Bellinzona is a treasure chest of history, with its UNESCO-listed castles and charming old town. Unlike many Swiss towns, Bellinzona offers a deep dive into medieval architecture, fortified walls, and narrow streets that tell stories centuries old. If you’re interested in history or architecture, the Fortezza Pass: 3 Castles Ticket really shines, giving you access to all three castles in one go, along with interesting exhibitions. For a more personalized experience, the Bellinzona – Private Tour with a visit to Castelgrande offers intimate insights, while the Bellinzona: Private Guided City Tour provides a broader look at the town’s sights — though it’s notably less loved. We love the flexibility of the Fortezza Pass and its focus on the castles, which are truly the highlight of Bellinzona.
For those wanting to see the best of Bellinzona’s medieval defenses and explore its quaint streets, these tours provide a variety of options, whether you prefer self-guided exploration, a private walk, or a comprehensive group experience. Check out the links below for more details and find the right fit for your trip.
1. Fortezza Pass: 3 Castles Ticket
At number 1, the Fortezza Pass: 3 Castles Ticket offers a straightforward way to see Bellinzona’s three iconic castles—Castelgrande, Sasso Corbaro, and Montebello—in one day. For just $34 per person, you gain access to these UNESCO World Heritage sites with the freedom to visit in any order. The ticket also includes entry to temporary exhibitions inside the castles, making it a perfect choice if you’re interested in a comprehensive, yet flexible, experience.
The tour is designed for self-paced exploration, with a detailed itinerary that guides you from one castle to the next, including photo stops, museum visits, and walking between sites. Reviews highlight how worthwhile this pass is for history lovers — “each castle had unique elements and stunning views,” and it’s ideal if you’re short on time but want to maximize your visit. The castles themselves offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval military architecture, and the exhibitions inside add context to Bellinzona’s strategic importance.
This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy independent sightseeing but want the convenience of a combined ticket. The main drawback is that it’s a one-day pass, so if you want to linger longer or skip some sites, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Overall, it’s excellent value for those eager to see all three castles in one go.
Bottom Line: Practical, flexible, and packed with history, this ticket is perfect if you want a quick, comprehensive introduction to Bellinzona’s famed castles.
2. Bellinzona – Private Tour with a visit to Castelgrande
At number 2, the Bellinzona – Private Tour with a visit to Castelgrande offers a more intimate look at Bellinzona’s largest castle and the town’s past. For around $119, the tour lasts about two hours and is ideal if you prefer personalized attention and a relaxed pace. During this experience, you’ll explore Castelgrande, which dominates the skyline and provides incredible panoramic views. The tour also includes a stroll through Bellinzona’s historic center, where you’ll admire authentic frescoes at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
What makes this tour stand out is the depth of insight provided by the guide. The guide’s 25 years of experience means you’ll get rich stories behind the fortress walls and the surrounding streets. The tour is perfect for travelers who want a focused look at Bellinzona’s most prominent fortress combined with a chance to soak up the atmosphere of the town’s charming squares and buildings.
This private option is best suited for visitors who prefer a more customized experience and don’t mind a shorter visit. The main limitation is that it covers only one castle, but it’s a good pick if you want a more detailed understanding of Castelgrande and Bellinzona’s history without rushing. Reviews mention friendly guides and “great storytelling,” making this a highly personal way to discover Bellinzona.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and those wanting an in-depth, private look at Bellinzona’s largest castle, along with a walk through the old town.
3. Bellinzona: Private Guided City Tour
At number 3, the Bellinzona: Private Guided City Tour offers a broader exploration of the city, lasting about two hours. This tour includes visits to the Castelgrande, the old town’s squares, restored palazzi, courtyards, and the impressive Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with its Renaissance fresco. It also features insights into the region’s history at the Museo Villa dei Cedri.
Despite its appealing scope, this tour has a mixed reputation, with reviews giving it a lower rating of 1.6 out of 5. Some travelers found the experience lacked depth or felt the guide didn’t deliver as much as hoped. Still, if you are interested in a quick overview of Bellinzona’s top sights and prefer a guided experience, it may work.
This option is best suited for visitors who want a quick, guided taste of Bellinzona but shouldn’t expect a deep dive into each site. The included highlights, like the castle and the frescoed church, are worthwhile, but the overall experience may feel rushed or somewhat superficial based on reviews.
Bottom Line: Good for a brief, guided overview, but consider it only if you prefer a short tour and are less concerned about in-depth storytelling.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
Choosing between these options depends on your interests and schedule. If your priority is to see all three castles at your own pace, the Fortezza Pass is a smart, flexible choice. For a more personal, in-depth exploration of Castelgrande and the town, the Private Tour with Castelgrande offers tailored insights and a relaxed experience. If you’re looking for a quick overview of Bellinzona’s main sights without much fuss, then the Private Guided City Tour could suffice, though it’s less well-reviewed.
Consider your budget, how much time you have, and whether you want a guided or independent experience. The Fortezza Pass offers excellent value for castle lovers, while private tours are better for those wanting a customized touch or specific sites.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time and avoid missing out on these engaging experiences.
In summary, Bellinzona’s castles and city streets offer options for all kinds of travelers. For a comprehensive castle visit, the Fortezza Pass is hard to beat. If you prefer a more personal tour, the Private Castelgrande option delivers tailored insights. And for a quick city overview, the Guided City Tour might suffice, though reviews suggest it’s less compelling than the other two. Whichever you choose, Bellinzona’s medieval charm is well worth your time. Enjoy exploring these historic battlements and charming streets — and remember to book early to make the most of your trip.