Cheap 7-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel traveling east to Zurich and Bern

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.

Drop by the renowned middle bridge. This popular road bridge has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,025 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, Basel 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.

Tibits offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Essential by Dorint Basel City. Or, try Hotel Les Trois Rois, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable 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 Zurich for 2 nights, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

After soaking in Basel’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Zurich. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 8 min. When you arrive in Zurich, it's time to take a break from the road.

Journey into the unknown at Basel Minster, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,442 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Fine Arts Museum Basel is a recommended place to visit. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,049 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Basel is Tinguely Fountain. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,117 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Basel offers an experience you will remember.

Basel Zoo is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Basel. This zoo promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,178 reviews. Each year, approximately 2,012,511 people travel to visit Basel Zoo.

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.

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.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Babu's, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Cantinetta Antinori is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to El Lokal.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Rio Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to La Stanza, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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 means another chance to make the best memories in Zurich. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Zurich and check out the most popular dining spots. You still have 1 night left to stay in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away!

Drop by the renowned Swiss National Museum. This popular organization has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,085 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Lindenhof. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,365 visitors, this square deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Grossmünster. This church building has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,297 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Zürich Zoo. This zoo and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,267 local and international travelers.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Switzerland. To have the best affordable travel experience in Switzerland, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Switzerland unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Switzerland.

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

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Aurora, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Kafi Dihei, 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 Weisses Rössli, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Ebrietas Bar offers many snacks and liquors at different price points. But if you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Zurich, check out Rimini Bar.

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 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 Bern, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Zurich, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Neuhausen may take around 41 min. Upon your arrival in Neuhausen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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.

After soaking in Neuhausen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lucerne. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 24 min. When you arrive in Lucerne, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Swiss Museum of Transport. This extraordinary technology museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,571 visitors. Each year, around 562,605 people visit this site to learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Lion Monument Lucerne. This top attraction is a sculpture with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,294 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Chapel Bridge. This point of interest is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,995 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 culinary delights of Bern, 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.

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.

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

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

Day 5 of your exciting road trip across Switzerland is proof that there's more to this country than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Bern and its neighboring areas. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 1 night left in Bern.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Beatenberg. This car ride takes around 20 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to St. Beatus Caves. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,933 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Harderkulm. This car ride takes around 43 min.

Journey into the unknown at Harderkulm, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable mountain has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,635 reviews.

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

When you're ready to see some sights, Aare Gorge is a great place to start. This narrow canyon is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,257 visitors.

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

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

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular McCarthy's Irish Pub Bern, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Aarbergerhof is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Hotel Bellevue Palace.

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 is another proof that cheap holidays in Switzerland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 3 wonderful destinations — Gruyères, Bern, and Pringy. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Basel, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bern and set your GPS to Gruyères. 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 54 min. Upon reaching Gruyères, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Gruyères Castle, a remarkable museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,612 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gruyères. This car ride takes around 54 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bern, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,755 visitors.

Bear pit is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,960 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Pringy, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Basel may take around 1 hour 50 min. Upon your arrival in Basel, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to La Maison du Gruyère. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Pringy, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,333 visitors.

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

HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt 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, KLARA 13 AG offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Switzerland is about to end. Day 7 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.

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!