Bellinzona is the capital of the canton of Ticino and is home to three medieval castles – the Castelgrande, the Castello di Montebello and the Castello di Sasso Corbaro – jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortresses rise on rocky ridges above the old town and reflect the city's strategic importance as the key to the Gotthard Pass.

The Castelgrande is the oldest and most imposing of the three castles and is accessible from the old town by lift. The old town itself has a well-kept historic centre with the Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Stephen and a lively weekly market. The Piazza Nosetto is the city's social hub. Bellinzona is smaller and less touristy than Lugano or Locarno but offers greater cultural and historical depth.

Bellinzona is on the main railway line and reachable by SBB from Zurich in around 2 hours, from Lugano in around 25 minutes. By car, take the A2 motorway from the north or south. Parking is available in the city centre.