Cheap One-Week Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich to Bern, Geneva, and Basel

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.

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 Weisses Rössli. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Zeughauskeller 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Zurich you might want to check out is Swiss Chuchi Restaurant. Swiss Chuchi Restaurant 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 3,383 reviews.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Zurich, Tibits. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,746 bar-goers.

Kennedy's 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 Zurich, with its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,395 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by El Lokal, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,127 customers.

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

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Switzerland, you’ll go deep into Zurich, making the most of your 1 night in the city. 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!

Make your vacation in Switzerland more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Switzerland and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

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 spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

You could check out Babu's, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,949 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Kronenhalle is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,764 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Markthalle. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Markthalle has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,771 customer 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!

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lucerne. This car ride takes around 45 min.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

Bern 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.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Bern, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Brasserie Obstberg. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 628 customers.

Restaurant Rosengarten is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,281 customers.

Turnhalle has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,298 reviews.

Tibits is a fantastic bar many locals in Bern recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,518 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at Lötschberg, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,268 customers.

Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Bern. Customers have rated the exciting Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,069 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 — Bern, Veytaux, and Geneva.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,755 reviews.

Continue your journey at Bern Minster. This church building is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,813 travelers from near and far.

Bern is also the home of bear pit. This architectural structure has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,960 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bern, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Veytaux may take around 1 hour 9 min. Upon your arrival in Veytaux, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Journey into the unknown at Chillon Castle, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,331 reviews.

Set your GPS to Geneva and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Geneva beckons with new experiences!

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

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

Eat at Auberge de Savièse. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,055 reviews.

You can also check out Oh Martine! 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 4.7 out of 5 stars by 654 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Café de Paris - Chez Boubier. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,127 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

After dinner, visit Beau-Rivage Genève, which is considered one of the best bars in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,169 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like Demi Lune Café. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 968 customers.

Alternatively, check out Le Kraken. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

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

Day 5 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Switzerland, Geneva. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Geneva!

Your discovery of Geneva does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Geneva 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 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 Geneva that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

We recommend a local favorite like Restaurant Les Armures. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,758 customers.

Cottage Café is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Geneva. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,337 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Geneva you might want to check out is Tartares & Co. Tartares & Co 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 707 reviews.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Geneva, Mr Pickwick Pub. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,993 customers.

Café du Centre is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 2,188 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 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Corsier-sur-Vevey, Montreux, Gruyères, and Basel. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Basel.

After soaking in Geneva’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Corsier-sur-Vevey. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 9 min. When you arrive in Corsier-sur-Vevey, it's time to take a break from the road.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Corsier-sur-Vevey and set your GPS to Montreux. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 13 min. Upon reaching Montreux, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take the opportunity to see Freddie Mercury statue. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,801 visitors.

Golden Pass Railway is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,676 travelers.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Gruyères, 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 Montreux to Gruyères may take around 37 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Gruyères Castle. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Gruyères, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,612 visitors.

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

Hotel Les Trois Rois is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,540 customers.

Tibits 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Restaurant Fiorentina Basel, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,379 reviews.

KLARA 13 AG is one of the best bars in Basel and the perfect place for a celebratory drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,460 customers.

You may also want to check out HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, offering great drinks and a fantastic atmosphere. HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,144 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Flanagan's. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,232 customers.

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

Day 7 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 Basel, Neuhausen, and Zurich.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to middle bridge. This road bridge is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Basel, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,025 visitors.

Basel Minster is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,442 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Basel Zoo. Visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,178 reviews. Basel Zoo receives around 2,012,511 visitors every year.

Set your GPS to Neuhausen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 26 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Neuhausen beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Rhine Falls. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 reviews.

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.

Zurich 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.

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.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Cantinetta Antinori, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,379 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Metropol, so you'll want to drop by this place. Metropol serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,341 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Zurich is Viadukt. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,179 customers.

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.

A road trip vacation in Basel can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Switzerland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Switzerland is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Zurich.

As you approach the end of your journey in Switzerland, take a moment for some retail therapy in Zurich’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Switzerland, a variety of items are waiting for you.

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!