Relaxed 9-Day Switzerland Road Trip Starting from Zurich to Basel

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Switzerland begins when you reach Zurich, where you’ll stay for a total of 5 nights.

Zurich is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Lindenhof. Around 11,259 visitors have rated this fascinating square and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Zurich offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Weisses Rössli. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Zeughauskeller serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Zurich has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7,976 reviews.

Swiss Chuchi Restaurant is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,383 customers, Swiss Chuchi Restaurant is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Zurich looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at The Dolder Grand, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,031 reviews.

Tibits offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Zurich. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,746 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Kennedy's Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,395 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Switzerland! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, you'll explore the best attractions in Zurich at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Zurich, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 4 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich. This incredible botanical garden has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,318 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Switzerland by seeing another popular site in Zurich, the wonderful Rieterpark. This top-tier point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,318 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible FIFA Museum. This museum has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,219 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Chinagarten Zürich. This park is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,297 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Zürichhorn. This amazing site is a wonderful river delta with more than 2,483 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Zurich itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Switzerland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Zurich. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Babu's. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,949 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Café Bar ODEON, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Café Bar ODEON is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 1,374 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Oliver Twist. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,495 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Zurich and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular El Lokal. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,127 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Markthalle. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,771 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Rimini Bar. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Rimini Bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Switzerland gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Zurich and visit more of its attractions.

Zurich has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular MFO-Park, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible MFO-Park has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,417 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Swiss National Museum. This city feature got an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from its 7,999 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Zurich is the notable Kunsthaus Zürich. The popular Kunsthaus Zürich is a highlight of many travel packages in Zurich. As a matter of fact, this remarkable art museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 6,485 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Zurich, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Zürich Zoo. Take your time exploring this wonderful zoo and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 26,031 visitors.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Zurich by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Zurich.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Zurich, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Cantinetta Antinori is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Zurich-based food place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,379 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Kafi Dihei is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Kafi Dihei proved an excellent choice for around 1,129 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another local favorite in Zurich is Viadukt, which has an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 1,179 individuals’ reviews.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Zurich, Café Bar ODEON. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars given by 1,374 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Oliver Twist. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.4 over 5 stars by 1,495 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Metropol may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 1,341 customers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Zurich and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Switzerland on a great note!

Day 4 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Switzerland gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Zurich and visit more of its attractions.

Zurich has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Arboretum Zürich, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Arboretum Zürich has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,782 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Fraumünster. This city feature got an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from its 3,365 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Zurich is the notable Grossmünster. The popular Grossmünster is a highlight of many travel packages in Zurich. As a matter of fact, this remarkable church building has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 8,203 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Zurich, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Zürich Opera House. Take your time exploring this wonderful opera house and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 6,119 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Botanical Garden. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,132 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Botanical Garden is something to look forward to in Zurich.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Zurich by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Zurich.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Zurich, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Zurich, La Stanza. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars given by 1,083 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.5 over 5 stars by 870 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Rio Bar may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 992 customers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Zurich and end day 4 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Switzerland on a great note!

Day 5 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Switzerland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Lucerne. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Basel, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Lion Monument Lucerne is waiting for you. This sculpture has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,987 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Church of St. Leodegar. This unique church building is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,624 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Swiss Museum of Transport. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,371 visitors, this technology museum is one of the top sights to visit in the area. In fact, the spectacular Swiss Museum of Transport welcomes around 562,605 visitors on a yearly basis.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Chapel Bridge. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,664 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. This attraction is a valued wooden bridge in the area that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,021 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Lucerne has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Basel. In Basel, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Switzerland.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 520 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Restaurant Stucki - Tanja Grandits.

Locals also recommend Hotel Les Trois Rois as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Hotel Les Trois Rois as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,540 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Restaurant Fiorentina Basel. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,379 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like tibits. Tibits is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is KLARA 13 AG. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,460 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,144 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Switzerland!

Day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Switzerland serves as your introduction to Basel. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Switzerland and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Basel, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,529 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 382 guests, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Alexander offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Alexander is a top-rated budget hotel in Basel with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 382 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Basel. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Basel, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Dreiländereck. This top-tier point of interest and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Basel. The fascinating Dreiländereck has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,724 travelers.

Basel is also home to the captivating Grand Casino Basel, a local casino and another popular attraction in the city. About 1,755 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.1 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Kannenfeldpark is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Switzerland. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,474 travelers, Kannenfeldpark proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Gate of Spalen. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing tower and attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,435 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Basel Zoo. Every year, travelers of more than 2,012,511 in count gather around this fascinating zoo and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 15,001 visitors have rated the famous Basel Zoo an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Basel, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Switzerland. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Basel, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Basel is WERK 8. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 996 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Gifthüttli for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Basel. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Another alternative is Za Zaa - Lebanese Soul Food. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 926 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Basel. At Flanagan's, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,232 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Volkshaus Basel, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,123 reviews.

NOOHN is also one of the best places in Basel where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 829 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Switzerland!

On day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, you'll explore the best attractions in Basel at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Basel, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Museum Tinguely. This incredible art museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,274 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Switzerland by seeing another popular site in Basel, the wonderful Basel Paper Mill. This paper museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,274 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Fine Arts Museum Basel. This museum has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,982 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Tinguely Fountain. This park is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,054 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 7 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Basel itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Switzerland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Basel. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Restaurant Boo Klybeck. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 551 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Ufer7 Basel, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Ufer7 Basel is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 573 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Schlüsselzunft. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 563 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Basel and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Ängel or Aff. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 575 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular KaBAR. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 630 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Schall und Rauch Bar. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Schall und Rauch Bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 104 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Switzerland will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Switzerland, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Basel, and continue your explorations in the city of Neuhausen. The charming Zurich is where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Your first stop is the great city of Basel, where you will see the amazing middle bridge. This famous road bridge has an impressive 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 5,992 people.

While leisurely driving around the city, you can also spend some of your precious time at the incredible Museum of Natural History Basel. The amazing Museum of Natural History Basel is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,071 travelers.

You can also go sightseeing at the popular Basel Minster. This cathedral that receives 4.6 visitors every year is a spectacular travel destination rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,367 travelers.

Another travel hotspot we highly recommend is the outstanding Wettsteinbrücke. Approximately 939 people approve of the incredible Wettsteinbrücke in reviews, which led to its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Basel than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the city’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the city of Basel, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Switzerland, the lovely Neuhausen!

In Neuhausen, you’ll find the magnificent Rhine Falls. This popular waterfall has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 69,929 visitors.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Zurich for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Switzerland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Zurich.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Zurich and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Check out The International Beer Bar for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 773 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is Aurora. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 705 customers.

You may also try Ebrietas Bar, another top-rated bar in the city. About 560 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 8 of your laid-back self-drive in Neuhausen! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Switzerland!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Zurich.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Zurich once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Switzerland on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Old Botanical Garden, Zurich is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Zurich. This top sight is a popular botanical garden, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,633 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Zurich or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Zurich and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.