Cheap 7-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich traveling east to Lugano and St. Gallen

Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Zurich, where you'll stay for 3 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.

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.

Weisses Rössli is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 525 customers.

Zeughauskeller is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Swiss Chuchi Restaurant, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,383 reviews.

Tibits is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,746 customers.

Kennedy's Irish Pub is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Kennedy's Irish Pub has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,395 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Zurich.

You might also want to cap the night off at El Lokal, a fascinating bar that 2,127 customers have rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

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 Zurich, proving that cheap holidays in Switzerland can be extraordinary.

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.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Switzerland, treat 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.

We recommend a local favorite like Babu's. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,949 customers.

Kronenhalle is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Zurich. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,764 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Zurich you might want to check out is Markthalle. Markthalle 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 1,771 reviews.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Rimini Bar. This bar is considered one of the best in Zurich and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Café Bar ODEON, rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,374 customers. Alternatively, go to Oliver Twist. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Zurich and boasts an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,495 reviews.

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

On day 3 of your affordable vacation in Switzerland, you’ll start and end your day in Zurich, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the city.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Kunsthaus Zürich. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,594 visitors. Kunsthaus Zürich welcomes around 382,603 visitors every year.

Chinagarten Zürich is another popular attraction you could visit today. This park has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,420 visitors.

Arboretum Zürich is also highly recommended by travelers. This arboretum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,796 visitors.

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

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Uetliberg Lookout Tower. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,349 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Winterthur. This drive usually takes around 39 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

After soaking in Winterthur’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Zurich. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 32 min. When you arrive in Zurich, it's time to take a break from the road.

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

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.

Eat at Cantinetta Antinori. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,379 reviews.

You can also check out Metropol. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,341 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Viadukt. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,179 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

La Stanza offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,083 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Zurich, check out Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 870 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Rio Bar. Rio Bar offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 992 reviews.

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

Day 4 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 — Goldau, Lavertezzo, and Lugano.

After soaking in Zurich’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Arth. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 39 min. When you arrive in Arth, it's time to take a break from the road.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Arth, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lavertezzo may take around 2 hours 3 min. Upon your arrival in Lavertezzo, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Ponte dei Salti. This much-appreciated stone arch bridge is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 6,917 reviews.

Next up is Valle Verzasca. This valley has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 851 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Lugano, 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 Lavertezzo to Lugano may take around 54 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Switzerland, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Lugano that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Bistrot & Pizza Argentino, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,569 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano, so you'll want to drop by this place. Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,096 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Lugano is Ristorante Trattoria Galleria. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,111 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in Lugano. Il Fermento is a popular option, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

Continue your evening at Trinity Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 695 customers.

Bar Laura is another place you could check out tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 653 customers.

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

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Lugano, Melide, Bellinzona, and St. Gallen. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of St. Gallen.

Journey into the unknown at Parco Ciani, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable urban park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,286 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Lugano Arte e Cultura is a recommended place to visit. This museum building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,055 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lugano, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Melide. This drive usually takes around 8 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Swissminiatur. This miniature park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,624 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bellinzona. This drive usually takes around 32 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in St. Gallen. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 32 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

St. Gallen 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 St. Gallen, 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.

We recommend a local favorite like GRECO. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,083 customers.

Tibits St. Gallen is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in St. Gallen. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,004 customers.

Another popular restaurant in St. Gallen you might want to check out is focacceria St. Gallen. Focacceria St. Gallen is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 851 reviews.

HANS IM GLÜCK - ST. GALLEN Kugelgasse is a fantastic bar many locals in St. Gallen recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 747 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at Süd Bar, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 721 customers.

Blumenmarkt is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in St. Gallen. Customers have rated the exciting Blumenmarkt an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 557 reviews.

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

Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Switzerland will take you to the city of Zurich, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Zurich, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including St. Gallen, Neuhausen, and Zurich.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Abbey of Saint Gall, a remarkable benedictine abbey where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,646 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at St. Gallen Cathedral. This cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,083 travelers.

Wildpark Peter und Paul is another must-visit attraction. This renowned zoo offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,980 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Set your GPS to Neuhausen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 2 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Neuhausen beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready to see some sights, Rhine Falls is a great place to start with. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 70,505 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Neuhausen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Zurich. This drive usually takes around 43 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

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.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is La Pasta. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,041 customers.

To get a drink at one of the best bars in the city, go to The International Beer Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 773 customers.

If you’d like to continue your evening somewhere else, we recommend heading to Aurora. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 705 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Ebrietas Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 560 customers.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Switzerland is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Zurich.

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

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

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!