Cheap One-Week Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich traveling east to Lugano, Chur, and Schaffhausen

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.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Zurich, 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 musty-try restaurant is Weisses Rössli. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 525 customers.

Zeughauskeller is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 7,976 reviews. Zeughauskeller is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Swiss Chuchi Restaurant. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,383 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

One great example is Tibits. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,746 customers.

Kennedy's Irish Pub is another popular bar in Zurich. If you ask the 2,395 customers who have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars, Kennedy's Irish Pub is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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

Day 2 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Switzerland. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Zurich!

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.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Zurich, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Babu's, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,949 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Kronenhalle, so you'll want to drop by this place. Kronenhalle serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,764 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Zurich is Markthalle. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,771 customers.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Zurich, Rimini Bar. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 bar-goers.

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

Alternatively, you can drop by Oliver Twist, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,495 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 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!

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.

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.

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.

La Stanza is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,083 customers.

Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 870 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Zurich.

You might also want to cap the night off at Rio Bar, a fascinating bar that 992 customers have rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Lugano, Goldau, Melide, and Lugano. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in 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.

Melide’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Arth behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 54 min. Melide welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Swissminiatur. This much-appreciated miniature park is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 6,624 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lugano. This drive usually takes around 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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.

Savor the culinary delights of Lugano, 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.

Visit the popular Bistrot & Pizza Argentino. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,569 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Switzerland is Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,096 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Ristorante Trattoria Galleria. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,111 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. Il Fermento is a popular option with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,038 customers.

Another top option is Trinity Irish Pub. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 695 customers.

Bar Laura is also a great place to continue your evening. 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 — Lavertezzo, Locarno, Orselina, 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.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lavertezzo. This drive usually takes around 56 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Drop by the renowned Ponte dei Salti. This popular stone arch bridge has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,917 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lavertezzo, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Orselina. This drive usually takes around 24 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take the opportunity to see Madonna del Sasso. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,479 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Locarno, 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 Orselina to Locarno may take around 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Falconeria Locarno. Previous visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,064 reviews.

Piazza Grande is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,554 reviews.

While exploring Switzerland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Chur has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Chur 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, 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.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Restaurant Calanda. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,257 customers.

Maron is another local-favorite restaurant in Chur. Maron serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 851 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Kaffee Klatsch is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Lavertezzo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 of 5 stars from around 560 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at a bar. Toms Beer Box is a great place to continue your night. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 163 customers.

If you want to know where locals go, check out Werkstatt Chur. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 295 customers.

Another popular bar in the city is S'Pub Sunshine Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 339 customers.

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

Day 6 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 2 wonderful destinations — St. Gallen and Schaffhausen.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, St. Gallen. This car ride takes around 1 hour 7 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Wildpark Peter und Paul. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,980 visitors.

St. Gallen Cathedral is another popular attraction you could visit today. This cathedral has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,083 visitors.

Abbey of Saint Gall is also highly recommended by travelers. This benedictine abbey has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,646 visitors.

Drei Weieren is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This urban park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,727 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to St. Gallen and set your GPS to Schaffhausen. 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 1 hour 2 min. Upon reaching Schaffhausen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Schaffhausen 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.

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 Schaffhausen that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Eat at Restaurant La Piazza. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 575 reviews.

You can also check out Hotel Kronenhof. 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 505 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Fassbeiz. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 194 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Locals recommend going for a drink at Tabaco Lounge. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 234 customers.

Another popular bar you could swing by after dinner is Bar No13. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 158 customers.

Suren's also makes the list of popular bars you could visit tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 124 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Switzerland! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Schaffhausen!

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 5 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Neuhausen, Winterthur, Sellenbüren, Kloten, and Zurich.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Schaffhausen and set your GPS to Neuhausen. 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 7 min. Upon reaching Neuhausen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Winterthur, 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 Neuhausen to Winterthur may take around 29 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Winterthur, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kloten. This drive usually takes around 30 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.

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.

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.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in Zurich. The International Beer Bar is a popular option, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 773 customers.

Continue your evening at Aurora. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 705 customers.

Ebrietas Bar is another place you could check out tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 560 customers.

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

Make the most of your final day in Switzerland by visiting Zurich’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in 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!