Cheap 9-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Bern to Zurich and Basel and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Bern, where you'll stay for 4 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.

Make Bundesplatz your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,059 reviews.

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, Bern 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.

Discover the heart of Bern through its culinary scene, starting with Brasserie Obstberg. 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 Süder, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Volver BarTapasCafé, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

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!

Day 2 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bern, proving that cheap holidays in Switzerland can be extraordinary. Have fun exploring the best places to visit in the city. At the end of the day, enjoy wining and dining at Bern, with 3 nights to stay in the area.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to bear pit. This extraordinary architectural structure is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,960 visitors.

Next, make your way to Bern Minster. This top attraction is a church building with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,813 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This point of interest is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,755 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Zytglogge. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,374 travelers.

For a truly remarkable cheap holiday experience in Bern, join budget-friendly activities on this day of your vacation. Tours offer you a chance to take a closer look into Bern and the culture of past or present-day Switzerland.

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.

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

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 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories on your cheap holiday in Switzerland. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Geneva! You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Geneva and conclude your journey with a lovely dinner, enjoying your remaining 2 nights in the area.

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Switzerland sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Switzerland. Switzerland has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Switzerland that will fill you with new inspiration.

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.

The BEEF Steakhouse & Bar offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to The Bowling Company AG. Or, try Noa, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

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 affordable vacation in Switzerland, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Bern. You’ll stay in Bern for another 1 night. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Switzerland, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

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

Drop by the renowned St. Beatus Caves. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,933 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Lammi, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Harderkulm. Your travel time is around 43 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Harderkulm is a great place to start. This mountain is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,635 visitors.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Meiringen.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Aare Gorge. This narrow canyon is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,257 reviews.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Bern.

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.

Casino Bern 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, Ristorante Verdi offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Ristorante Azzurro Terra e Mare, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

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

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Switzerland will take you to the city of Zurich, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Zurich, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Neuhausen and Lucerne.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Neuhausen. This car ride takes around 1 hour 20 min.

Drop by the renowned Rhine Falls. This popular waterfall has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 70,505 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bern, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lucerne may take around 1 hour 25 min. Upon your arrival in Lucerne, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Take the opportunity to see Swiss Museum of Transport. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,571 visitors and gets around 562,605 visits every year.

Lion Monument Lucerne is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This sculpture has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,294 travelers.

Lucerne is also the home of Chapel Bridge. Around 29,995 people have rated this point of interest an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Zurich, 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 fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Babu's, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Cantinetta Antinori, 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 El Lokal, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Rio Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, La Stanza is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

On day 6 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.

Make Zürich Zoo your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,267 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Kunsthaus Zürich. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,594 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this art museum every year. In fact, this attraction welcomes 382,603 annual visitors.

Grossmünster is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This church building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,297 visitors.

When you’re finished at Grossmünster, the perfect next stop is Zürich Opera House. This opera house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,213 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.

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

Aurora 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, Kafi Dihei offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Weisses Rössli, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

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.

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

Day 7 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 2 wonderful destinations — Riehen and Zurich. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Basel, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Riehen. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 16 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Beyeler Foundation. This art museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,303 visitors. Beyeler Foundation welcomes around 332,000 visitors every year.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Zurich and set your GPS to Riehen. 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 16 min. Upon reaching Riehen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Lindenhof. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,365 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Swiss National Museum. This organization has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,085 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Botanical Garden. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,198 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Chinagarten Zürich. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,420 visitors.

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.

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.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Schall und Rauch Bar, a top-rated bar in the area.

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

On day 8 of your cheap holiday travels in Switzerland, you’ll tour 1: Basel. You'll stay in Bern 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. Bern, 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 Basel to Bern may take around 1 hour 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bern, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready to see some sights, middle bridge is a great place to start. This road bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,025 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Basel Minster. This cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,442 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Tinguely Fountain. The park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,117 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Basel Zoo. This zoo is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,178 reviews. As a top-rated attraction, it's no surprise that 2,012,511 people visit Basel Zoo every year.

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.

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.

Discover the heart of Bern through its culinary scene, starting with Restaurant Rosengarten. 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 Entrecôte Fédérale, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Klösterli Weincafe, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

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

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 Bern.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Bern, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Altes Tramdepot Brauerei und Restaurant, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Einstein – café & bel étage – features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern is a highly recommended spot.

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!