The Bellinzona weekly outdoor market, held in the city's historic old town, is a beloved tradition and one of the most popular markets in the Ticino region.

The market showcases the best seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade specialties made from traditional recipes, delicious local cheeses and breads. We particularly liked the freshly made polenta and custom filled and dipped cannolis.

In addition to food, the market offers a wide variety of goods, from trinkets and clothing to handmade crafts, some of which are created on the spot. If you stay long enough, many bars and restaurants offering a special "Market Menu" for lunchtime.

Where: Piazza Collegiata, Bellinzona

When: Saturdays 7:30 - 13:00 year round
Also a smaller market on Weds 10:00 - 17:00 from April to June and Sept thru Oct

Website: www.ticino.ch

When we visited, the market also had entertainment, with a live band in traditional attire, a puppet show accompanied by junior musicians, and a variety of street performers.

We expected to do a quick walk through the market before our day trip, but we enjoyed it so much that we wanted to linger and explore more than we had time for.