Novara - Discovering Italy

Travelling to Novara

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Novara, a pretty good destination in Italy (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Novara and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Novara, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Italy, here's everything to know about Novara for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Novara

Novara is a city located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It has a population of approximately 105,000 people and covers an area of 103 square kilometers. The city is well-known for its beautiful historic center, which features many stunning examples of medieval and Baroque architecture. Novara is also famous for its football team, Novara Calcio, and its delicious traditional cuisine, which includes risotto, polenta, and local cheeses. The city is easily reached by train from Milan and Turin, and is a great destination for anyone looking to experience authentic Italian culture and history.

What to visit in Novara

Sure, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Novara, Italy: 1. Novara Cathedral - This beautiful cathedral dates back to the 11th century and boasts impressive Gothic-style architecture. Visitors can also climb to the top of the bell tower for stunning views of the city.
2. Broletto - This medieval-era town hall features a striking façade and a courtyard that is used for concerts and other events.
3. Basilica of San Gaudenzio - Built in the 16th century, this church is known for its impressive dome, which is one of the largest in Italy. Visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
4. Castello Sforzesco - This grand castle was built in the 14th century and is now home to a museum that features art, artifacts, and historical exhibits.
5. Piazza della Repubblica - This bustling square is the heart of Novara and is lined with charming cafes, shops, and restaurants. It's a great place to people-watch and soak up the local culture.
6. Museo dei Bottai - This small museum celebrates the history and tradition of barrel-making in Novara. Visitors can see authentic tools and equipment used by barrel makers throughout the centuries.
7. Parco delle Betulle - This lovely park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. It features walking paths, a pond, and plenty of open space for picnics and games.
Overall, Novara offers a wonderful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a great destination for any type of traveler.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Italy, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Novara.

When to go on holiday to Novara

The best time to visit Novara is during the months of May, June, September, and October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds than in the peak summer months of July and August. Additionally, if you're interested in the region's culinary delights, autumn is a great time to visit, as it's the season of truffles and wine festivals. However, if you're looking to ski near Novara, then the winter months from December to February are the best option.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Novara

There are different ways to get to Novara, Italy, depending on your starting point and preferences. Here are some options: 1. By plane: The closest airports to Novara are Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN). From there, you can take a train or a bus to Novara. The journey from Milan Malpensa to Novara by train takes about 30-40 minutes.
2. By train: Novara is well-connected by train from major Italian cities like Milan, Turin, Venice, and Rome. The main train station in Novara is called "Novara Station" or "Novara Nord" and is located in the city center.
3. By car: Novara is located in the northern region of Italy, about 87 km (54 miles) from Milan and 132 km (82 miles) from Turin. If you're coming from Milan, you can take the A4 highway towards Turin and exit at Novara Est or Novara Ovest.
4. By bus: There are several bus companies that offer direct connections to Novara from other Italian cities, such as Milan, Turin, and Genoa. Some of the main bus companies are Flixbus, Baltour, and Marino.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Novara!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Novara, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Novara

Sure, here are some typical dishes from Novara, Italy: 1. Gnocchi del Plin: Plin is a dialect word from Piedmont that means “pinch”. So gnocchi del plin are tiny potato dumplings, stuffed with meat and pinched closed by hand. They are usually served with a meaty sauce or butter and sage.
2. Paniscia: it is a typical dish from Novara and Valsesia, made with rice, borlotti beans, pork, onion, red wine and salami. It's a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for cold weather.
3. Tortelli di zucca: These are filled pasta pockets served with butter, sage, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The filling is made of pumpkin, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients such as amaretto cookies, nutmeg or cinnamon.
4. Bagna cauda: A warm dip made with garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and butter. Vegetables such as raw peppers, carrots, celery, and radicchio are usually dipped into the sauce.
5. Risotto alla novarese: A traditional risotto dish cooked with meat broth, beef and/or pork, onion, butter, and plenty of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
6. Amaretti di Saronno: A sweet, crunchy almond cookie from the nearby town of Saronno. They are often served with coffee or sweet wine after dinner.
These are just a few of the delicious dishes you can find in Novara, Italy. Enjoy your trip!
You can find general info about typical foods in Italy here.

Is Novara an expensive destination for tourists?

Novara can be considered a moderately expensive destination for tourists in Italy, as the cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and activities can vary depending on the season and the specific location. However, compared to other popular tourist destinations in Italy, such as Rome or Venice, Novara may be slightly more affordable. It's recommended to do research and compare prices before planning a trip to Novara to get the best deals and avoid overspending.

Where to find accomodation in Novara

Novara is a small city located in the Piedmont region of Italy, with a population of about 100,000 people. The best areas to find accommodation in Novara depend on your interests and the purpose of your trip. If you are interested in exploring the historic center of Novara and its charming streets, you should consider staying in the city center. Many hotels and apartments are located within walking distance of the main attractions, such as the Basilica of San Gaudenzio and the Palazzo dei Principi.
For those who prefer a more quiet and residential environment, the neighborhoods of Veveri and Pernate are nice options. These areas are a bit outside the city center but still offer easy access to public transportation.
Lastly, if you are looking for a more rural or countryside experience, there are some farms and agriturismo (farm-stay accommodations) in the nearby villages of Suno and Trecate, which offer a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
You can check hotel prices at Novara here:
Booking.com

Is Novara a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Novara is generally a safe place for tourists. However, like any other city, it is always best to take normal safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and not leaving your personal belongings unattended in public places. It is also advisable to carry a copy of your important documents such as passport, ID, and travel insurance and leave the originals in a secured place.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Italy here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Novara.

What type of travelers will enjoy Novara the most?

Novara, Italy is a charming city that is suitable for all types of travelers. Here are some details on who will enjoy the city the most: 1. Couples - Novara is a romantic place with beautiful streets that invite to walk while enjoying the pastel-colored buildings, historic sites, and local food. There are many restaurants where couples can enjoy intimate dinners with delicious Italian dishes and wine. 2. Young people looking for fun - Novara has a vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and music events. Young people can enjoy the city's energy and nightlife scene.
3. Families - Novara is a family-friendly destination with many activities for children, such as museums, parks, and amusement parks. The city's central location also makes it easy to take day trips to other nearby attractions.
Overall, Novara is a lovely destination that caters to a variety of travel preferences, whether it be for couples, young people, or families.

How to get around Novara

In Novara, you can easily move around by bus. There are multiple bus lines that cover the city and its surroundings. Additionally, there is also a train station in Novara that connects the city with other major destinations in Italy, such as Milan, Turin, and Genoa. Taxis are also available, but they tend to be more expensive. Finally, Novara is a relatively small city, and it's quite easy to explore it on foot or by bike if you prefer a more eco-friendly and healthy way to move around.

What to see around Novara

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Novara, Italy: 1. Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands - about 1 hour away by car, Lake Maggiore is a popular destination with stunning views and picturesque towns. The Borromean Islands, located in the middle of the lake, are a must-see.
2. Turin - about 1 hour away by train or car, Turin is a beautiful city with a rich history, important museums, and stunning architecture.
3. Lake Orta - about 40 minutes away by car, Lake Orta is a smaller and quieter lake, perfect for a relaxing day trip. Visit the charming town of Orta San Giulio and take a boat tour to see the island of San Giulio.
4. Vicolungo The Style Outlets - about 20 minutes away by car, this shopping center is perfect for those who want to do some shopping at discounted prices.
5. Castello di Masino - about 30 minutes away by car, this beautiful castle is open to visitors and hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any more information.
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