Can't believe I'm the first to review Castelgrande in Bellinzona This was probably my fourth visit…read moreand it was just as lovely as the first. Although, I must admit that I especially enjoy it in October when the leaves are changing, the temperature has dropped and the tourists are nowhere to be found. Tip: grab a pastry or drink from Migros at the base of the castle and bring it up with you for a picnics with a view. My fondest memory from Castelgrande was sitting on the top overlooking the mountains eating a rhubarb tart with my mom. A few fun facts about Bellinzona's treasure: -it's free to visit (fee for the museum) - received unesco heritage site status in 2000 for cultural significance -there's an elevator to the top helping this spot serve everyone -there are plenty of steps to be had if you're hoping to go to the "top top"

Castelgrande is one of the three castles located in Bellinzona that have been on the UNESCO world…read moreheritage site list since 2000. These castles were built by the Dukes of Milan in the 15th century. The Castlegrande is the largest of the three castle complexes. There is a museum that you can tour on the inside, but as I was visiting off season on a Sunday, the museum was not open. However the castle grounds were open to walk through. I haven't had so much fun roaming around castle grounds before. You could even climb the stairs of most of the outside complex stone walls and have a great view. It is quite a large area, and it was just fun to explore and to take in the history of the place, and to imagine all the people over the years who have visited the same complex. Castlegrande is located on a rocky peak overlooking the valley, with a series of fortified walls that protect the old city and connect to the second castle (Montebello). The third castle (Sasso Corbaro) is located on an isolated rock southeast of the other two. It is a bit of a climb to get to Castlegrande, but I hear there is a lift that is working when the museum is open. You also need to hike a bit to make it to the other two. Castlegrande was used to defend against intruders, and were army garrison's, not meant for medieval prince and princess to live in. Definitely a beautiful place to explore and loose yourself in time.

Came here at the recommendation of a friend living in Zurich. Such a wonderful experience. The…read moresmall island is a short boat ride from Locarno (also a short boat ride from Ascona). Entrance fee was small (about 8CHF). But wow, what a view! And the flowers! Heavenly. The smell of Jasmine was everywhere. Loved the flowers from around the globe, the Roman "bath" and the Bamboo garden. Very easy to spend an entire day here. A must visit, especially if you like nature, flowers, spectacular views, and the outdoors.

The funicular is the start of a journey that you have to make if you find yourself in Locarno on a…read moreclear day. Riding the funicular is like taking a step back in time, with wooden seats and paneling. The ride takes you up the hillside in about 5 minutes, giving a great view down over Locarno, and a couple of stops on the way up. Then the cable car awaits...

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is not only beautiful with high end shopping but it is much…read morelarger than I expected. I made way over to spinning the bull mosaic and there was a circle full of people just jumping in to spin the bull. It is best to visit the Galleria on a week day for the weekend is super crowded. I experienced both and I prefer the weekday 100%.

A centrally located, beautiful little luxury shopping gallery. The original Prada store is located…read morehere - there are actually two stores across from each other, one featuring women's items, and one for men. There is a YSL, Dior, LV, etc.

B o n g i o r n o... What a quant little Palazzo located next to Lake Como. Palazzo means square…read more Walk around on the ancient cobblestone streets to the many shops, eateries and churches. Plenty of Gelaterias for the ice cream addicts like myself. All though, it's a little hard to tell where one Palazzo ends and the other one starts, it's all one beautiful village.

According to the interwebs, it's the most important fortress in the canton Grisons. I find it to…read morebe, so far, the most beautiful one around as well. It reminds me of the Catalan Romanesque, so maybe I'm not being impartial. Only the exterior walls and the church tower remain erected, and some of the interior structure can be guessed. The area, which is very well looked after, is reached after a 10 minute walk from the parking lot by the road, past the Santa Maria church. When I was there last summer, I was the only person around, so I guess it's not very well known or the location is not very convenient for a spontaneous visit if you are not nearby and happen to have some time to spend. I also found a pagoda-like structure, but I couldn't find out what it was for, maybe they celebrate events in there.

This seems the same listing but with different name for the Como Cathedral. The duomo in Como is…read moredefinitely worth visiting, which is usually referred as the last cathedral built in Italy. It's very beautiful and spectacular both outside and inside, and it's the most impressive church in this area. I'd certainly recommend visiting here.

First off, wow! Amazing view with amazing food, service and quaintness. Cannot wait to come back…read morefor the pumpkin gnocchi...THAT WAS SOO AMAZING!

A cafe with killer view!…read more Pluses: The view! The food - Osso buco and pork chop and desserts. Service. Areas to improve - none Just go! Romantic for couples but also great for families and big groups. Great value for quantity and quality of food!