Switzerland Shoestring Budget 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sprüngli

Start your day with a delicious Swiss breakfast at Sprüngli, famous for its pastries and hot chocolate.
Sprüngli is located in the city center, easily accessible by tram or on foot.
15 CHF, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Old Town

Walk through the charming streets of Zurich's Old Town, filled with historical buildings, shops, and cafes.
Old Town is a short walk from Sprüngli.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Indulge in traditional Swiss cuisine at Zeughauskeller, known for its hearty dishes.
Zeughauskeller is located in the Old Town area.
20 CHF, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Lake Zurich

Relax by the beautiful Lake Zurich, take a boat ride, or simply enjoy the scenic views.
Take a tram or walk to Lake Zurich from Old Town.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Frau Gerolds Garten

Enjoy a casual dinner at Frau Gerolds Garten, an urban garden with food trucks and a lively atmosphere.
Take a tram to Frau Gerolds Garten from Lake Zurich.
15 CHF, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Day Trip to Uetliberg Mountain

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery

Grab a quick breakfast at Babu's Bakery before heading to Uetliberg Mountain.
Babu's Bakery is located near the train station to Uetliberg Mountain.
10 CHF, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike or take the train to Uetliberg

Embark on a scenic hike or take the train to Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of Zurich and the Swiss Alps.
Take a train from Zurich HB to Uetliberg (30-minute ride).
10 CHF, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic on Uetliberg

Enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the breathtaking views from Uetliberg Mountain.
There are designated picnic areas on Uetliberg.
10 CHF, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Felsenegg

Take the Felsenegg cable car for more stunning views and a chance to see Lake Zurich from above.
Take the train to Felsenegg from Uetliberg.
20 CHF, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hiltl

Try vegetarian and vegan options at Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world.
Take a train back to Zurich and walk to Hiltl.
20 CHF, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Discovering Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mill'Feuille

Start your day with a French-inspired breakfast at Mill'Feuille in Lucerne.
Mill'Feuille is centrally located in Lucerne's old town.
15 CHF, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Chapel Bridge

Walk along the iconic Chapel Bridge, one of Lucerne's most famous landmarks with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Chapel Bridge is a short walk from Mill'Feuille.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Old Town

Stroll through Lucerne's charming Old Town, filled with historic buildings, shops, and cafes.
Old Town is adjacent to Chapel Bridge.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Stadtkeller

Enjoy Swiss specialties and live music at Stadtkeller, a traditional restaurant in the heart of Lucerne.
Stadtkeller is located in Old Town.
20 CHF, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Boat Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Lucerne to admire the scenic beauty of the area.
Walk to the lakefront from Old Town to board the boat.
30 CHF, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Rathaus Brauerei

Savor local beer and traditional Swiss dishes at Rathaus Brauerei, a historic brewery restaurant in Lucerne.
Rathaus Brauerei is a short walk from the lakefront.
25 CHF, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventure in Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Backerei von Siebenthal

Start your day with freshly baked goods and coffee at Backerei von Siebenthal in Interlaken.
Backerei von Siebenthal is located in the city center.
10 CHF, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Harder Kulm

Take the funicular or hike up to Harder Kulm for panoramic views of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains.
Take the funicular from Interlaken to Harder Kulm.
30 CHF, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Taverne

Enjoy a Swiss meal with a view at Restaurant Taverne, located near Harder Kulm.
Restaurant Taverne is accessible from the viewpoint.
20 CHF, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Adventure Sports

Try adventure sports like paragliding or kayaking on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun.
Book activities through local providers in Interlaken.
50 CHF, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The 3 Tells Irish Pub

Unwind with pub food and drinks at The 3 Tells Irish Pub after a day of adventure in Interlaken.
The pub is located in the city center.
15 CHF, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Exploring Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Clemence

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at La Clemence in Geneva, known for its homemade pastries.
La Clemence is located near the city center.
12 CHF, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jet d'Eau

Admire the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain on Lake Geneva, a symbol of the city.
Walk or take a tram to Jet d'Eau from La Clemence.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Old Town and St. Pierre Cathedral

Wander through Geneva's charming Old Town, visit St. Pierre Cathedral, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Old Town and the cathedral are within walking distance from Jet d'Eau.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Les Armures

Indulge in a gourmet Swiss meal at Restaurant Les Armures, housed in a historic building in Old Town.
The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town.
30 CHF, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Parc des Bastions

Relax in Parc des Bastions, home to the Reformation Wall and the University of Geneva, offering a peaceful retreat in the city.
Walk from Old Town to Parc des Bastions.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Shopping at Rue de la Confederation

Browse shops and boutiques on Rue de la Confederation for souvenirs and Swiss products.
Rue de la Confederation is a short walk from Parc des Bastions.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Chez ma Cousine

Enjoy a casual dinner at Chez ma Cousine, known for its delicious rotisserie chicken and cozy atmosphere.
Chez ma Cousine is located near Rue de la Confederation.
20 CHF, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability