Cheap 6-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich traveling east to Lugano and Chur

Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Zurich, where you'll stay for 2 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. More than a city in Switzerland, Zurich 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.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Zurich offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Switzerland.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Weisses Rössli, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 525 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Zeughauskeller, so you'll want to drop by this place. Zeughauskeller serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Zurich is Swiss Chuchi Restaurant. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,383 customers.

Tibits is an excellent example of a great bar in Zurich offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,746 customers.

You can also hang out at Kennedy's Irish Pub, another of locals’ go-to bars in Zurich. Kennedy's Irish Pub is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 2,395 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

El Lokal is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Zurich. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 2,127 bar-goers.

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

Day 2 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!

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.

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.

One musty-try restaurant is Babu's. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,949 customers.

Kronenhalle is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,764 reviews. Kronenhalle is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Markthalle. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,771 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

One great example is Rimini Bar. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,417 customers.

Café Bar ODEON is another popular bar in Zurich. If you ask the 1,374 customers who have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars, Café Bar ODEON is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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 3 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Zurich, Goldau, and Lugano. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Lugano.

Make Swiss National Museum one of your first sightseeing stops in Zurich. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,085 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Chinagarten Zürich is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,420 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by FIFA Museum. This museum has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,338 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Zurich, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Arth. This drive usually takes around 38 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Set your GPS to Lugano and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 58 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lugano beckons with new experiences!

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

A cheap, budget vacation in Lugano should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Lugano, try some of our top recommendations.

We recommend a local favorite like Bistrot & Pizza Argentino. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,569 customers.

Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Lugano. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,096 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Lugano you might want to check out is Ristorante Trattoria Galleria. Ristorante Trattoria Galleria is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,111 reviews.

After your meal, consider going for a drink to celebrate this wonderful night in Switzerland. One of the best bars in the city is Il Fermento. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

To gain one of the best bar experiences in Lugano, we recommend the cocktails at Trinity Irish Pub. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 695 customers and is an excellent place to make local friends.

Another of the best spots to experience the nightlife scene in Lugano is Bar Laura. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 653 customers.

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 road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Lugano, Pazzallo, Melide, and Chur. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Chur.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Parco Ciani. Previous visitors have rated this urban park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,286 reviews.

Piazza della Riforma is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 579 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Lugano Arte e Cultura. This museum building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,055 reviews.

After soaking in Lugano’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Melide. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 min. When you arrive in Melide, it's time to take a break from the road.

Drop by the renowned Swissminiatur. This popular miniature park has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,624 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Melide, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Chur. Your travel time is around 1 hour 54 min.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Chur 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.

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, Chur is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant Calanda, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,257 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Maron, so you'll want to drop by this place. Maron serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 851 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Chur is Kaffee Klatsch. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 560 customers.

Locals recommend going for a drink at Toms Beer Box. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 163 customers.

Another popular bar you could swing by after dinner is Werkstatt Chur. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 295 customers.

S'Pub Sunshine Pub also makes the list of popular bars you could visit tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 339 customers.

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

Day 5 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 exploring 3 wonderful destinations — St. Gallen, Neuhausen, and Zurich.

Set your GPS to St. Gallen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 5 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. St. Gallen beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to St. Gallen Cathedral. This cathedral is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in St. Gallen, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,083 visitors.

Abbey of Saint Gall is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,646 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Drei Weieren. Visitors have rated this urban park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,727 reviews.

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

Kick off the day at Rhine Falls, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 reviews.

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

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.

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.

You could check out Cantinetta Antinori, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,379 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Metropol is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,341 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Viadukt. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Viadukt has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,179 customer reviews.

When you’ve finished your meal and an after-dinner drink sounds enticing, visit La Stanza, one of the best bars in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,083 customers, and is the perfect complement to your refreshing weekend getaway experience in Switzerland.

If you would like to try another place, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar is another great option that serves a variety of drinks. Considered one of the most popular bars in Zurich, this bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 870 customers.

Rio Bar is also a great bar where you can have nice chats with locals and fellow travelers in the area. Rio Bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 992 customers.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Switzerland is about to end. Day 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Zurich.

On your last day in Switzerland, take time to indulge in shopping at Zurich’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Switzerland. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

Before you conclude your road trip in Switzerland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zurich.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Zurich, consider a top-rated restaurant like La Pasta. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,041 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Zurich. 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!