Bellinzona, Switzerland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Bellinzona, Switzerland? If you're planning to go to Bellinzona, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bellinzona, Switzerland

Based on the climate and weather in Bellinzona, Switzerland, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bellinzona, Switzerland

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bellinzona, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Bellinzona, Switzerland by month

January

January in Bellinzona is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes. There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be careful to get the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

February

If you visit Bellinzona during February, you may notice that it can be very chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while. There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be sure to find the right type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

March

If you vacation in Bellinzona during March, you will probably find that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Ensure that you find the right kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

April

April in this region can be chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. It's important that you get the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

May

In May, Bellinzona is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) and once in a while jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Bellinzona, with a few of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be sure to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

June

If you are traveling to Bellinzona in June, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Take care to pick the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

July

If you are traveling to Bellinzona in July, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. It's important that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

August

Traveling to Bellinzona in August, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Take care to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

September

September in Bellinzona is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Check that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

October

If you visit Bellinzona during October, you are likely to notice that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Ensure that you find the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

November

November in Bellinzona can be brisk. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be careful to find the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

December

December in Bellinzona is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly. There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bellinzona. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Take care to get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you plan go to a monastery, like Monastero di Santa Maria, take the following:

What to do in Bellinzona, Switzerland

Bellinzona, located in the southern part of Switzerland, is a charming city known for its medieval architecture and rich history. As the capital of the Ticino region, it offers a variety of top tourist attractions that will keep visitors entertained.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions to visit when in Bellinzona:

1. Castelgrande

Castelgrande is the most famous castle in Bellinzona and one of the top tourist attractions in Switzerland. The castle has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and was once occupied by nobility and the powerful Visconti and Sforza families. Today, the castle has been restored to its former glory and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the winding staircases, grand halls, and towers of this impressive fortress.

2. Montebello Castle

Montebello Castle is a smaller castle in Bellinzona known for its impressive views of the surrounding valley. This castle was built in the 14th century and was originally used as a fortress to protect Bellinzona from attack. Today, Montebello Castle houses a museum with a collection of arms, armor, and medieval sculptures.

3. Sasso Corbaro Castle

Sasso Corbaro Castle is located on a hill overlooking Bellinzona and is the third castle of the city’s UNESCO-listed defense system. The castle was built in the 1470s and was used as a military fortress for many years. Today, visitors can tour the castle and enjoy a panoramic view of Bellinzona and the surrounding valleys.

4. The Three Castles of Bellinzona

The Three Castles of Bellinzona are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consist of Castelgrande, Montebello Castle, and Sasso Corbaro Castle. Together, these castles offer visitors an insight into the history of the city’s past and the importance of the Ticino region in medieval Europe. The three castles are linked by a pedestrian path that winds through the forested hills of Bellinzona.

5. Piazza Collegiata

Piazza Collegiata is the main square in Bellinzona and is surrounded by historic buildings. The Collegiate Church of SS. Pietro e Stefano is the main highlight of the square, with its impressive façade and elegant bell tower. Visitors can also explore the many shops and cafes that line the square.

In conclusion, Bellinzona is a city with a rich history and offers tourists an opportunity to step back in time and explore a medieval world. Whether you’re interested in castles or just want to soak up the beauty of the Ticino region, Bellinzona has something for everyone.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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