Cheap 9-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel traveling east to Bern, Lucerne, 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.

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 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 dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in 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 Bern for 2 nights, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Basel Minster. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,442 reviews.

Continue your journey at Fine Arts Museum Basel. This museum is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,049 travelers from near and far.

Basel is also the home of Tinguely Fountain. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,117 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Basel Zoo. A total of 2,012,511 people explore this attraction every year. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,178 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

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

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

Start your flavor-filled journey at Brasserie Obstberg, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Süder offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Volver BarTapasCafé is the perfect spot for you!

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Adrianos Bar & Café after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

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

Day 3’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bern, proving that cheap holidays in Switzerland can be extraordinary. You have ample time, or 1 night, to stay in Bern. So make the most of today by going to the best places to visit, eat, and drink in the city.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Bern Minster. This extraordinary church building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,813 visitors.

Next, make your way to UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This top attraction is a point of interest with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,755 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to bear pit. This architectural structure is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,960 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Rose Garden Bern. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,381 travelers.

Touring the best attractions in Switzerland offers you a glimpse of the country’s history and culture. But, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s more to Switzerland you are yet to discover. Take part in an eye-opening experience to make the best of your affordable vacation in Switzerland. Choose from all of the popular and budget-friendly tickets and activities available on this day of your cheap holiday in Switzerland.

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

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to McCarthy's Irish Pub Bern, 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 Aarbergerhof - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Hotel Bellevue Palace promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

A road trip vacation in Bern 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 will take you to the town of Lucerne, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Lucerne, you'll explore 5 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Beatenberg, Harderkulm, Ballenberg, Innertkirchen, and Lammi.

When you’ve had your share of Bern, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Beatenberg. Your travel time is around 49 min.

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

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Harderkulm. This drive usually takes around 27 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Harderkulm. This mountain is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,635 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Harderkulm, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Ballenberg. Your travel time is around 29 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,858 visitors.

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

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

Start your foodie adventure at Bolero, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Ampersand, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Mr. Pickwick Pub Luzern, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar 59, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Bar 58 is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Café Tacuba Neustadt is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Lucerne. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Zurich, where you'll stay for 3 nights.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. This wooden bridge is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,066 visitors.

When you’re finished at Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne, head to Chapel Bridge. This one-of-a-kind point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 29,995 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Church of St. Leodegar. This church building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,649 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Lion Monument Lucerne. This sculpture is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 20,294 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Swiss Museum of Transport. This famous technology museum welcomes around 562,605 visitors annually and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,571 travelers.

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.

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.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Rio Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to La Stanza for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Day 6 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 2 nights left to stay in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away!

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Botanical Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,198 reviews.

Continue your journey at Chinagarten Zürich. This park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,420 travelers from near and far.

Zurich is also the home of Zürich Opera House. This opera house has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,213 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Arboretum Zürich. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,796 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Zürich Zoo. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,267 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this zoo.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Zurich. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

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, Zurich 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.

Start your foodie adventure at Aurora, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Kafi Dihei, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Weisses Rössli, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Ebrietas Bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices. When you're in the mood for a classic drink or something more adventurous, Rimini Bar is the perfect place.

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

On day 7 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Switzerland, you’ll go deep into Zurich 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 Zurich — 1 night.

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 Kunsthaus Zürich, drawing over 382,603 yearly visitors. This art museum and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,594 local and international travelers.

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.

Savor the culinary delights of Zurich, 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 exploring, unwind at the popular Viadukt, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. La Pasta is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Metropol.

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

Day 8 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Sellenbüren, Kloten, Winterthur, and Neuhausen. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Basel, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Sellenbüren. This car ride takes around 31 min.

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.

Kloten’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Sellenbüren behind. This drive usually takes around 23 min. Kloten welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Observation Deck B, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,332 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Winterthur. This car ride takes around 27 min.

Make Swiss Science Center Technorama your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this technology museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,644 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, 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 KLARA 13 AG - 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 Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

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 9 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 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 Basel is the remarkable Gate of Spalen. This tower and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,475 visitors.

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!