Cheap 7-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Bern traveling east to Zurich, Lugano, and Schaffhausen

Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Bern, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Bern and begin your adventure in Switzerland.

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

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Rose Garden Bern. This architectural structure is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,381 visitors.

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.

Brasserie Obstberg offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Süder. Or, try Volver BarTapasCafé, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Adrianos Bar & Café, 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!

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Switzerland, you’ll go deep into Bern and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the city of Bern — 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to bear pit. This much-appreciated architectural structure is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,960 reviews.

Next up is Bern Minster. This church building has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,813 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This sightseeing destination has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,755 reviews.

Zytglogge is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This astronomical clock has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,374 reviews.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

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.

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.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Switzerland!

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

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Lucerne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Zurich may take around 43 min. Upon your arrival in Zurich, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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.

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!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Titlis Cliff Walk. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,537 visitors.

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.

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 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.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Rio Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, La Stanza offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lugano. This car ride takes around 2 hours 32 min.

Make Lindenhof your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,365 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Zürich Zoo. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,267 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this zoo every year.

Kunsthaus Zürich is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,594 visitors. Up to 382,603 travelers come to Zurich every year to see Kunsthaus Zürich with their own eyes.

When you’re finished at Kunsthaus Zürich, the perfect next stop is Grossmünster. This church building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,297 reviews.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Lugano. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Lugano, 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 Lugano offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Switzerland.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Lanchetta Lounge Bar & Pinsa. , where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa, 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 Bar Laura, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Il Fermento, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Bar Oops offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation.

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

Day 5 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 — Lugano, Sellenbüren, and Winterthur. You’ll explore along your route leading to the town of Schaffhausen, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lugano and set your GPS to Sellenbüren. 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 39 min. Upon reaching Sellenbüren, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Parco Ciani. This urban park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Lugano, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,286 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Sellenbüren, 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 Lugano to Sellenbüren may take around 2 hours 39 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Sellenbüren, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Üetliberg. This mountain is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,065 visitors.

When you’re finished at Üetliberg, head to Uetliberg Lookout Tower. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,349 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sellenbüren and set your GPS to Winterthur. 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 39 min. Upon reaching Winterthur, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Journey into the unknown at Swiss Science Center Technorama, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable technology museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,644 reviews.

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

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. Schaffhausen has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Gerberstube, 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 Adler - 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 Restaurant La Piazza, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Eckhaus GmbH. Alternatively, go to Bar No13, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Tabaco Lounge provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Switzerland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Switzerland!

Day 6 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Neuhausen and Basel. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Bern, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Neuhausen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Schaffhausen behind. This drive usually takes around 7 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.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Neuhausen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Basel. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 26 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Basel Minster. This cathedral is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Basel, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,442 visitors.

Basel Zoo is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,178 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 2,012,511 people visit this zoo every year.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to middle bridge. Visitors have rated this road bridge an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,025 reviews.

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.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Bern, 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 foodie adventure at The BEEF Steakhouse & Bar, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to The Bowling Company AG, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Noa, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Switzerland!

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 Bern.

Maximize your last day in Switzerland and go on a shopping spree in Bern’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Switzerland, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Switzerland home with you through these charming souvenirs.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Bern, consider a top-rated restaurant like Casino Bern, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Ristorante Verdi is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Ristorante Azzurro Terra e Mare, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Bern.

You’ll then say farewell to Bern. 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!