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All Things Swiss

An Ultimate Guide To Bellinzona

Zoe| Ticino

You may be wondering, is Bellinzona worth visiting for your next travel location? The answer is yes! Bellinzona is the capital of the Ticino canton in Switzerland and has lots to offer for those visiting. Such as exploring castles, shopping at the weekly market and hiking for the most gorgeous valley views. Keep reading to see exactly where Bellinzona is in Switzerland, facts about Bellinzona, top things to do and where to stay in Bellinzona.

About Bellinzona

Where is Bellinzona?

Bellinzona is located in the Ticino canton of Switzerland in the very south of the country. It is the capital city of the Ticino canton and home to around 45,000 residents. The city is surrounded by the Lepontine Alps to the east and west, and the Lugano Prealps to the south.

Facts About Bellinzona

Curious what unique factors Bellinzona has? See here our top facts about Bellinzona:

  • Bellinzona only receives an average of 102.8 days of rain or snow per year
  • The coat of arms is a shows a serpent in silver on a red field
  • The name derives from zona bellica, referring to “war zone”
  • The German name of the town is Bellenz

Weather In Bellinzona

Like the most of Ticino, the weather is usually rather sunny, but it can be a bit windy based on the valley location. During summer time, you can expect the usual temperatures of 30°C in the shade. Whereas winter averaging around 1°C as the maximum. So depending on when you visit, make sure your prepared with warm jumpers or suncream!

Based on the weather, it’s of course most popular to visit during the Spring and Summer seasons. Ticino is a popular destination for Swiss nationals visiting from the North as well as tourists, so plan ahead to not miss out.

View from the Castle

Things To Do In Bellinzona

The Three Castles Of Bellinzona

The three gorgeous and historical castles in Bellinzona are the top highlights of the city. Each one is unique, but all served an important role in history. Since the year 2000, they combine the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Castelgrande

Castelgrande is the main castle that you can find right in the city centre of Bellinzona. There is a sloping walkway to the top, else to grab the lift from Bellinzona Piazza. You can enter the castle grounds for free, which allows you to see the beautiful walls and city from above. For those who want to learn more, make time to visit the museum, which covers the history from when it was a Neolithic village to the 20th century.

Sasso Corbaro

Many get a local bus to this one, but it’s easy to reach for those who are active. Just like the Castelgrande, the views are beautiful and the castle itself is well worth visiting. The Sasso Corbaro castle is located the highest of the three, it is not within the city walls. There are also temporary exhibits to see here, and to learn more about how the tower was once a prison!

Montebello

The uniqueness of Montebello is that it’s the only one of the three castles that has deep moats surrounding the walls. It is also very easy to spot the different years of construction to the castle, such as the 13th century walls to the 17th century buildings. Montebello also has a little chapel, which is one of the few buildings that was erected within the castles. You can also visit the Archaeological and Civic Museum here.

Castelgrand castle with wineyards located in the city centre of Bellinzona

Hike Motto della Croce

Head to the Motto della Croce location found on google maps for some hiking. It’s nice to start the route from the square in Bellinzona, going up through the castle of Montebello, then Artore and up to Pian Laghetto in the woods up to the motto. For those with some hiking experience, it can take around 3 hours. Once at the top, the views on a clear day are magnificent.

Collegiate of SS. Pietro and Stefano

Located right in the city centre is this 17th century parish church is one of the most important religious buildings in Bellinzona. The church is renaissance style and covered with white-greyish marble, with inside having 5 side chapels and two holy water stoups. All surrounded by a pretty baroque interior.

The Weekly Bellinzona Market

The weekly market is always a treat in Bellinzona, with local fresh items being sold to a few souvenirs for the tourists. You cannot miss it on a Saturday, as all the market stands are throughout the old city centre. Treat yourself to some of the local cheeses, fresh breads and top quality products.

Bellinzona city centre
Market stand selling flowers on Saturday in Bellinzona
The church on the main Bellinzona square

A Walk Along the River

If you want to take a longer walk from the city centre, head towards the river. The route allows you sit by the waters edge and enjoy some peace, making it also a great place to read a book on a summers day. Else to walk all the way along the path to enjoy the scenery. You can join the locals in some running or fitness along the way.

Dine Out For The Night

For those staying longer than a day, there are many restaurants worth visiting depending on what you fancy. A personal recommendation is Ristorante Pizzeria Grill La Lampara Bellinzona. Here you can relax inside or outside, with the most delicious and fresh dishes to choose from. The pizzas are perfectly cooked and highly recommended!

Bellinzona Piazza Square

Finished in 1999, this concrete designed square is located in the heart of the city surrounded by the shops and a supermarket. It is a place for locals to sit and relax in the sunshine. It is also the roof of the parking below the ground, so it’s central location is ideal for those visiting for a day with a car. On the side of the square you can view a decorative element, which is a fountain representing a snake, the heraldic emblem of Bellinzona.

The castle viewed from below on with the Ticino logo

Easy Day Trip Locations From Bellinzona

From Bellinzona, you can also easily travel to other locations within Ticino from the main train and bus station. So if you are staying in Bellinzona as your base, this is perfect for the following day trips:

  • Lugano a 20 minute train ride
  • Locarno is also a 20 minute train ride
  • Lavertezzo is 1 hour away with train and bus
  • Ascona is a 1 hour train ride
  • Mendrisio is a 40 minute train ride
  • Como is a 1 hour 10 minute train ride
  • Milan is a 2 hour train ride

All are within 1 hour of driving too, but we recommend taking public transportation, which is easy, efficient and enjoyable!

Lavertezzo with clear blue waters and mountains in the distance

Bellinzona hotels

For a place to stay, there are many hotels and cute B&Bs in Bellinzona. With lots to choose from, we can recommend the following with good reviews:

  • Hotel Internazionale Bellinzona – excellent location in Bellinzona with outstanding hotel service
  • Scarpapè – gorgeous apartments with a view of the city and BBQ and hot tub facilities
  • Villa del Gusto – a pretty and peaceful place with garden and free parking
  • V Apartments – large apartments for those who want to stay longer with kitchen facilities

We have also stayed in Bellinzona while pet sitting. This is always great as you can stay for free at someones home while you pet sit their animals. We did this with the most cuddliest cat for a long weekend in Bellinzona. Curious to do this too? check here!

Our pinterest advertisement for the blogpost, showing the Bellinzona castle grounds and wineyards
Our pinterest advertisement for the blogpost, showing the beautiful pink flowers found in Ticino and Bellinzona
Our pinterest advertisement for the blogpost, showing the castle and ticino logo in Bellinzona
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Ciao, I’m Zoe!

Zoe Together In Switzerland

I’m a native Brit-turned-Dutch expat living in Ticino, Switzerland with my boyfriend and kitty cat since 2022.

Our site highlights our most fun adventures and experiences while exploring local life in Switzerland.

Enjoy!

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Spring view from Paradiso 💜 . . . . . . #lugano Spring view from Paradiso 💜
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Cloudy today, but don't let that stop you explorin Cloudy today, but don't let that stop you exploring > Here's a photo from Gandria from the boat! 🇨🇭
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Happy Thursday 🌹 We are counting down to the we Happy Thursday 🌹 We are counting down to the weekend for some hiking! 
On 1st April, many places are reopening, such as Monte Tamaro, Monte Lema and already Monte Generoso! ⛰️
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I love how we see helicopters every week flying ar I love how we see helicopters every week flying around Lugano 🚁😍 
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganolake🇨🇭 #switzerlandtravel #swisstravel  #luganoregion #luganomycity  #lugano2023 #switzerlandwonderland #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino #swisstourism #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #lugano🇨🇭 #lakelugano #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #swisshelicopter #swisshelicopters #swisshelicoptersphotography
♡ / Celebrating 8 wonderful months in Switzerlan ♡ / Celebrating 8 wonderful months in Switzerland 🇨🇭
Wow time flies when your having fun! 
We've explored already so much of our home canton of Ticino as well as visited the cantons of Vaud, Valais, Zurich, Luzern, Basel, Bern and Zug. ☀️
We've been in the snowy mountains to the summery waterfalls, with lots of beautiful memories made. 🌴🏔️
Bring on the next few exciting months until our 1 year swiss expat anniversary! 🎉
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#swisslife #swisslifestyle #swissexpat #expatsexploreswitzerland #togetherinswitzerland #swisslocal #ticinomoments #ticinoturismo #tessin #zermat #mygornergratmoment #gornergrat #asconalocarno #ascona #asconaswitzerland #ascona_locarno #luganoswitzerland #luganoregion #brienzswitzerland #brienz #switzerlandtravel #switzerlandphotos #switzerlandtourism #luganophotographer #cantonticino
Buon martedì a tutti 🌿 . . . . . . . .. . . .# Buon martedì a tutti 🌿
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Did you know there are more than 200 species of ca Did you know there are more than 200 species of camellias? 🌺 We've already spotted a few blooming in Lugano, and look forward to seeing a lot more! 
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganolake🇨🇭 #switzerlandtravel #swisstravel #travelcouplelife #luganoregion #luganomycity  #lugano2023 #switzerlandwonderland #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino #swisstourism #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #luganocity #lugano🇨🇭 #lakelugano #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #camellias  #camelliaflower
One boat ticket to Paradise please 🇨🇭 The @ One boat ticket to Paradise please 🇨🇭
The @lakelugano journey on Lake Lugano is a lovely activity for all ages. Whether you want to take just one stop to Gandria, Melide or Morcote, or for a round trip in the sunshine. 
I was last on the boat from Morcote back to Lugano Paradiso. The staff were so welcoming and friendly! 
I had met a little old German lady sat by herself with an Aperol spritz. So I got one too and joined her. She didn't speak a word of English but we communicated by raising our glasses with a "cheers" while relaxing in the sunshine 🥂☀️
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganolake🇨🇭 #switzerlandtravel #swisstravel #travelcouplelife #luganoregion #luganomycity  #lugano2023 #switzerlandwonderland #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino #swisstourism #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #luganocity #lugano🇨🇭 #lakelugano #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin
Flower power at Gambarogno Botanical Park 🌸 If Flower power at Gambarogno Botanical Park 🌸
If you are looking for somewhere in Ticino to visit with lots of flowers in bloom, the Gambarogno Botanical Park is already worth it! 
We visited today, in the 18°c sunshine. There must have been only 4 other people there so it seemed like we had the whole gardens to ourselves ☀️
Afterwards, you can also buy some plants from their shop on site! So if your local, check it out! 💐
📍 Gambarogno, Ticino Switzerland 
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#parcobotanicodelgambarogno #parcobotanico #gambarogno #gambarognoturismo  #switzerlandtravel #swisstravel #travelcouplelife #luganoregion #luganomycity  #lugano2023 #switzerlandwonderland #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino #swisstourism #luganophotographer #luganoturismo  #lugano🇨🇭 #lakelugano #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #camellias  #camelliaflower
Sunshine above the clouds ♡ in Lugano 🇨🇭 Sunshine above the clouds ♡ in Lugano 🇨🇭
Taken this morning 25.02.2023, the clouds are floating below Monte Bré ⛅ 
The best way to see the sunshine and low clouds is on one of the many Ticino peaks, such as;
- Monte Bré
- Monte San Salvatore (in images opposite)
- Monte Tamaro
- Cimetta 
- Monte Generoso 
📍 Lugano, Switzerland 
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganolake🇨🇭 #switzerlandtravel #swisstravel #travelcouplelife #luganoregion #luganomycity  #lugano2023 #switzerlandwonderland #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino #swisstourism #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #luganocity #lugano🇨🇭 #lakelugano #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #srfmeteo
Buongiorno Lugano 🦢 My Italian language skill Buongiorno Lugano 🦢 
My Italian language skills is slowly, and I do mean slowly, improving. For today, a swan is cigno 😅
It's a cloudy day ahead so we'll be likely staying in, working first, then relaxing and a possible new blogpost on the site! 
Link is always in my bio! 💻
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganolake🇨🇭 #switzerlandtravel #swisstravel #travelcouplelife #luganoregion #luganomycity  #lugano2023 #switzerlandwonderland #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino #swisstourism #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #luganocity #lugano🇨🇭 #lakelugano #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #cignobianco #cigno
Fun throwback: I took this selfie in November 2021 Fun throwback: I took this selfie in November 2021 when we were visiting Ticino as tourists. I fell in love instantly as it was my first time! ❤️
Little did we know at that time, that we'd actually be moving to Switzerland only 8 months later!!
📍 Bré, Switzerland
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganolake🇨🇭 #switzerlandtravel #swisstravel #travelcouplelife #luganoregion #luganomycity  #lugano2023 #switzerlandwonderland #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino #swisstourism #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #luganocity #lugano🇨🇭 #lakelugano #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin
They are magnolias, right?! 🏔️🌸 . . . . . They are magnolias, right?! 🏔️🌸
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.#tessin #ticinomoments #ticinoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #tessintourismus #ticinonline #srfmeteo #asconalocarno #asconaswitzerland #ascona #lugano #magnolia #magnoliaflower #magnoliaflowers #sweetmagnolias #snowmountains #mountainslovers❤️ #cimetta #cima #switzerlandtravel #togetherinswitzerland #switzerlandpictures #swissphoto #swissphotographer
Venus & Jupiter floating above Lugano last night 🪐
As of Match 3rd last night, Venus is moving away from Jupiter, as the altitude of the gas giant begins to decrease in the evening sky. 📷
Jupiter will sink into the Sun’s glare before reaching solar conjunction (on the opposite side of the Sun to the Earth) on 11 April 2023. ⭐
I personally don't do much night photography, but I'm glad to have captured both planets! ❤️
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganolake🇨🇭 #switzerlandtravel #swisstravel #travelcouplelife #luganoregion #luganomycity  #lugano2023 #switzerlandwonderland #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino #swisstourism #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #luganocity #lugano🇨🇭 #lakelugano #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #jupiterandvenus #srfmeteo #nighttimelapse #venusandjupiter #conjunction

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