9-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to St. Gallen, Lugano, and Bern and surrounding area

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

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Zurich, including a zoo, a church, an opera house, a museum and much more! Start your day with a visit to Zürich Zoo. This captivating zoo is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Grossmünster, which may be one of the most stunning places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Zurich on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Zürich Opera House, an intriguing opera house in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Swiss National Museum.

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 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Zurich by securing a reservation at Widder Restaurant. Esteemed for its 2-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern french and contemporary cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, renowned for its delicious sharing and modern dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to The Restaurant, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering creative and modern menu. With its 2-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

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

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

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zurich, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Zurich today. One of the most underrated attractions included on the itinerary is Swiss Science Center Technorama. This photogenic science center will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Aathal Dinosaur Museum and learn what makes this picture-perfect museum unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the beloved Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top Of Zurich. After exploring the observation deck, head to Nature And Animal Park Goldau. This intriguing zoo is a highlight in Zurich.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Zurich and your accommodation.

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 a delightful dinner at Alpenrose, 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.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Bar Babalu, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Kon-tiki Coffeeshop & Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Nelson provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, Kreuzlingen, and Hagenwil. 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.

Get ready for an exciting day in Zurich. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a waterfall, a monastery, a museum, a park, a castle and much more! Begin your adventure at Rhine Falls. This is a widely recognized waterfall you should not miss. Another must-see is Kloster Allerheiligen, Schaffhausen, a curiosity-inducing monastery in Zurich.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Museum Zu Allerheiligen. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Seeburgpark, another of the town’s worthwhile attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Hagenwil Castle, an instagrammable place of interest in the town.

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

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

Experience a harmony of flavors at Netts Schützengarten in St. Gallen by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, Netts Schützengarten offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious international and country cooking menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Einstein Gourmet, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing creative and modern 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 Jägerhof, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern and international menu.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

On day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland, you’ll start and end your day in St. Gallen, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to St. Gallen for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Hundwil and St. Gallen to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Get ready for an exciting day in St. Gallen. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a tramway, a hiking area, a lake, a church, a monastery and much more! Begin your adventure at Säntis - Schwebebahn. This is an increasingly popular tramway you should not miss. Another must-see is Lillyweg, an underrated hiking area in St. Gallen.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Drei Weieren. From there, take a leisurely stroll to St. Gallen Cathedral, another of the hamlet’s increasingly popular attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Abbey Of Saint Gall, a historic place of interest in the hamlet.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in St. Gallen.

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

Savor the flavors at Thai Dragon, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Zur alten Post beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Bistro St. Gallen. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining 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.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Lugano and Lucerne. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bern, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Lugano today. One of the most captivating attractions included on the itinerary is Parco Ciani. This romantic park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Swiss Museum Of Transport and learn what makes this standout museum unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the interesting Lion Monument Lucerne. After exploring the monument, head to Chapel Bridge. This locally renowned historical landmark is a highlight in Lugano.

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

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Bern by booking a table at ZOE, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional vegetarian and modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Steinhalle, renowned for its delectable creative and international dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Wein & Sein, a local gem known for its delightful modern cuisine in Bern. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!