9-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich traveling east to Lugano, St. Gallen, and Schaffhausen

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich for 2 nights.

Visiting Botanical Garden is always a good idea. This beloved botanical garden is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the remarkable wonders of Zürichhorn, a must-see park in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Chinagarten Zürich. This intriguing botanical garden offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Zürich Opera House, where you can take in historic features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Zürich Zoo These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zurich. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Start your culinary exploration in Zurich by securing a reservation at Widder Restaurant. This renowned restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern french and contemporary cuisine. For another dining delight, visit IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, celebrated for its delectable sharing and modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover The Restaurant, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Eldorado, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Gotthard Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, La Stanza provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 3 of your road trip across Switzerland promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Zurich. You have 1 night left in Zurich. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Whatever your travel style is, Swiss National Museum is an essential stop in Zurich. This locally appreciated museum provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Fraumünster, a historic church, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Grossmünster, a worthwhile church. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the intriguing Kunsthaus Zürich.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Zurich, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Alpenrose, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Kafi Dihei is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Weisses Rössli. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Zurich tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Bar Babalu offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Kon-tiki Coffeeshop & Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Nelson is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Goldau, Lavertezzo, and Orselina. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lugano, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Nature And Animal Park Goldau, an underrated zoo that everyone visiting Goldau should see.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Orselina, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Lavertezzo to Orselina may take around 24 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Orselina, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Madonna Del Sasso and explore the symbolic features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Lugano. Lugano offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Lugano. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Lugano by booking a table at Flamel. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of contemporary and seasonal cuisine. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Lanchetta Lounge Bar & Pinsa. , another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

Continue your lively evening at Il Fermento, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Bar Oops is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Monte Carasso, Bellinzona, and Rapperswil. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in St. Gallen, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lugano and set your GPS to Monte Carasso. 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 31 min. Upon reaching Monte Carasso, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Antico Convento Delle Agostiniane. Spend some time admiring the inviting features of the monastery before you continue to your next stop.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bellinzona. This car ride takes around 7 min.

Three Castles Of Bellinzona is an increasingly popular castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour to Montebello Castle, an awe-inspiring castle that’s well-regarded in the area.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rapperswil may take around 2 hours 13 min. Upon your arrival in Rapperswil, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Knie's Kinderzoo is a worthwhile zoo we recommend visiting today. Discover its instagrammable features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in St. Gallen. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of St. Gallen's best restaurants.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Netts Schützengarten, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional international and country cooking menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Einstein Gourmet, known for its delicious creative and modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in St. Gallen is Jägerhof, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious modern and international menu.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like News Café Music Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Baracca Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Timeout Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are St. Gallen and Neuhausen. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Schaffhausen, where will spend 1 night.

Enjoy all that Abbey Of Saint Gall has to offer. This is an intriguing monastery you should not miss. Another must-see is St. Gallen Cathedral, an up-and-coming church in St. Gallen.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Roter Platz. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Drei Weieren, another of the town’s frequently visited attractions.

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

Spend your afternoon discovering Rhine Falls, a famous waterfall known for its romantic features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Schaffhausen, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Schaffhausen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Have a memorable dining experience in Schaffhausen by booking a table at D'Chuchi, a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional modern menu. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Theaterrestaurant, a popular restaurant in Schaffhausen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Eckhaus Gmbh offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar No13 is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Tabaco Lounge is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Say good night to Schaffhausen and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Winterthur, Aathal, and Sellenbüren. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zurich, where you'll spend 1 night.

After soaking in Schaffhausen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Winterthur. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 28 min. When you arrive in Winterthur, it's time to take a break from the road.

Our first attraction recommendation in Winterthur is Swiss Science Center Technorama, a curiosity-inducing science center that draws attention for its instagrammable features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Wildpark Bruderhaus, a gorgeous wildlife reserve that stands out in the city.

Set your GPS to Aathal and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 28 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Aathal beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Aathal Dinosaur Museum, an often recommended museum that draws visitors from near and far.

After soaking in Aathal’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sellenbüren. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 45 min. When you arrive in Sellenbüren, it's time to take a break from the road.

Our first attraction recommendation in Sellenbüren is Üetliberg, an often recommended mountain range that draws attention for its mesmerizing features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top Of Zurich, a gorgeous observation deck that stands out in the city.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Zurich. Zurich offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zurich. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Viadukt, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, La Pasta is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Best Western Hotel Spirgarten. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Zurich tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Ebrietas Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Total Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Rimini Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Switzerland!