Cheap 10-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich to St. Gallen, Chur, Lugano, and Bern and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Zurich, where you'll stay for 4 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Zurich and begin your adventure in Switzerland.

Zurich is a popular cheap holiday destination in Switzerland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Switzerland, Zurich is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Zurich offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Switzerland.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Zurich is Weisses Rössli. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 525 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Zurich, Zeughauskeller is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7,976 diners.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Tibits and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,746 customers.

Kennedy's Irish Pub is another great place to hang out and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,395 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit El Lokal, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,127 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Switzerland!

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Zurich, proving that cheap holidays in Switzerland can be extraordinary.

Make your vacation in Switzerland more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Switzerland and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Switzerland, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Zurich that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Eat at Babu's. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,949 reviews.

You can also check out Kronenhalle. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,764 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Markthalle. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,771 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Zurich, Rimini Bar. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,417 customers.

Café Bar ODEON is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,374 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Switzerland! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Zurich!

On day 3 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Switzerland, you’ll go deep into Zurich, making the most of your 2 nights in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Zurich, and meet locals along the way!

Your discovery of Zurich does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Zurich on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Switzerland.

A cheap, budget vacation in Zurich should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Zurich, try some of our top recommendations.

One musty-try restaurant is Cantinetta Antinori. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,379 customers.

Metropol is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,341 reviews. Metropol is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Viadukt. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,179 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

Visit La Stanza, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,083 customers.

Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Zurich. Customers have rated Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 870 reviews.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Zurich!

On day 4 of your affordable vacation in Switzerland, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Zurich. You’ll start exploring in Zurich. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Switzerland, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

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

Drop by the renowned Üetliberg. This popular mountain has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,065 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Uetliberg Lookout Tower. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,349 visitors, this park deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Aathal. This car ride takes around 30 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Aathal Dinosaur Museum is a great place to start with. This natural history museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,092 visitors.

After soaking in Aathal’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Winterthur. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 28 min. When you arrive in Winterthur, it's time to take a break from the road.

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

Savor the culinary delights of Zurich, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

We recommend a local favorite like La Pasta. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,041 customers.

The International Beer Bar is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 773 customers.

Aurora is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Aurora has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 705 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Zurich.

You might also want to cap the night off at Ebrietas Bar, a fascinating bar that 560 customers have rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Switzerland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Switzerland!

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 6 charming destinations — Kreuzlingen, Hagenwil, Hundwil, Urnäsch, Urnäsch, and St. Gallen. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of St. Gallen.

Set your GPS to Kreuzlingen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 49 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kreuzlingen beckons with new experiences!

Make Seeburgpark one of your first sightseeing stops in Kreuzlingen. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,245 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Set your GPS to Hagenwil and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Hagenwil beckons with new experiences!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Hagenwil Castle, a remarkable sightseeing destination where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 837 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Hagenwil, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Hundwil. Your travel time is around 53 min.

Journey into the unknown at Appenzell museum of popular traditions, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable local museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 169 reviews.

St. Gallen offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Switzerland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in St. Gallen offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Switzerland.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is GRECO. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,083 customers.

Tibits St. Gallen is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,004 customers.

Focacceria St. Gallen has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 851 reviews.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend HANS IM GLÜCK - ST. GALLEN Kugelgasse, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 747 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is Süd Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 721 customers.

Blumenmarkt is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 557 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Switzerland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Switzerland!

Day 6 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including St. Gallen, Rapperswil, and Chur. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Chur.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Abbey of Saint Gall. This benedictine abbey is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,646 visitors.

St. Gallen Cathedral is another popular attraction you could visit today. This cathedral has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,083 visitors.

Drei Weieren is also highly recommended by travelers. This urban park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,727 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of St. Gallen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rapperswil may take around 1 hour 10 min. Upon your arrival in Rapperswil, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Drop by the renowned Knie's Kinderzoo. This popular zoo has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,787 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Chur. This car ride takes around 1 hour 1 min.

While exploring Switzerland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Chur has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Chur on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Switzerland shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Chur is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Restaurant Calanda. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,257 customers.

Maron is another local-favorite restaurant in Chur. Maron serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 851 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Kaffee Klatsch is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in St. Gallen. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 of 5 stars from around 560 customers.

After dinner, stop by one of the best bars in Chur. Toms Beer Box often offers travelers and locals alike a great time. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 163 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at Werkstatt Chur. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 295 customers.

S'Pub Sunshine Pub is another top-rated bar in the city. This place enjoys an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 339 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Chur!

Day 7 of your road trip across Switzerland is another proof that cheap holidays in Switzerland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Chur, Lugano, Melide, and Lugano.

Journey into the unknown at Bernina Express, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,643 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Chur Bergbahnen (Brambrüesch) is a recommended place to visit. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 988 reviews.

Melide’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Chur behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 52 min. Melide welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Journey into the unknown at Swissminiatur, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable miniature park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,624 reviews.

Lugano’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Melide behind. This drive usually takes around 8 min. Lugano welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Lugano. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Lugano, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Savor the culinary delights of Lugano, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Lugano is Bistrot & Pizza Argentino. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,569 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Lugano, Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,096 diners.

After dinner, visit Il Fermento and experience the nightlife in the city of Lugano. This bar is one of the best places to cap off the night and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

You can also hang out at Trinity Irish Pub. This bar serves a variety of snacks and drinks and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 695 customers.

Locals recommend Bar Laura, so definitely check it out too. Bar Laura is a place to enjoy friendly chats with locals and fellow travelers and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 653 bar-goers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Switzerland!

Day 8 of your self-drive vacation in Switzerland will take you to the city of Bern, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Bern, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Lucerne and Bern.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lugano, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lucerne. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 10 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at Swiss Museum of Transport, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 562,605 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This technology museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,571 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Lion Monument Lucerne. Lion Monument Lucerne is a sculpture with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 20,294 reviews.

Chapel Bridge is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,995 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. This wooden bridge is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,066 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bern. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 14 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Bern offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Switzerland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Bern, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

One musty-try restaurant is Brasserie Obstberg. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 628 customers.

Restaurant Rosengarten is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,281 reviews. Restaurant Rosengarten is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Turnhalle. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,298 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

Tibits is one of the best bars in Bern and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,518 customers.

You may also want to check out Lötschberg. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. Lötschberg is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,268 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern. Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Switzerland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Switzerland!

On day 9 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Bern, Basel, and Zurich. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Zurich.

Start your day with a visit to bear pit. This extraordinary architectural structure is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,960 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Basel, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bern to Basel may take around 1 hour 8 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Basel Minster. This cathedral is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Basel, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,442 visitors.

Basel Zoo is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,178 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 2,012,511 people visit this zoo every year.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to middle bridge. Visitors have rated this road bridge an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,025 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Basel, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Zurich. Your travel time is around 1 hour 9 min.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

While exploring Switzerland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Zurich has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Zurich on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Zurich has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Switzerland! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Zurich!

Your budget road trip vacation in Switzerland is about to end. Day 10 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Zurich.

As you approach the end of your journey in Switzerland, take a moment for some retail therapy in Zurich’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Switzerland, a variety of items are waiting for you.

Before you conclude your road trip in Switzerland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zurich.

You’ll then say farewell to Zurich. 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!