Cheap 5-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel to Geneva and Zurich and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Basel, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Basel and begin your adventure in Switzerland.

Basel is a popular cheap holiday destination in Switzerland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Switzerland, Basel 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.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to middle bridge. This extraordinary road bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,025 visitors.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Basel. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

Tibits stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Essential by Dorint Basel City offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Hotel Les Trois Rois, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Basel, Schall und Rauch Bar.

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

On day 2 of your cheap holiday travels in Switzerland, you’ll tour 1: Basel. You'll stay in Geneva for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Basel Zoo. This extraordinary zoo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,178 visitors. Each year, around 2,012,511 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Fine Arts Museum Basel. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,049 reviews.

While in Basel, we also recommend a visit to Basel Minster. This cathedral has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,442 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Tinguely Fountain. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,117 travelers, this park is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Basel.

Geneva 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.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Geneva is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

Auberge de Savièse offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Chez ma Cousine. Or, try Oh Martine!, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Roi Ubu, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Le Bateau-Lavoir, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Mulligans Irish Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Geneva and Lucerne. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Zurich, where you'll stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to The Geneva Water Fountain. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,281 reviews.

Next up is Jardin Anglais. This urban park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,129 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is L'horloge fleurie. This floral clock has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,614 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lucerne. This car ride takes around 2 hours 50 min.

Make Lion Monument Lucerne one of your first sightseeing stops in Lucerne. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,294 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Chapel Bridge is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This sightseeing destination is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,995 reviews.

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

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.

Start your foodie adventure at Babu's, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Cantinetta Antinori, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss El Lokal, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Continue your lively evening at Rio Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. La Stanza is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Zurich, Winterthur, and Neuhausen. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Basel, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Lindenhof. This square is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Zurich, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,365 visitors.

Zürich Zoo is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,267 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Winterthur, 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 Zurich to Winterthur may take around 35 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Winterthur, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Swiss Science Center Technorama. This technology museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Winterthur, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,644 visitors.

Neuhausen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Winterthur behind. This drive usually takes around 29 min. Neuhausen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Rhine Falls. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 reviews.

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

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Basel. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is KLARA 13 AG - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Switzerland is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Basel.

Make the most of your final day in Switzerland by visiting Basel’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Switzerland. Take home a piece of Switzerland with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Basel is the remarkable Kannenfeldpark. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,501 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Basel, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Restaurant Fiorentina Basel, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Unternehmen Mitte features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, WERK 8 is a highly recommended spot.

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!