Cheap 10-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich to St. Gallen, Chur, Lugano, and Bern and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Zurich, where you'll stay for 5 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.

Tibits is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 2,746 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Zurich we recommend is Kennedy's Irish Pub, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,395 customers.

El Lokal is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 2,127 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.4 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 Grossmünster. This popular place of interest is a stunning church building that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,203 visitors.

To make your trip to Zurich more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Zürich Opera House. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,119 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Zürich Opera House is often mentioned in Switzerland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent FIFA Museum is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This museum and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 4,219 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 Kronenhalle. 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 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,759 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Markthalle. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,771 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 Rimini Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,417 customers.

Café Bar ODEON 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,374 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Oliver Twist. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,495 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 Zürichhorn. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in over 2,483 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable river delta 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 Botanical Garden. This popular park in Zurich has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,132 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Kunsthaus Zürich. This art museum and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,485 visitors. Each year, around 382,603 people include this well-loved attraction in their sightseeing plans during their vacations in Switzerland.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Zurich? Then make your way to the outstanding organization, Swiss National Museum. This local attraction enjoys an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,999 visitors.

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.

Metropol is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,341 reviews. Metropol 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 La Stanza, 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 1,083 customers.

Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Zurich. Customers have rated Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 870 reviews.

You could also relax and have drinks at Rio Bar. 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 992 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’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Winterthur, proving that cheap holidays in Switzerland can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Swiss Science Center Technorama. This attraction is a technology museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,513 travelers.

Your discovery of Winterthur does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Winterthur 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 La Pasta, one of the best restaurants in Zurich. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,041 reviews.

Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city.

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 The International Beer Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 773 customers.

Aurora 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 705 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Ebrietas Bar. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 560 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 5 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 Kreuzlingen and end your day in the city of Hagenwil.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in St. Gallen 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 Kreuzlingen, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Seeburgpark. The fantastic Seeburgpark is a popular top-tier point of interest and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,223 travelers.

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

Make Hagenwil Castle your first stop. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 816 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 St. Gallen. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in St. Gallen, 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 GRECO, one of the best restaurants in St. Gallen. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,083 customers.

Tibits St. Gallen is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Tibits St. Gallen is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,004 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at focacceria St. Gallen, another well-loved restaurant in St. Gallen. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 851 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 St. Gallen, HANS IM GLÜCK - ST. GALLEN Kugelgasse. 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 747 bar goers.

Süd Bar is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in St. Gallen, with its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 721 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Blumenmarkt, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 557 customers.

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 the wonderful St. Gallen and the enchanting Rapperswil, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in St. Gallen and end the day in Rapperswil, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 6 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 St. Gallen is the magnificent Abbey of Saint Gall. Around 3,588 visitors have rated this excellent benedictine abbey and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing St. Gallen Cathedral on this leg of your self-drive tour in Switzerland. This attraction is a well-known cathedral that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 2,038 travelers.

The remarkable Drei Weieren is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Switzerland. This attraction, an amazing urban park, is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,714 travelers.

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

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Knie's Kinderzoo. This popular site is a valued zoo in Rapperswil and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,707 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.

Chur 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 Chur offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Switzerland.

Restaurant Calanda is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,257 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Chur is Maron, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 851 customers.

Kaffee Klatsch offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Chur. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 560 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 Chur’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Toms Beer Box is an excellent example of a great bar in Chur offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 163 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Werkstatt Chur, another of locals’ go-to bars in Chur. Werkstatt Chur is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 295 customers having rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

S'Pub Sunshine Pub is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Chur. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 339 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 7 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 Chur and end your day in the city of Lugano.

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 Chur, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Bernina Express. The fantastic Bernina Express is a popular must-see tourist destination and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,578 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Chur Bergbahnen (Brambrüesch), a well-known park in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.5 out of a 5 star-rating from 985 travelers.

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

Make Lugano Arte e Cultura your first stop. This popular museum building among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,005 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Lugano is the outstanding Parco Ciani. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,205 visitors, this remarkable urban park and attraction deserves a spot on your Switzerland travel bucket list.

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.

Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,096 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Ristorante Trattoria Galleria, another well-loved restaurant in Lugano. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,111 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, Il Fermento. 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 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,038 bar goers.

Trinity Irish Pub 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 695 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Bar Laura, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 653 customers.

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

On day 8 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Lucerne and end your day in the city of Bern, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Lucerne is the amazing Swiss Museum of Transport. This travel destination is a technology museum that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,371 visitors. Up to 562,605 people visit this attraction yearly, so don't miss this opportunity to see the wonderful Swiss Museum of Transport with your own eyes.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Lion Monument Lucerne. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,987 travelers, a visit to this well-known sculpture and sightseeing spot in Lucerne is likely to make your vacation in Switzerland even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Lucerne is the outstanding Chapel Bridge. This best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,664 visitors. In a single year, approximately 562,605 travelers include the unforgettable Chapel Bridge in their road trip and sightseeing itineraries.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Switzerland, drop by the popular Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. This attraction, an amazing wooden bridge, has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,021 travelers.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Switzerland. To have the best affordable travel experience in Switzerland, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Switzerland unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Switzerland.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Bern. Bern is another cheap travel destination in Switzerland where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Switzerland can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Bern that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Bern is Brasserie Obstberg. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 628 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Bern, Restaurant Rosengarten is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,281 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Turnhalle. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Bern enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,298 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Bern’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Switzerland. For example, you can visit tibits. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,518 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Lötschberg. This popular bar in Bern has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,268 bar-goers.

You can also go to Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,069 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 9 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Bern and the enchanting Basel, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Bern and end the day in Basel, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 9 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 Bern is the magnificent bear pit. Around 13,764 visitors have rated this excellent architectural structure and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Basel Minster. This popular site is a valued cathedral in Basel and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,367 visitors.

Another must-visit in Basel is the spectacular Basel Zoo. This outstanding zoo and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 15,001 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular middle bridge to make your cheap holiday experience in Basel truly special. This road bridge and place of interest has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,992 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.

Zurich 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 Zurich offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Switzerland.

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 Zurich’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Switzerland as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 10 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 Arboretum Zürich. This arboretum and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,782 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!