Cheap 5-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Geneva traveling east to Bern and Zurich

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

Geneva is a popular cheap holiday destination in Switzerland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Switzerland, Geneva 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 Bains des Pâquis. This extraordinary public bath is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,194 visitors.

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, Geneva is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Start your flavor-filled journey at Auberge de Savièse, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Chez ma Cousine offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Oh Martine! is the perfect spot for you!

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into Roi Ubu, considered one of the best bars in Geneva. You can also enjoy drinks at Le Bateau-Lavoir, known for its fun atmosphere. Alternatively, go to Mulligans Irish Bar, a favorite spot for both tourists and residents of Geneva.

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

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Geneva. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Bern, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to St Pierre Cathedral. This church is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,386 reviews.

Next up, make your way to L'horloge fleurie. This floral clock has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,614 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 Broken Chair. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,465 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva. This botanical garden is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,702 visitors.

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.

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

Brasserie Obstberg 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, Süder offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Volver BarTapasCafé, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Adrianos Bar & Café, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand.

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 3 of your cheap holiday travels in Switzerland, you’ll tour 2: Bern and Neuhausen. You'll stay in Zurich for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at UNESCO - Bern Old Town, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,755 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Bundesplatz. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,059 travelers.

Bear pit is another must-visit attraction. This renowned architectural structure offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,960 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Rose Garden Bern. This well-loved architectural structure boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 4,381 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bern, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Neuhausen. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 56 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at Rhine Falls, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. 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. 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.

Make the most of your budget vacation in Switzerland by treating 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.

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!

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Rio Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to La Stanza. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Switzerland will take you to the city of Geneva, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Geneva, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Zurich and Yverdon Les Bains.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Lindenhof. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,365 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.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Zurich and set your GPS to Yverdon Les Bains. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 16 min. Upon reaching Yverdon Les Bains, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Thermal Center at Yverdon-les-Bains. Previous visitors have rated this spa an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars in 4,006 reviews.

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

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

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to 22 grand'rue, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Café de Paris - Chez Boubier - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Hôtel Métropole Genève promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

A road trip vacation in Zurich can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Switzerland!

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 Geneva.

On your last day in Switzerland, take time to indulge in shopping at Geneva’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Switzerland. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Switzerland forever.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Geneva is the remarkable The Geneva Water Fountain. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,281 visitors.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Geneva, consider a top-rated restaurant like Bologne, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Restaurant Les Armures is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Demi Lune Café, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Geneva.

You’ll then say farewell to Geneva. 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!