Bellinzona

Bellinzona is the capital city of southern Switzerland’s Ticino canton. It’s known for its 3 medieval castles, including the hilltop Castelgrande and Sasso Corbaro. Both have views of the city, the surrounding Alps and Montebello, the 3rd castle. The Museo Villa dei Cedri features regional art from the 19th century to the present. Original elements in the restored Palazzo Civico include a 16th-century fresco.
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Top places to visit

4.6
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4.1
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Mentioned on 
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Sasso Corbaro Castle is a restored 15th-century fortress situated on a high, rocky outcrop, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. To reach the castle, visitors can take various routes that lead to its location, providing unique perspectives of Bellinzona and the region extending to Lake Maggiore. The castle houses Sala Emma Poglia, a wooden room originally built for the Emma family in the 17th century.
Parts of the castle were actually closed this time of the year when we visited but the restaurant seemed opened and we could still get up to the entrance of the castle and the little courtyard inside. The views from the castle were amazing and it was nice that it’s not crowded, probably because it’s not technically opened.
Siewling L — Google review
Castle from 15th century, built on a rocky perch above the city. One of three Bellinzona Castles, all part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lovely view with a restaurant inside plus exhibitions.
Azer J — Google review
It was autumn and the leaves were colorful, great view of the two other castles from here and available parking near the Castello.
Nancylee S — Google review
Small ( in relative sense) castle in excellent condition and nice views. Reachable by car (sufficient free parking) or by foot (some 40 -50 mins or so hiking up from main Piazza). Or tour trains. Free walking outside. Inside can be closed. Still well worth the short drive from below.
Whoever99999 W — Google review
Beautiful view and a very helpful woman who worked there that responded to any questions we had. It was raining so there wasn’t many people but the castle was historic yet very well maintained.
Dickran K — Google review
Great views and it was free to enter, don't know if it was because it was Sunday?
Dorothy K — Google review
We loved our time here. Beautiful views of Bellinzona from the castle.
Joanna L — Google review
nice views, parking available, narrow streets
Nikola T — Google review
4.7
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4.5
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Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Castles
Nestled in the picturesque region of Ticino, the Castles of Bellinzona stand as a testament to medieval architecture and history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features three impressive castles—Montebello, Sasso Corbaro, and Castelgrande—each boasting stunning crenelated walls and towering structures that have withstood the test of time.
It is definitely worth traveling just for this. I traveled 3 hours just to see the castle, it was definitely impressive, the wall reaches out quite far❤️
Daisy M — Google review
It's the biggest of three castles in Bellinzona (besides Montebello and Sasso Corbaro). Very lovely medieval setting, informative exhibition inside the Museum with a short movie about it's history.
Azer J — Google review
Didn’t go in the museum or restaurant. Elevator from piazza del sole makes it easy to reach and always very nice and chill. Ton of green slots to lay down and relax.
Flame 0 — Google review
no parking on-site, but if you go during the off-season you don’t need to pay for the views! only had to pay if you wanted to see the museum. recommend parking in the city square beneath the castle.
Megan M — Google review
Nice but not breathtaking. Great views of the city
Amit O — Google review
Just go :) Easy underground car parking Incredible city streets around it If you are right on time this is the only one to visit Club the towers buy the ticket Restrooms
Marius K — Google review
On a river cruise, than a bus ride to Lake Como stopped for lunch enjoyed the city view from the castle.
Nina B — Google review
Fabulous views and lots areas to explore without a ticket.
Nancylee S — Google review
Salita Castelgrande 18, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerlandhttps://fortezzabellinzona.ch/Tips and more reviews for Castel Grande
4.7
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Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Nestled on a picturesque hillside, the Castello di Montebello is a stunning 15th-century fortress that offers visitors an enchanting glimpse into history. As you ascend from Piazza Collegiata, you'll find yourself captivated by the breathtaking views of the town and surrounding landscape. The castle boasts impressive ramparts that connect it to its neighboring fortifications, allowing for a fascinating exploration of medieval architecture.
Visiting Castello di Montebello in Switzerland is like walking into a fairytale! But first, a little tip: to reach the castle entrance, you’ll need to find the elevator that takes you down to the lower level. The castle walls are incredible, they wrap around the city and give you a real sense of its medieval history. It’s absolutely stunning, especially when seen from above or while walking along the ramparts. 🏰🌿 Once you’re inside, the views are breathtaking. You get a sweeping panorama of Bellinzona and the surrounding mountains – it’s the kind of view you could stare at for hours. 🌄😍 Whether you’re into history, photography, or just love exploring unique places, Montebello is a must-see. Peaceful, picturesque, and full of charm.
Stav T — Google review
The walk up to the castle offered fabulous views of the city and Castello Grande. The path from the cental city square is made of stone and some steps (maybe 15 minutes). There are railings most of the way. An alternate way down we took the road from the oarking lot out of the castle through the draw bridge.
Nancylee S — Google review
A beautiful castle on the edge of town. This castle was second castle of the three that were built. It was a relatively short walk from Castle grande, with some beautiful sights along the way. The castle was closed when I went there in November, (it's only open during the summer). However, I was still able to walk along the ramparts and see the city below, and some great views of castle grande. I was still able to explore most of the castle despite the fact it was closed on the inside as well. It is worth noting that it is also in the middle of a residential area and are no longer in downtown. There is also a parking lot so you could drive there, and a bus stop outside of it. Would love to go there when the museum is open again.
Thomas S — Google review
Amazingly beautiful. We found a nice path where you don’t have to pay and still could appreciate the building
Luisa V — Google review
Very walk from city centre. Up there you can see the other castle and the entire city. I would recommend go up there for sunset view. If you want to go inside the castle you need to buy ticket. But walking around outside perimeter is also worth the walk. If you are lucky you can see the guardian cat also. Lol
Kamon K — Google review
Superb view. Well worth the steps going up from castel Grande. Breathtaking.
Fred S — Google review
Really well preserved castle, nice parking and easy to walk around
Alexis ( — Google review
great views, keep in mind the parking is quite small
Nikola T — Google review
4.3
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4.3
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City government office
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Palazzo Civico Municipio Bellinzona, located in Piazza Nosetto, is a grand building with impressive arcades on multiple levels. The interior features a staircase leading to upper floors adorned with vibrant geraniums and exquisite stained glass windows depicting the city's historical moments. Constructed between 1921 and 1923 by architect Enea Tallone, this Town Hall has undergone significant renovations since the 19th century.
Unfortunately we didn’t get in as we visited on weekend that it’s closed but it was beautiful to see even from outside, also we got lucky and there was a concert on the outdoor premises the day we were there which was lovely!
Maria A — Google review
Very impressive townhall! You are first attracted by a large bare stone tower and only because I read about it, I knew there is an open courtyard as well, make sure you don’t miss it because it is impressive! Lombardisn style with a great facade and three floors of arches and terraces. Like most of the places in Bellinzona, this building adds to it beauty!
J • — Google review
Wonderful building optimally preserved, is for sure an adding value for the city, easy reachable and a lot of chance to have nice dinner or even lunch
Michel M — Google review
most welcoming and stylish community office I've ever had to visit
Luuk D — Google review
Beautiful palace in the middle of beautiful historic old town
Rob W — Google review
When I visited Bellinzona was a festival and a lot of people and it was really nice. I don't know how it's on a normal day.
Daniel D — Google review
Very ornate, old building. Beautiful
Dan F — Google review
Love this building
Myin C — Google review
Mentioned on 
Piazza Collegiata is a charming square located just a short walk from the train station. It's an ideal spot to relax at one of the outdoor cafes, sipping on a cappuccino while observing the bustling atmosphere. Afterward, strolling along Via Nosetto and Via Camminata will lead you to Piazza Indipendenza, allowing you to continue your exploration of this vibrant area.
6500 Bellinzona, SwitzerlandTips and more reviews for Piazza Collegiata

Top places to eat

4.3
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Restaurant
Event management company
Grotto San Michele is a restaurant located in Castelgrande, offering a stunning panoramic terrace where visitors can enjoy a delightful meal. The interior of the restaurant features modern Ticino-inspired cuisine and offers a sophisticated dining experience. Additionally, the Osteria Sasso Corbaro, situated in Bellinzona's topmost castle, serves authentic Ticinese dishes in a charming setting.
The view from here is breathtaking. Table service was great. All is the food we ordered was delicious. The olive oil they had was the best olive oil I've ever tasted. I would like to know where I can find it!
Jacky W — Google review
Outside table provides a magnificent view over the city and castles. When we were having a lunch, a big group of tourists showed up and took like 3 tables outside. After that we were almost forgotten by the waiter and the meals was served with a noticeable delay.
Greatest U — Google review
You pay for the view here, of course. The osso bucco was very tasty but just a tiny bit dry. Service was OK. Overall it does feel a bit overpriced but the view makes up for it mostly.
Laura H — Google review
Great spot. Great food for a reasonable price being in Switzerland. Friendly staff.
Wim V — Google review
Food and view were great. The waiter was kind of weird, he really didn't want us sitting outside for some reason, but overall a really nice place.
Tim M — Google review
Beautiful view of Montebello castle from the Grotto terrace and into the distance past Mount Tamaro.
Markus H — Google review
Beautiful place with a lovely terrace offering a panoramic view, good food, good wines, a most pleasant atmosphere to spend your time.
Andreas H — Google review
Food, view, wine, service...all amazing! The Pana cotta is one of a kind😍😍
Zornitsa H — Google review
4.6
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4.3
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Restaurant
Nestled within the historic walls of Bellinzona's highest castle, Osteria Sasso Corbaro offers a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of Ticinese cuisine. This charming eatery invites guests to savor homemade pasta and specialties featuring both meat and fish, all while enjoying a glass of local wine. Diners can choose to sit at rustic stone tables in the serene courtyard or within the inviting great hall, making it an ideal spot for those seeking an atmospheric meal.
It’s not every day you get to dine in a medieval castle. Osteria Sasso Corbaro is truly one of the most unique dining experiences I’ve ever had. The intimacy of the castle makes for a beautiful spot for celebration or the enjoyment of connection over food. Focusing heavily on Trentino cuisine, the alpine flavors of Italy are well crafted into each dish and a seasonal menu ensures ingredients are not only fresh but reflect the mood. On a cold night, I was fortunate to enjoy the cocoa ravioli with deer and chestnuts; it was almost like having Christmas in your mouth. What an experience, Grazie Mille to the incredibly generous and attentive staff, and I cannot wait to go back. An easy recommendation for anyone visiting historic Bellinzona.
Dominic A — Google review
The service here is second to none! Anyone who wants to indulge in professional, unobtrusive and pleasant gastronomy must take a break here. The culinary touch also gets 5 stars. Delicious food beautifully prepared. Here we treat ourselves once again a nice time and hope to meet the same perfect team.
Peter B — Google review
This was a great Italian restaurant with highly innovative interpretations of classic dishes. We had asparagus risotto with cocoa beans and a tagliolini with foie Gras and mushrooms. The restaurant is located in the courtyard of the beautiful castle. Service was friendly but a bit slow when it got busier. The place is not big so I recommend a reservation. There is a parking lot just next to the castle.
Eliza F — Google review
Artos is an excellent chef and we had a very good meal with fresh local produce. Must sample the wine list which is very good value.
Alexander S — Google review
Very nice outside area, beautiful location. But at 2:10pm no more food (kitchen closed)? On a Saturday with tons of tourists? All we got were the remaining few sausages they had. The lady was surprised that we were surprised...
Rob W — Google review
Awesome! Would totally come here again
Rémy B — Google review
Enjoy the excellent food in the courtyard of the castello. Very friendly staff and just the place to soak up Tessin culture and life.
Evelyne Z — Google review
Menu of the day of this Osteria inside one of the 3 castles of Bellinzona had great options,both risotto and the egg we ordered were delicious. Outdoor seating and a few tables are also available inside.
Mariana R — Google review
4.5
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4.8
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Restaurant
Event management company
Ristorante Castelgrande is a popular dining spot in Bellinzona, Switzerland. The restaurant offers two distinct experiences: Grotto San Michele provides a panoramic terrace for outdoor dining with Ticino-inspired cuisine, while the interior restaurant boasts a modern ambiance with postmodern black leather and tubular steel furniture. The Osteria Sasso Corbaro, located in the topmost castle of Bellinzona, serves authentic Ticinese fare in an atmospheric setting.
We love this restaurant - it’s literally in a castle, the food’s super, the service extremely attentive and old-school (they’re essentially a finishing school for Swiss hotel graduates, supervised by a core full time staff). We’re always baffled why there’s only a few tables, but don’t let it put you off - this is the best restaurant around!
Guy D — Google review
Very tasty, excellent service, unbeatable views from the top of the castle walls. I had the lunch special. Grilled pork chop with perfectly cooked veggies and potatoes
Dana S — Google review
On warm days definitely sit outside and enjoy Bellinzona. Staff is very nice and the food as well! Also book in advance if you can
Dan — Google review
Great restaurant, helpful staff, nice sight in outdoor. The restaurant is popular, table reservation may recommended, or you should arrive in time.
Adam V — Google review
The whole experience was really great. We had the tasting menu which was really great and even came with additional culinary surprises. Compliments to the Chef, but also to the Service Personnel! They were all very kind and very attentive. Thank you for the great fine dining experience! :)
Nathalie M — Google review
Must visit in bellinzona. Great food and ambiance. Nice view from the seating area.
Parag P — Google review
We came here not for the food, but for the beautiful views and Champaign. The terrace is amaizing. We come here frequently for drinks and pasta. This is a good spot for people to enjoy a slow evening.
Eric T — Google review
Very good food and friendly service, but appallingly slow.
Stéphane L — Google review
4.7
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4.7
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Restaurant
French restaurant
Ristorante Locanda Orico da Albrici is a renowned dining spot in Bellinzona, Switzerland. The restaurant's chef, Lorenzo Albrici, has contributed to the region's culinary prestige by earning a Michelin star. This establishment is among the 109 restaurants in Switzerland that boast a single Michelin star. With its Italian and Swiss cuisine, Ristorante Locanda Orico da Albrici offers an exquisite and refined dining experience.
One of the best restaurants in the Ticino, excellent value for money and a very friendly crew. And a nice location in the old town, just 10 min from the station. Happy to come back when I am in the area again.
Hans M — Google review
Just an excellent restaurant - I picked à la carte and could not have been happier with the incredibly tasty food and the great service. Highlights were the Iberico pork chop, the gnocchetti with frog legs, and the veal sweetbreads. While the meat was certainly the star in all three dishes, it was wonderfully complemented by great sauces and perfectly cooked vegetables. The little sweet treats at the end of the meal were just a perfect ending to a stellar meal!
Christina — Google review
Sensational good restaurant! We stopped in Bellinzona for a lunch and found this wonderful restaurant. The food was delicious! Especially the shrimps with basil and the wagyu beef from Tessin! Service was very attentive. The prices are high but definitely worth it for the experience...
Mat B — Google review
The business lunch menu is poor. This might be a highly recognised restaurant and the "à la carte" food might be great. The business menu nevertheless is very disapointing. We had 3 times a (different) business lunch menu and each time the menu was really poor. A restaurant should not be assigned a Michelin star if the quality of their business lunch is not in line with the rest of their food.
F V — Google review
Outstanding lunch deal at 50 CHF, worth a train ride over to the south of the alps. Must try. Great main, the chocolate cake desert was one of the best I have had. The restaurant deco is a bit old fashioned and spartan. What matters is the food😜!
Vic N — Google review
The chef cooks all with exquisite condition. The scampi was very delicious. I know many good restaurants in Ticino, and the Orico is one of my favourite.
Rie M — Google review
Well known restaurant in Bellinzona. Good 3 course menue, although pulpo salat was below average. However the thin sliced Wagyu beef with fried vegetables was excellent.
Werner H — Google review
This small restaurant in the center of Bellinzona is great. They have 2 small dining rooms, with a friendly atmosphere. We had the tasting menu, which they adapted to some of our preferences with dishes out of the menu. Very flexible and attentive service. The wine list is varied with many options from local producers. Overall, highly recommended.
Daniel T — Google review
4.5
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4.2
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affordable
Restaurant
Nestled in the charming town of Bellinzona, Ristorante Grottino Ticinese offers a delightful escape into the world of Italian-Swiss cuisine. Housed in an old building that exudes character, this low-key eatery features inviting outdoor seating where guests can savor their meals al fresco. The menu is a celebration of comfort food, showcasing traditional dishes that highlight the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Friendly staff, good food and a nice and cozy place. There is also a big playground and you can easily eat or drink outside while keeping an eye on your kids.
Mirko S — Google review
SCAM!! This place charges CRAZY amounts for just a drink. Their kitchen wasn’t open. The staff was dismissive. Cute outdoor area with wifi is the only saving grace.
Em — Google review
Nice grotto on stone build house. Inside warm atmosphere and taste, with chimney to give the extra housy feeling.
Antonio ( — Google review
Absolutely perfect, very friendly and efficient staff, delicious food and a truly perfect atmosphere. Also for families with children it is ideal.
Jamira B — Google review
I think this is correct place to try meat dishes. I would recomend to ask for the dish of the day ;) Also, the desert list is smth that I like about this restoraunt. Wish all the best to the Grottino team!
Yulia G — Google review
Though it is certainly a good walk away, it is worth it. This quaint, rustic feeling little place is a wonderful chance to see the other side of Bellinzona, a chance to partake in a place that feels highly authentic and reasonably priced for the area. They were quite nice to have a vegan section to the menu (I got the presta gnocci and it was superb) and were surprisingly quick, having our food out in less than 20 minutes. The only dislike was that some of the food was unnecessarily pricey (like the scaloppina di maiale impanata), so I would recomend staying away from some of the more expensive items.
Tristan W — Google review
What an amazing lunch with Gnocchi pomodoro and Tagliata di manzo alla Robespierre!! Highly recommend!! 😋
Shelley D — Google review
Super friendly service and charming seating outside in rustico style
F S — Google review
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