Cheap 7-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich traveling east to Lugano and St. Gallen

Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Zurich, where you'll stay for 4 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Zurich and begin your adventure in Switzerland.

Zurich is a popular cheap holiday destination in Switzerland with something to offer every traveler. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Zurich and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Lindenhof will make your cheap holiday in Switzerland truly special. This attraction is a fascinating square that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,259 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Zurich. An excellent example is the popular Weisses Rössli. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Switzerland is Zeughauskeller. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Swiss Chuchi Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,383 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

The Dolder Grand is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 3,031 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Zurich we recommend is Tibits, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,746 customers.

Kennedy's Irish Pub is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 2,395 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Zurich, proving that cheap holidays in Switzerland can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Zürich Zoo. This attraction is a zoo that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,031 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Swiss National Museum. This popular place of interest is a stunning organization that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,999 visitors.

To make your trip to Zurich more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Grossmünster. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,203 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Grossmünster is often mentioned in Switzerland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Zürich Opera House is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This opera house and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,119 reviews.

Your discovery of Zurich does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Zurich on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Switzerland.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Switzerland, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Babu's, one of the best restaurants in Zurich. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,949 reviews.

You can also check out Café Bar ODEON. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,374 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Oliver Twist. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,495 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Zurich.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Zurich for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at El Lokal and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,127 customers.

Markthalle is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,771 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Rimini Bar. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Zurich.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Zurich!

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Switzerland, Zurich. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Zurich!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Kunsthaus Zürich. Each year, this art museum and attraction welcomes around 382,603 visitors from all over the world. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in over 6,485 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable art museum is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Chinagarten Zürich. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,297 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible Arboretum Zürich. This popular arboretum in Zurich has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,782 travelers.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Zurich?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Zurich. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Zurich offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Switzerland worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Zurich has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Zurich is Cantinetta Antinori. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,379 customers.

Kafi Dihei is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,129 reviews. Kafi Dihei is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in Zurich is Viadukt. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,179 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Zurich as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Zurich, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit Café Bar ODEON, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,374 customers.

Oliver Twist serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Zurich. Customers have rated Oliver Twist an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,495 reviews.

You could also relax and have drinks at Metropol. This bar is popular in Zurich for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere. Proof of this claim is clear in its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,341 bar goers.

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!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Switzerland gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Goldau and end your day in the city of Lavertezzo.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Lugano for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Switzerland.

While you’re in Goldau, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Nature and Animal Park Goldau. The fantastic Nature and Animal Park Goldau is a popular zoo and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,032 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Perle Bernerhoehe, a well-known park in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 3.7 out of a 5 star-rating from 3 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Goldau, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Lavertezzo.

Make Ponte dei Salti your first stop. This popular stone arch bridge among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,853 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Switzerland. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Switzerland and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget 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.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Bistrot & Pizza Argentino, one of the best restaurants in Lugano. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,569 customers.

Ristorante Trattoria Galleria is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Ristorante Trattoria Galleria is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,111 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Ristorante Commercianti, another well-loved restaurant in Lugano. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 972 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Switzerland.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Lugano, Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,096 bar goers.

Il Fermento is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Lugano, with its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,038 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Trinity Irish Pub, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 695 customers.

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

Day 5 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Lugano and the enchanting Melide, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Lugano and end the day in Melide, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 5 of your affordable vacation in Switzerland will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Lugano is the magnificent Parco Ciani. Around 10,205 visitors have rated this excellent urban park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Lugano Arte e Cultura on this leg of your self-drive tour in Switzerland. This attraction is a well-known museum building that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 4,005 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Lugano, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Melide.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Three Castles of Bellinzona. This popular site is a valued architectural ensemble in Melide and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,471 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Switzerland. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Switzerland. Make your cheap holiday experience in Switzerland more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

St. Gallen offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Switzerland. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in St. Gallen offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Switzerland.

GRECO is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,083 diners.

Another popular eating spot in St. Gallen is tibits St. Gallen, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,004 customers.

Focacceria St. Gallen offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in St. Gallen. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 851 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of St. Gallen’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

HANS IM GLÜCK - ST. GALLEN Kugelgasse is an excellent example of a great bar in St. Gallen offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 747 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Süd Bar, another of locals’ go-to bars in St. Gallen. Süd Bar is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 721 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Blumenmarkt is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in St. Gallen. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 557 bar-goers.

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 self-drive vacation in Switzerland gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of St. Gallen and end your day in the city of Neuhausen.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Zurich for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Switzerland.

While you’re in St. Gallen, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Abbey of Saint Gall. The fantastic Abbey of Saint Gall is a popular benedictine abbey and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,588 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible St. Gallen Cathedral, a well-known cathedral in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.8 out of a 5 star-rating from 2,038 travelers.

The top-rated Wildpark Peter und Paul is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular zoo and destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,963 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in St. Gallen, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Neuhausen.

Make Rhine Falls your first stop. This popular waterfall among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 69,929 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Switzerland. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Switzerland and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget 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.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Zurich, La Stanza. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,083 bar goers.

Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Zurich, with its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 870 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Rio Bar, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 992 customers.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Switzerland as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Zurich.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Switzerland.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Zurich is the remarkable Botanical Garden. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,132 visitors.

You’ll then say farewell to Zurich and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Switzerland!