Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Bellinzona, Switzerland. #Top Attractions

Making plans to travel abroad? Bellinzona, Switzerland, is surely a must-visit! Look at our recommended travel activities and attractions in Bellinzona, Switzerland, to get the most out of your time there. Check out the list of the best things to do in Bellinzona, Switzerland, and places to go in Bellinzona, Switzerland below. We at Wondrous Drifter, a Web 3.0 travel startup, have big plans to shake things up in the travel business.

Bellinzona Saturday Market

Are you fond of buying things in the market? If yes, then you should visit here!

People gather on Saturdays to take advantage of the vibrant weekly market that spans from Piazza Nosetto into the winding streets of the old town.

The historic inns and taverns of the community serve as a picturesque backdrop for the vibrant conventional marketing booths that tempt tourists to stroll through the city’s heart.

Locals drop in for a brief chat, visitors take in the laid-back vibe of a Mediterranean village, deal-seekers go there hoping to find that one-of-a-kind item, and gourmets go in the hopes of discovering their next gastronomic discovery.

Famous products that are available for purchase include sun-ripened fruit that was cultivated in Ticino, mozzarella specialties, sausages that were decided to make as per traditional dishes, pieces of bread from Ticino, and a wide variety of items that can be used in the household, in the garden, and for various types of recreational activities.

In addition, artisans and others who practice crafts set up their finest works for tourists to see. Sometimes, they even make some of their wares right in front of the customers!

Address: Bellinzona, Switzerland

Casa del Popolo

After taking in the sights of Castello di Montebello, if you’re becoming hungry, visit this restaurant and enjoy a meal here.

Customers frequently comment on how much they enjoy the restaurant’s selection of dishes from the Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. The delicious pizza, Georgian wine, and calzones attract many visitors to sample them.

Many reviewers have mentioned that the food served here is delicious. Visitors come Casa del Popolo to experience exquisite cabernet franc, prosecco, or sangiovese. There have been reports that the quality of the coffee available at this location is exceptional.

Because of its central location and proximity to several modes of transportation, this destination is quite straightforward to access. The attentiveness of the personnel has been commented on by a lot of guests.

This establishment is well-known for providing exceptionally quick service. This restaurant serves up delectable fare at very reasonable costs.

You are going to like the delightful atmosphere as well as the wonderful furnishings and accessories. You should consider going to this restaurant to have a nice time.

Address: Viale Stazione 31, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland

Castelgrande

In a far, far away land, there lived knights who guarded drawbridges. Where? Bellinzona, Switzerland, is the place!

UNESCO designated these castles as a Heritage Site in 2000, so you may visit them and feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Imagine the adventures the knights went on, and put yourself in the middle of the action as it unfolded in a different age. Visitors to the Castle of Bellinzona can step into history as it was during the Middle Ages.

The stunningly gorgeous medieval castle on top of the city has just undergone restoration. The fortresses of Bellinzona are among the most popular tourist destinations in Ticino. Together with the city’s ancient walls, they form the only medieval military complex still surviving in the Alpine area.

An adventure to the castles, linked by a tour train, is like plunging into history. This excursion can be appreciated by people of all ages owing to the beauty of the defenses, which have lofty turrets and crenulated walls. Be sure to visit and immerse yourself in the rich past of this place!

Address: Salita Castelgrande 18, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland

Chiesa di San Biagio

Aside from the fact that it dated back to the 12th to 15th centuries and was constructed on the foundations of earlier churches, this church may be one of Bellinzona’s earliest!

It is a popular tourist destination with a location close to the Villa Dei Cedri, one of Belinzona’s oldest and most important churches.

It’s open and accessible to the public. A 14th-century fresco of St. Christopher, a smaller one of the Virgin Mary with Child, and two other saints may be seen on its gabled stone front. The quadrangular campanile was constructed in the 15th century. The three naves are supported by columns in the interior, which have a Romanesque flavor.

Inside, there are numerous frescoes to be seen as well, including the triumphal arch that depicts the ‘Madonna of Mercy’ with an ‘Annunciation’ underneath her. It is not just the evangelist defined in the other frescos: St. Bartholomew, the Apostle who was hacked to death with the blade of the flayer’s knife, is also depicted with his skin torn off and his head held aloft.

First, there was St. Lawrence on the football field, and then there was St. Agatha, holding a piece of her breast that had been severed. A must-visit here in Bellinzona!

Address: Bellinzona, Switzerland

Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church is one of Ticino’s most stunning religious structures, and it’s impossible not to get thrilled about it. If you’re in Bellinzona for more than simply seeing the castles, consider taking a stroll south of the city to see the Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Chiesa San Biagio, and the Villa Dei Cedri. All three are near to one another and are well worth a trip in their own right.

It was constructed at the end of the fifteenth century as a component of a Franciscan monastery. Yet today, it impresses with its harmonious spaces, exquisite frescoes, and great paintings.

An enormous longitudinal wall in the Franciscan Order style divides the chamber, adorned with some stunning frescos. The Renaissance fresco on the compartment shows fifteen incidents of Christ’s life.

Sadly, the creator is unknown, although it is most likely the work of a Lombard artist between the years 1495 and 1505. Other artifacts in the church include wrought iron gates going back to the 16th century, 17th-century paintings on canvas, and tombstones dating back to the 16th century. This is a masterpiece of Ticino’s religious architecture!

Address: Via Convento 5, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland

Curzutt

A playground is one of the numerous attractions that Curztt offers; it can be found just adjacent to the town center. It is surrounded by meadows as well as woodlands.

The vacation spot is appropriate for people of all ages, including children, adults, and families. It is the perfect place to have a picnic in the middle of nature, and just a few meters is the Curztt Hostel Restaurant, which provides for all of the guests’ gastronomic requirements.

Everybody will find something to their liking! This playground has balancing courses, bikes, a castle, and slides.

In addition, there are tables, seats, and a fountain in this area. The playground serves as a jumping-off point for excursions to other tourist spots in the neighborhood, including the Carasc Tibetan Bridge and the Church of St. Bernard, a historic site of significant value.

Address: Corte di Sotto, 6513, Monte Carasso, Switzerland

Fortini Della Fame

Visit the Fortini Della Fame, the highlight of your trip to Bellinzona, and then explore the surrounding area to see what else is there. When walking through an area with dense foliage or lush vineyards, it is possible to come across the crumbling ruins of towers and crenelated walls, which are sometimes well preserved and appear to have fallen into disrepair.

Unfortunately, this fascinating evidence of what became the Swiss defensive line in the 18th century is not widely promoted and documented; yet, it is nice to visit the area. If you combine your trip there with a stop at the Tibetan bridge, you will get the most out of it.

The entire region is stunning, and every vantage point provides a picture-perfect panorama. The path is clearly marked with directional arrows and panels that offer information on various topics along the way.

It is very necessary to pay a visit there. If the weather is nice, you can spend a wonderful day in the middle of nature while within a short walk of the town center if you bring a picnic lunch.

Address: Bellinzona, Switzerland

Monte Bar

The panorama from Monte Bar is just stunning, spanning 180 degrees and taking in the city below and the mountains on all sides.

Monte Bar is a hill part of the Lugano Prealps and can be found in the northern city of Lugano in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It may be found in the mountain range west of the Gazzirola, between the Val Colla and the Val d’Isone.

A scenic drive through the mountains takes you through alpine meadows, traditional Alpine huts, lodges, and farms. The drive also includes panoramic views. On the peaks of Monte Bar, where there is an alpine chalet with much the same name that offers “Biking Friendly” service, you’ll find one of the most legendary mountain bike trails in the Lugano region.

The hiker is allowed to fully appreciate the breathtaking vista, beauty, and tranquility that the verdant natural landscape of the local area has to offer. One travels in a large loop around Lugano while descending into the valley.

However, a trip to Monte Bar is equally enjoyable for the whole day, so be sure to take the time to visit!

Address: Bellinzona, Switzerland

Montebello

This enormous and majestic stronghold has beautiful gardens that are fun to explore. You may go to the museum, have brunch in the restaurant that looks amazing, and then stroll down to the town solo via the ramparts and old walls.

The second castle belonging to Bellinzona may be found on Montebello hill, which is 90 meters above the city of Castelgrande. From its vantage point, the castle looks down onto the city.

This is where the walls that previously encompassed the historic town begin. They continue in this direction until they meet the fortifications that descend the San Michele hill. There are still two parts of these walls that remain intact today. They were built to protect the sides of the strong fort.

Additionally, a museum of history and archaeology is located within this castle. Within the walls of this castle is a fascinating archeological trail that will lead you through the background of the medieval mansion.

Supported by a guide that can be downloaded into your smartphone in one of 4 distinct languages, the trail will enable you to relive the estate’s past!

Address: Via Artore 4, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland

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Motto Della Croce

Among the most popular trails in the area, this one leads to Motto Della Croce, where you’ll be able to see both Lake Maggiore and the Riviera.

To reach the Artore mountains, trek from Bellinzona FFS station to Pian Laghetto and Artore, passing through a chestnut and birch forest. Once you reach the cross, the route gets progressively more difficult.

Ravecchia’s peaks and the historical nucleus of the recently found settlement of Prada may be seen as you make your way down.

It’s more beautiful in the summertime because the trees are lush and naked, but it’s just as lovely in the dead of winter when the limbs are barren. Because the track is mostly made up of tiny stones, you’ll want to wear shoes with a wider sole and significant traction. It’s a beautiful view!

A well-thought-out tour itinerary can help you get the most fun out of your trip.

Address: 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland

Museo Villa dei Cedri

The 19th-century estate that serves as Villa dei Cedri’s museum may be a large part of what draws in such a large number of visitors. Still, the museum’s impressive range of diverse artifacts also plays a significant role.

The works preserved in the collections are regularly presented in specialized projects. Still, they also complement the other pieces and the themes included in temporary exhibits. The exhibition program will typically provide 2 to 3 shows each year, with offerings that range from forward-thinking initiatives to displays that adhere to a more conventional presentation style.

Both the museum’s park, whose design is one-of-a-kind in the Bellinzona area, and the vineyards behind the house yield the much-beloved Merlot are favorites among tourists.

Address: Bellinzona, Switzerland

Palazzo Civico

Anyone interested in not just admiring Bellinzona but also getting a better understanding of it should begin their trip at the Town Hall.

The exciting part of the “city of towers” is shown in the motifs carved into the pillars of the loggias that can be seen in this building’s breathtaking internal courtyard, which exudes the distinct vibe of the south.

The tiny Piazza Rosetto had become the central hub of Bellinzona, and it’s also the location of the town hall that had stood on it since the fourteenth century. The city hall was eventually demolished because it was in such a poor state of repair. It was supplanted in the 1920s by the latest Palazzo Civico.

However, the new Palazzo Civico wasn’t a modern building; rather, it was modeled after the architectural style of medieval Italy. The structure is gorgeous, with gorgeous painted details and stained glass windows. The area may be explored at no cost, and the visitor information office can be found here.

Address: Piazza Nosetto 5, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland

Piazza Indipendenza

Among the most significant squares in Bellinzona is Piazza Indipendenza, once known as Piazza San Rocco. It gets its name from the obelisk in the middle of the plaza.

Ticino was integrated into the Swiss Confederation in 1803. A centennial later, an obelisk was raised in the center of the square to commemorate this momentous occasion. From a political perspective, this square represents the city quite well.

A lovely sight in the historic district, perfect for taking a leisurely stroll, with a plethora of restaurants and cafes and, in the very heart of the plaza, a stunning obelisk that adds to the area’s allure. A significant deal of architectural and historical significance may be found in this plaza. Mostly medieval in appearance and well kept.

A few buildings stand out, the most notable being the one on the eastern end with the detailed artwork on the outside.

There are many activities to engage in and pleasure, or you can simply take a seat and enjoy a refreshing beverage!

Address: Bellinzona, Switzerland

Ristorante Locanda Orico

Locanda Orico is a restaurant that can be found in the lovely city of Bellinzona, which can be found in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. It is a restaurant that has been awarded one Michelin star and is truly outstanding.

Excellent cuisine and the price is just what you’d expect it to be. The outstanding ambiance and awe-inspiring levels of customer service. A venue that is ideal for the celebration of really momentous occasions

Here you experience Stunning plating and amazing flavors in every dish. Staff that is both helpful and pleasant. Its Michelin star is well-deserved in every way.

This restaurant’s proprietor also serves as the head chef. He takes care to source the highest-quality ingredients from reputable local vendors to give his customers the best dining experience. He also takes the time to educate his customers about the history of each dish and the ingredients used to prepare it.

There is nothing secret about the method, which ends up producing wholesome Mediterranean food that is influenced by French cooking techniques as well as local traditions.

Service that is knowledgeable and attentive is a definite must-try!

Address: Via Orico 13, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland

San Bernardo

Did you know that this destination is not well-known? This place provides an opportunity to see one of these mountain villages and the San Bernardo church with its interesting frescoes. Still, not many people outside of the region of Bellinzona are aware of them.

Because of its remote location away from the major road network and the fact that it can only be reached by cable car or on foot over paths that can be difficult, the church was pretty unknown and not frequented very often, specifically by residents from the canton of Ticino.

Monte Carasso, like many other towns located to the right of the valley of Magadino, is comprised of many settlements: one on the bottom of the valley, one at the bottom of the mountain, and one farther up the slope.

The early communities in the lower areas were located on significant transportation routes. In contrast, the higher-up ones were established to make the most out of the available farmland. The terrain in the vicinity of these communities was utilized for farming cereal crops, vegetable gardens, pastures, and vineyards.

During this amazing climb that loops around Monte Carasso, you’ll experience some unexpected sights in the surrounding mountains.

Address: El Stradún 1A, 6513 Monte Carasso, Switzerland

Sasso Corbaro

The third and final castle, Sasso Corbaro, enjoys a commanding vantage point above the city and is known for its breathtaking panorama. It is possible to get there from Montebello by walking along the portions of the path through the vineyards or driving nearby stretches of road. It is home to a prestigious dining establishment in addition to showrooms.

This is the only one out of the 3 castles with a specific building date, and that date is 1479. Benedetto Ferrini, an architect employed by the Sforza family, was tasked with constructing it in a little over seven months to finish the defensive barricade intended to stop the Confederates from entering Milan.

The castle was known as Unterwalden Castle when the Swiss occupied the area. Still, in 1818 it was renamed Santa Barbara Castle.

After being sold in 1870 to a business that intended to develop it into a hotel, it was eventually rented out as a vacation home to families living in the surrounding area.

It is worth paying a visit here because both the heritage and the vistas are fascinating.

Address: Via Sasso Corbaro 44, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland

Teatro Sociale

Are you fond of watching the theater? The Teatro Sociale, which may be seen in the “piazza del Governo,” was constructed between 1846 and 1847. The proposal was drafted by the Milanese architect Giacomo Moraglia, and the building was managed by the engineer Rocco von Mentlen. The structure is constructed on two levels and appears like a cube.

The architectural style of traditional Italian theaters is respected in both the interior from the outside of the building. There are five doors in the lowest half of the facade, and three of them have arches above them. Instead, the uppermost portion features a pediment supported by four columns.

The structure is the only theatre from the 19th century that has been kept in Switzerland. Certain alterations, like the restaurant hall constructed by Maurizio Conti in the year 1900 and the restoration of the sustaining beam, have not affected the aspect of the structure.

A must-visit if you are nearby!

Address: Piazza Governo 11, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland

The Escape Room

On top of the old town, an Escape Room-like experience. Besides the amazing gameplay and captivating narrative, you’ll also get to view some of Bellinzona’s most interesting landmarks. As the name suggests, Sato Code is an activity with no rules.

It will be like an escape room experience, where you and your group will work together to solve puzzles and complete tasks. In contrast to the one-room setup, some stations are scattered around Bellinzona. New and thrilling carnival-themed rooms have been added to Torre Nera’s escape room for the third year.

Because of the epidemic, the Bellinzona Carnival was canceled for the first time in more than 150 years. One of Ticino’s most beloved traditions is celebrated in this new carnival-themed lounge.

Four Bellinzona Carnival clubs helped develop the game. As you work through the new fairground escape room, you’ll pick some interesting trivia about the Bellinzona Carnival custom.

This is a great space for families, friends, and anybody else who wants to join involved in the festivities.

Address: Bellinzona, Switzerland

The old town of Bellinzona

The castles of Bellinzona are the primary reason for the city’s prominence as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These castles are examples of medieval architectural defensive complexes.

A trip should also be made to the old town, considered one of the most genuine in all of Ticino, as well as the church of Santa Maria Grazie, which dates back to the 15th century and has a spectacular Renaissance fresco that covers an entire wall.

The most bustling and exciting part of Bellinzona’s weekly market takes place on Saturday mornings, making it the ideal time to visit the city.

Here you will discover the finest examples of the culinary traditions of the canton of Ticino, such as its sausages, cheese, and vegetables, as well as its market bread, which would still be prepared using the traditional methods. Be sure to pay a visit to the Old Town!

Address: Bellinzona, Switzerland

Tibetan Bridge

A pleasant walk up to the bridge. The bridge is well worth the effort required to climb up the mountain since it provides a picture-perfect view of a verdant valley, the Sementina river, and Bellinzona.

The Tibetan Bridge stretches for 270 meters in length and is suspended at an altitude of 696 meters. The concept that it is remote contributes to the overall value of the experience. If you plan on going on a trek, which is highly suggested, you should bring along some decent walking shoes, water, and snacks.

From either side of the mountain, it is possible to walk towards the bridge. However, the cable car connecting Monte Carasso and Curztt-Mornera is the easiest way to get there.

The bridge is quite steady and proportional in its design. Because there are no places to buy food along the route, please bring your lunch or other provisions for the stop. On the other hand, there are very nice arrangements created so that your water bottles may be filled up.

Taps are placed at various points along the trail to prevent you from dehydrating while in the wilderness. So be sure to be prepared before hiking up!

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Address: Monte Carasso, 6513 Bellinzona, Switzerland