Cheap 6-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel traveling east to Bern and Zurich

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.

Journey into the unknown at middle bridge, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable road bridge has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,025 reviews.

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

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular tibits, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Essential by Dorint Basel City is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Hotel Les Trois Rois.

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Schall und Rauch Bar, a must-visit destination for a great night out.

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

Day 2 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 touring 1 wonderful destinations — Basel. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Bern, where you'll be spending 2 nights.

After soaking in Basel’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Bern. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 12 min. When you arrive in Bern, it's time to take a break from the road.

Drop by the renowned Basel Minster. This popular cathedral has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,442 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Fine Arts Museum Basel. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,049 visitors, this museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Tinguely Fountain. This park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,117 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Basel Zoo, drawing over 2,012,511 yearly visitors. This zoo and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,178 local and international 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.

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 Bern that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Brasserie Obstberg, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Süder is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Volver BarTapasCafé, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Keep the evening going at Adrianos Bar & Café, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

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

On day 3 of your affordable vacation in Switzerland, you’ll start and end your day in Bern, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the city. With 1 night left in Bern, you'll have enough time to check out top-rated restaurants and try out unique activities that will enhance your road trip experience.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,755 visitors.

Bear pit is another popular attraction you could visit today. This architectural structure has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,960 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Harderkulm, 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 Harderkulm may take around 58 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Harderkulm, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Harderkulm. This mountain is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,635 visitors.

Set your GPS to Innertkirchen and hit the road. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Innertkirchen beckons with new experiences!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Titlis Cliff Walk. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,537 visitors.

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

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

Discover the heart of Bern through its culinary scene, starting with McCarthy's Irish Pub Bern. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Aarbergerhof, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Hotel Bellevue Palace, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Neuhausen and Lucerne. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Zurich, where you'll stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lucerne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Neuhausen. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 20 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Rhine Falls. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 70,505 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bern and set your GPS to Lucerne. 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 25 min. Upon reaching Lucerne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Drop by the renowned Swiss Museum of Transport. This popular technology museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,571 visitors. Based on recent data, this attraction is visited by more than 562,605 travelers every year.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Lion Monument Lucerne. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,294 visitors, this sculpture deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Chapel Bridge. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 29,995 reviews.

Zurich 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 Zurich offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Switzerland.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Babu's, 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 Cantinetta Antinori - 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 El Lokal, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Rio Bar. Alternatively, go to La Stanza, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

On day 5 of your cheap holiday travels in Switzerland, you’ll tour 1: Zurich. You'll stay in Basel for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

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 Zurich to Basel may take around 1 hour 18 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Basel, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Lindenhof. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,365 reviews.

Next up is Grossmünster. This church building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,297 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Kunsthaus Zürich. This art museum has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,594 reviews. Every year, 382,603 travelers include this attraction on their travel itinerary.

Zürich Zoo is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This zoo has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,267 reviews.

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.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, 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 KLARA 13 AG - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

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 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Basel.

As your final day in Switzerland unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Basel’s shopping district. 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.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Basel, consider a top-rated restaurant like Restaurant Fiorentina Basel, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Unternehmen Mitte is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is WERK 8, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Basel.

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!