24-Day Budget-Friendly Solo Adventure Through France and Switzerland

Day 1: Explore Paris

Paris, France on April 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with affordable and wholesome breakfast options including pastries and organic coffee at this popular bakery chain, open from 7:30am.

EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Louvre Museum

Explore world-famous artworks including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo; the Louvre is open from 9am to 6pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays, check day-specific times.

EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bouillon Chartier

Enjoy traditional French dishes in a historic and lively setting with budget-friendly prices, open daily from 11:30am.

EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Walking tour of Montmartre

Discover this charming bohemian neighborhood including Sacré-Cœur Basilica, open 6am to 10:30pm, and its artistic history. A walking tour or self-guided for free.

EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Eiffel Tower (Champ de Mars)

Relax and view the iconic tower from the park area, perfect for photos and free to access. For summit access, consider booking online with a ticket cost around EUR26. Open until midnight.

EUR0 (viewing area), 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at L’As du Fallafel

Famous for delicious and affordable falafel wraps, open until midnight; great for solo travellers wanting a casual meal in Le Marais district.

EUR12, 1h

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Day 2: More Paris & travel Dijon

Paris to Dijon, France on April 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Historic café known for its classic Parisian breakfast menu; open from 7:30am, offering an atmospheric start for your day.

EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Latin Quarter Walk

Visit the exterior of the Notre-Dame Cathedral (interior restoration ongoing) followed by a walk through the vibrant Latin Quarter, a hub of history, bookshops, and cafés.

EUR0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Petit Cler

A small and budget-friendly café serving classic French dishes near the Eiffel Tower, open from 11:30am.

EUR18, 1h

1:30pm

Train to Dijon

Take a direct high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Dijon, approximately 1h 40m. Trains depart frequently in the afternoon.

EUR35, 1h40m

4:00pm

Explore Dijon's Old Town

Walk through the historic streets of Dijon, admire gothic architecture, and visit the Palace of the Dukes (exterior and public spaces free).

EUR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Maison des Cariatides

Enjoy traditional Burgundian cuisine with moderate pricing in an authentic atmosphere; open from 6pm.

EUR25, 1.5h

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Day 3: Dijon to Lyon

Dijon to Lyon, France on April 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Vintage

Cozy café offering continental breakfast options, open from 7:30am.

EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Explore one of France’s oldest museums featuring fine art from medieval to modern periods; open 10am - 6pm (closed Tuesdays).

EUR8, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Bouchon du Palais

A small restaurant serving Lyonnais specialties at reasonable prices; open from noon.

EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Train to Lyon

Fast train from Dijon to Lyon takes about 2h, giving you time to relax before arrival.

EUR25, 2h

4:30pm

Walk Vieux Lyon and Fourvière Hill

Explore the Renaissance district, visit the Roman theatres and enjoy panoramic views from Fourvière Basilica (open till 6pm).

EUR0 (church and walk free), 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Comptoir Abel

One of Lyon’s oldest bouchons offering traditional dishes at moderate prices, open till 10pm.

EUR25, 1.5h

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Day 4: Lyon to Geneva

Lyon, France to Geneva, Switzerland on April 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Indoor food market featuring many affordable breakfast options from local vendors, open from 7am.

EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Train to Geneva

Scenic train ride crossing from France into Switzerland, duration approx. 2h; check for direct connections.

CHF40, 2h

11:30am

Visit Jet d’Eau and lakeside walk

See the iconic Geneva fountain and stroll the lakeside promenade for free, open all day.

CHF0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café du Centre

Affordable seafood and Swiss classics near the city centre, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.

CHF25, 1h

2:00pm

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Learn about humanitarian work at this informative museum open from 10am to 5pm; tickets are affordable.

CHF15, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll through Old Town Geneva

Explore historic streets, visit St. Pierre Cathedral exterior, enjoy café culture with free access, open all evening.

CHF0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Les Brasseurs

Casual brewery restaurant with budget-friendly Swiss and international dishes, open until 10pm.

CHF25, 1.5h

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Day 5: Geneva to Bern

Geneva to Bern, Switzerland on April 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Paléo Café

Cozy café offering coffee and light breakfast, open from 7:30am.

CHF12, 1h

9:30am

Train to Bern

Travel to Switzerland’s capital in approximately 1h 45m with scenic views.

CHF30, 1h45m

11:30am

Bern Old Town walking tour

UNESCO World Heritage site featuring medieval arcades, the Zytglogge clock tower, open and free to wander all day.

CHF0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Altes Tramdepot

Brewery and restaurant offering local Swiss fare at reasonable prices; open daily from 11am.

CHF22, 1h

3:00pm

Bern Historical Museum

Explore Bernese history and Einstein Museum, open 10am to 5pm, entry fee affordable.

CHF10, 2h

5:30pm

Walk along the Aare river

Enjoy scenic riverside views and city parks, free and open all day.

CHF0, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Rosengarten

Dinner with panoramic views over Bern’s old town; offers mid-range prices, open till 10pm.

CHF30, 1.5h

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Day 6: Bern to Zurich

Bern to Zurich, Switzerland on April 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Einstein Kaffee

Trend café offering great coffee and pastries, open from 7:30am.

CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Train to Zurich

Short journey to Switzerland’s largest city, approximately 1h 15m by train.

CHF25, 1h15m

11:00am

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Art museum with works from Swiss and international artists, open 10am - 6pm, affordable entrance fee.

CHF16, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Sternen Grill

Casual spot famous for swiss sausages and fast lunch options, open daily from 11am.

CHF15, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander historic streets, see Grossmünster exterior and enjoy lake views; free and open all day.

CHF0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

World’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, offering a wide variety of affordable dishes; open till 10pm.

CHF25, 1.5h

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Day 7: Zurich to Lucerne

Zurich to Lucerne, Switzerland on April 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Famous for Luxemburgerli macarons and breakfast treats, open from 7:30am.

CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Train to Lucerne

Short scenic train ride takes approx 45m; trains depart every 30 minutes.

CHF15, 45m

10:30am

Chapel Bridge and Old Town Lucerne

Visit Lucerne’s iconic wooden bridge and charming old town, open and free to explore.

CHF0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Swiss dishes at reasonable prices in a historic setting, open 11:30am to 2pm.

CHF20, 1h

2:00pm

Lake Lucerne boat trip

Affordable public boat ride offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Check schedules, generally available afternoon departures.

CHF25, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Lion Monument

Famous rock relief commemorating Swiss Guards, open 24 hours, free entry.

CHF0, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Stern

Offers affordable Swiss cuisine within a traditional atmosphere, open until 9pm.

CHF25, 1.5h

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Day 8: Lucerne to Interlaken

Lucerne to Interlaken, Switzerland on April 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Confiserie Bachmann

Bakery and café serving light breakfast options, open from 7am.

CHF15, 1h

8:30am

Train to Interlaken

Travel through scenic Swiss countryside, approximately 2h by train with a transfer in Bern.

CHF40, 2h

11:00am

Explore Interlaken town

Stroll around this popular adventure sports hub, visit Höhematte Park and enjoy mountain views, free access.

CHF0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bebbis Restaurant

Affordable Swiss and international dishes with friendly atmosphere, open from 11:30am.

CHF20, 1h

2:30pm

Boat trip on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Choose one of the beautiful lakes for a scenic boat ride, check seasonal schedules; generally afternoon departures are available.

CHF25, 2h

5:30pm

Walk along the lakeside promenade

Relax with lakeside views and sunset scenery, free and open all day.

CHF0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Idyllic Swiss cuisine with moderate prices; open until 9pm.

CHF30, 1.5h

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Day 9: Interlaken & Jungfrau Day Tour

Interlaken, Switzerland on April 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel restaurant or nearby café

Start early with a light breakfast to prepare for the day’s excursion.

CHF15, 1h

8:00am

Jungfrau Region Group Tour

Join a budget-friendly group tour to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe. Tour includes train tickets and guided activities; book in advance. Departure from Interlaken Ost.

CHF150, 8h

5:30pm

Return to Interlaken & light dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Relax with a casual dinner offering local beers and simple Swiss dishes, open till 10pm.

CHF20, 1h

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Day 10: Interlaken to Zermatt

Interlaken to Zermatt, Switzerland on April 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Affordable bakery items and coffee, open from 7am.

CHF15, 1h

8:30am

Train to Zermatt

Approximately 2h 45m journey via Visp; enjoy mountain views en route.

CHF40, 2h45m

11:30am

Explore Zermatt village

Car-free alpine village with charming streets and Matterhorn views, ideal for walking and photo opportunities.

CHF0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Traditional Swiss cuisine with cheese fondue specialties, moderately priced, open from noon.

CHF30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Matterhorn Museum

Discover the history and mountaineering heritage of the iconic Matterhorn, open 9am - 5pm, affordable entry fee.

CHF10, 1.5h

5:00pm

Walk to Gornergrat Bahn station

Prepare for next day’s excursion, the station is near village centre.

CHF0, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The North Wall Bar & Restaurant

Casual dining option with international and Swiss dishes, open till 10pm.

CHF25, 1.5h

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Day 11: Zermatt and Gornergrat

Zermatt, Switzerland on April 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Restaurant du Pont

Simple breakfast options, open from 7am.

CHF15, 1h

8:30am

Gornergrat Railway Ride

Take the cogwheel train to Gornergrat summit for stunning views of the Matterhorn and Alps, tickets can be budgeted and book online.

CHF50, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Enjoy lunch with panoramic views at Europe’s highest hotel, offers good value for the unique experience.

CHF35, 1h

1:30pm

Return train to Zermatt

Relax on the scenic descent back to village.

Included, 1.5h

3:00pm

Hiking or stroll around Zermatt

Enjoy light hiking trails in the area or walk around the village to relax after the journey.

CHF0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Cozy alpine restaurant with traditional Swiss food, moderately priced, open till 9pm.

CHF30, 1.5h

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Day 12: Zermatt to Chamonix

Zermatt, Switzerland to Chamonix, France on April 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Fuchs

Affordable pastries and coffee, open from 7am.

CHF15, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Chamonix

Train and bus combination via Martigny; approximately 4h total travel time with beautiful mountain landscapes.

CHF50, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Calèche

Traditional Savoyard dishes with reasonable prices in rustic décor, open daily from 12pm.

EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Chamonix town centre

Stroll through the alpine town, visit local shops and cafés, free and accessible.

EUR0, 2h

5:30pm

Visit Alpine Museum

Learn about mountaineering history, open 2pm-6pm, affordable entry fee.

EUR6, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Monkey Café

Friendly, casual dining with international and local options, budget-friendly, open till 10pm.

EUR20, 1.5h

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Day 13: Chamonix Glacier Views

Chamonix, France on April 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Saint Michel

Fresh bread and pastries served from 7am to start your day well.

EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Aiguille du Midi Cable Car

Ascend to 3,842m for stunning panoramic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding Alps; open 8:30am to 5:30pm, book tickets online for better price and availability.

EUR60, 3h