Cheap 5-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Geneva traveling north to Bern and Basel

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.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Bains des Pâquis, a remarkable public bath where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,194 reviews.

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

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!

Roi Ubu offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices. When you're in the mood for a classic drink or something more adventurous, Le Bateau-Lavoir is the perfect place. For a unique experience, visit Mulligans Irish Bar, known for its vibrant atmosphere and offerings that suit every palate.

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 extraordinary church is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,386 visitors.

Next, make your way to L'horloge fleurie. This top attraction is a floral clock with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,614 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Jardin Anglais. This urban park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,129 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Broken Chair. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,465 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,702 travelers.

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

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Bern, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Brasserie Obstberg, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Süder, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Volver BarTapasCafé, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Adrianos Bar & Café, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

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

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Switzerland will take you to the city of Basel, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Basel, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Zurich and Neuhausen.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bern and set your GPS to Zurich. 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 1 hour 36 min. Upon reaching Zurich, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Kunsthaus Zürich, a remarkable art museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,594 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 382,603 visitors.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Zürich Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,267 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Neuhausen. This car ride takes around 48 min.

Take the opportunity to see Rhine Falls. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 70,505 visitors.

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

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Basel has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at tibits, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Essential by Dorint Basel City is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Hotel Les Trois Rois, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Schall und Rauch Bar, a top-rated bar in the area.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Basel. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Geneva, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see middle bridge. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,025 visitors.

Basel Minster is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This cathedral has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,442 travelers.

Basel is also the home of Tinguely Fountain. Around 4,117 people have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Basel Zoo, which hosts up to 2,012,511 visitors every year. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from a total of 15,178 reviews, a visit to this zoo is a great idea.

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.

A cheap, budget vacation in Geneva should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Geneva, try some of our top recommendations.

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.

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

As your final day in Switzerland unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Geneva’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Switzerland. Keep the spirit of your trip to Switzerland alive with these special souvenirs.

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!