Cheap One-Week Switzerland Road Trip from Basel traveling east to Bern and Zurich

Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Basel, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Basel and begin your adventure in Switzerland.

Basel 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 Basel and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing middle bridge will make your cheap holiday in Switzerland truly special. This attraction is a fascinating road bridge that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,025 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 Basel. An excellent example is the popular Hotel Les Trois Rois. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,540 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Switzerland is tibits. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 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 Restaurant Fiorentina Basel. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,379 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

KLARA 13 AG is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,460 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 Basel we recommend is HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,144 customers.

Flanagan's is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,232 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 2 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 Basel and end your day in the city of Bern, where you'll stay for 2 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Basel is the amazing Basel Minster. This travel destination is a cathedral that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,442 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Fine Arts Museum Basel. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,049 travelers, a visit to this well-known museum and sightseeing spot in Basel is likely to make your vacation in Switzerland even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Basel is the outstanding Tinguely Fountain. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,117 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Switzerland, drop by the popular Basel Zoo. This attraction, an amazing zoo, has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,178 travelers. As one of the top sights in Basel, there’s no wonder that the spectacular Basel Zoo attracts about 2,012,511 visitors annually.

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!

On day 3 of your road trip adventures in Switzerland, you’ll go deep into Bern, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Bern, and meet locals along the way!

Bern offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Bern. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,417 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Best Western Plus Hotel Bern. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Bern. Best Western Plus Hotel Bern has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,082 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Bern should also consider Moxy Bern Expo. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Moxy Bern Expo has been rated by 2,794 guests with an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Bern offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Bern the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding church building, Bern Minster. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,813 visitors.

The famous UNESCO - Bern Old Town is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible top-tier point of interest and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,755 visitors.

Bern is also the home of the extraordinary bear pit. Around 13,960 travelers have rated the spectacular bear pit an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Rose Garden Bern. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 4,381 reviews, a visit to this wonderful architectural structure and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Bern prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Switzerland. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Bern.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Bern, Kornhauskeller. Locals enjoy eating at Kornhauskeller for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,436 diners.

Luce serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,541 food lovers.

If you want more options, Casino Bern is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Casino Bern has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,429 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Bern? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Bern after dinner. Locals recommend Adrianos Bar & Café, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 865 customers.

Einstein – café & bel étage – is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Switzerland. Einstein – café & bel étage – has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 837 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Bern.

You might also want to cap the night off at Klösterli Weincafe, a fascinating bar that 759 customers have rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Switzerland!

On day 4 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 Zurich, where you'll stay for 3 nights. 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 11,571 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,294 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 Church of St. Leodegar. This church building has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,649 visitors. In a single year, approximately 562,605 travelers include the unforgettable Church of St. Leodegar 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 Chapel Bridge. This attraction, an amazing must-see tourist destination, has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,995 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. This wooden bridge is a popular attraction rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,066 visitors from all over the globe.

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 Zurich. Zurich 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 Zurich that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Zurich is Weisses Rössli. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 525 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Zurich, Zeughauskeller is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7,976 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Swiss Chuchi Restaurant. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Zurich enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,383 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Zurich’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Switzerland. For example, you can visit Tibits. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,746 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Kennedy's Irish Pub. This popular bar in Zurich has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,395 bar-goers.

You can also go to El Lokal as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular El Lokal is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 2,127 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 5 of your road trip adventures in Switzerland, you’ll go deep into Zurich, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Zurich, and meet locals along the way!

Zurich offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming FIVE Zurich to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Zurich. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,637 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Krone Unterstrass. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Zurich. Krone Unterstrass has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 3,415 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Zurich should also consider ibis Styles Zurich City Center. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Ibis Styles Zurich City Center has been rated by 6,748 guests with an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Zurich offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Zurich the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding zoo, Zürich Zoo. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,267 visitors.

The famous Grossmünster is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible church building and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,297 visitors.

Zurich is also the home of the extraordinary Fraumünster. Around 3,411 travelers have rated the spectacular Fraumünster an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Lindenhof. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 11,365 reviews, a visit to this wonderful square and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Zurich prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Switzerland. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Zurich.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Zurich, Babu's. Locals enjoy eating at Babu's for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,949 diners.

Kronenhalle serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,764 food lovers.

If you want more options, Markthalle is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Markthalle has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,771 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Zurich? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Zurich after dinner. Locals recommend Rimini Bar, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 customers.

Café Bar ODEON is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Switzerland. Café Bar ODEON has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,374 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Zurich.

You might also want to cap the night off at Oliver Twist, a fascinating bar that 1,495 customers have rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Switzerland!

Day 6’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 Botanical Garden. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,198 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Chinagarten Zürich. This popular place of interest is a stunning park that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,420 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 6,213 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Zürich Opera House is often mentioned in Switzerland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Kunsthaus Zürich is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This art museum and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,594 reviews, with a recently recorded annual visit of 382,603 people.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Swiss National Museum. More than 8,085 visitors have rated this organization and tourist destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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 Cantinetta Antinori, 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 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 in the city. This 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 road trip 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 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 La Stanza and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,083 customers.

Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar 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 870 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Rio Bar. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 992 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 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 Winterthur and end your day in the hamlet of Sellenbüren.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Basel 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 Winterthur, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Wildpark Bruderhaus. The fantastic Wildpark Bruderhaus is a popular wildlife park and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,573 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Swiss Science Center Technorama, a well-known technology museum in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.7 out of a 5 star-rating from 7,644 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Winterthur, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the hamlet of Sellenbüren.

Make Uetliberg Lookout Tower your first stop. This popular park among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,349 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 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.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try WERK 8, one of the best restaurants in Basel. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 996 customers.

Gifthüttli is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Gifthüttli is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,132 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Volkshaus Basel, another well-loved restaurant in Basel. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,123 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 Basel, NOOHN. 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 829 bar goers.

Ängel or Aff is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Basel, with its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 575 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by KaBAR, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 630 customers.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Switzerland as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Basel.

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 Basel is the remarkable Gate of Spalen. This tower and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,475 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Basel, consider a top-rated restaurant like Za Zaa - Lebanese Soul Food. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 926 customers.

Restaurant Stucki - Tanja Grandits is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 520 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Restaurant Boo Klybeck. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 551 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Switzerland and your fun memories in Basel.

You’ll then say farewell to Basel and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Switzerland!