813 visitors.

UNESCO - Bern Old Town is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,755 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to bear pit. Visitors have rated this architectural structure an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,960 reviews.

Rose Garden Bern is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an architectural structure rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,381 reviews.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bern.

Make sure to book a table at McCarthy's Irish Pub Bern, a popular restaurant in Bern. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bern at Aarbergerhof, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Hotel Bellevue Palace. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Bern tonight.

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 4 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 Geneva. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lausanne, where you will stay for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bern, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Geneva may take around 1 hour 41 min. Upon your arrival in Geneva, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,702 reviews.

Next up, make your way to The Geneva Water Fountain. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,281 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Jardin Anglais. This urban park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,129 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit L'horloge fleurie. This floral clock is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,614 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Bains des Pâquis. This public bath is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,194 visitors.

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

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Le Berceau des Sens, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern french and classic menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Anne-Sophie Pic is one of the best restaurants for creative cuisine in Lausanne. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at La Table du Lausanne Palace. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Captain Cook Pub is an excellent place to start. You could also check out King Size Pub, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Pin Up Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

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 Servion, Veytaux, and Lavey-Morcles. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lucerne, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Servion. This drive usually takes around 25 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Servion Zoo. This much-appreciated zoo is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,658 reviews.

Set your GPS to Veytaux and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 32 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Veytaux beckons with new experiences!

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Chillon Castle. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,331 reviews.

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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Lucerne. 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 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 Mr. Pickwick Pub Luzern. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Lucerne tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bar 59 stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar 58 offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Café Tacuba Neustadt is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Switzerland!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you will explore Lucerne, 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 Zurich. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. This wooden bridge is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Lucerne, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,066 visitors.

Chapel Bridge is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,995 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Church of St. Leodegar. Visitors have rated this church building an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,649 reviews.

Lion Monument Lucerne is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a sculpture rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 20,294 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Swiss Museum of Transport, perhaps the most famous technology museum in Lucerne. This attraction welcomes around 562,605 visitors annually and is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,571 travelers.

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

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

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.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Rio Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, La Stanza is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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.

Day 7 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Zurich for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Swiss National Museum. Previous visitors have rated this organization an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,085 reviews.

Fraumünster is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This church building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,411 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Grossmünster. This church building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,297 reviews.

Kunsthaus Zürich is another outstanding experience in Zurich. Around 6,594 travelers have rated this art museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. The attraction hosts 382,603 visitors annually.

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.

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

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

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Ebrietas Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Rimini Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

Head back to your accommodation in Zurich and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Switzerland!

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Zurich and Neuhausen. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Basel, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Chinagarten Zürich. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,420 reviews.

Continue your journey at Zürich Opera House. This opera house is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,213 travelers from near and far.

Zurich is also the home of Zürich Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,267 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Lindenhof. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,365 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

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 Neuhausen. Your travel time is around 47 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Rhine Falls. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 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 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 and reflect on the day's adventures.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, an iconic dining spot in Basel. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of KLARA 13 AG, a popular restaurant in Basel. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel, a hidden gem nestled in Basel. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Head back to your accommodation in Basel and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Day 9 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.

Maximize your last day in Switzerland and go on a shopping spree in Basel’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Switzerland, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Switzerland home with you through these charming souvenirs.

Kick off the day at Gate of Spalen, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This tower is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,475 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 Unternehmen Mitte, 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!