Things To Do
in Novara
Novara is a compact, historic city in the Piedmont plain between Milan and Lake Maggiore, known for its elegant 19th-century architecture and lively local markets. Its skyline is marked by the dome of the Basilica of San Gaudenzio and the Romanesque-Gothic Duomo at the city center. Novara serves as an agricultural hub for the surrounding rice fields and as a convenient rail junction for exploring Piedmont and Lombardy.
The city mixes relaxed provincial charm with good food, accessible day trips, and a friendly, walkable center.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Novara and settle into your historic accommodation near the city center. Wander through the elegant porticoes lining Corso Italia and take in the morning light on the pastel facades. Stop at a local café for a rich cappuccino and a fresh brioche.
Take a leisurely stroll to Piazza Martiri della Libertà, admiring the ornate duomo façade and the silent grandeur of the Arengo Palace. Snack on local focaccia while watching street musicians practice in the square. Pop into boutique shops to browse leather goods and artisanal pastries.
Enjoy dinner at a family-run osteria serving risotto alla novarese with mature gorgonzola. Sample a glass of Erbaluce di Caluso as the sun sets over the city rooftops. End your evening with gelato from a historic gelateria before returning to your lodging.
Begin with a guided tour of the Novara Cathedral, marveling at the intricate neoclassical architecture and frescoed ceilings. Climb the campanile for panoramic views over Novara’s red-tiled roofs. Stop at a nearby pasticceria for amaretti cookies and espresso.
Explore the hidden courtyards behind Piazza della Repubblica, discovering Renaissance fountains and wrought-iron balconies. Visit local artisan workshops to see pottery and glassblowing demonstrations. Pause at a wine bar for light bites of local salumi and olives.
Head to Broletto Square to savor an aperitivo with Aperol Spritz and cicchetti like mounted Tuscan ham. As dusk falls, watch the medieval towers light up against the night sky. Dine al fresco at a trattoria overlooking the illuminated facades.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍝Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Cappuccino and pastry | $2-4 |
| 🚆Regional train to Milan (one-way) | $6-15 |
| 🚕Taxi start (day) | $4-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center with striking architecture
- Excellent regional food and wines within easy reach
- Convenient rail connections to Milan, Turin and lakes
- Access to scenic day trips (Lake Orta, Mottarone) and rural landscapes
- Less nightlife and cultural scene than larger nearby cities
- Summer can be hot and humid; winter fog can be persistent
- Limited late-night public transport options
- "Buongiorno / Buonasera" - Good morning / Good evening
- "Per favore / Grazie" - Please / Thank you
- "Dov'è la stazione?" - Where is the train station?
- "Il conto, per favore" - The bill, please
- "Sono vegetariano/a" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Novara
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic skyline feature with an elegant, tall cupola visible from across the city—best photos at golden hour or from nearby vantage points.
Historic cathedral square with striking architecture and atmospheric medieval details perfect for close-up and wide-angle shots.
Vibrant streets and squares with cafés, historic façades and pedestrian life—great for street and urban photography.
Reflective rice paddies around Novara create mirror-like landscapes in spring and early summer—excellent for sunrise shots and landscapes.
Short trips offer panoramic lake views, island scenes (Isola San Giulio) and alpine backdrops for dramatic compositions.
Food in Novara
Novara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty Novara rice stew with beans, pork, and often dandelion greens—found in traditional trattorie and during local food festivals.
Must-Try!
Creamy risotto often finished with butter and cheese or slow-cooked meats; look for versions at family-run restaurants and agriturismi.
Piedmontese filled pasta (agnolotti) and thin egg noodles (tajarin) served in broths or with butter and sage; common across local menus.
A traditional Piedmontese chocolate and amaretti pudding served as a classic regional dessert in many cafés and restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market offers fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats and seasonal specialties; ideal for tasting local ingredients and buying picnic supplies.
Regular outdoor markets sell fresh fruit, vegetables, and street-food snacks—try local focacce, roasted chestnuts in season, and quick panini at market stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' on entering shops and when meeting people is appreciated; handshake or light cheek kiss among friends is common in social settings.
Meals are relaxed and social—wait to be seated, keep elbows off the table, and it’s polite to say 'Buon appetito' before eating.
Dress smart-casual when visiting churches or nicer restaurants; speak quietly on public transport and be respectful around religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Novara
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is often included on restaurant bills ('servizio incluso') but leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated; for exceptional service a 5–10% tip is fine. Tipping baristas after a coffee is not customary, but you can leave coins for appreciation.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, though small businesses and market stalls may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common; carry some euros for smaller purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming landscapes and fewer tourists—ideal for walking, cycling and exploring markets as nature comes alive.
Warm to hot weather with occasional humidity; great for lake visits and outdoor dining, but expect higher temperatures in July–August and some businesses to close for August holidays.
Crisp air, harvest season and vibrant foliage—perfect for food-focused trips, wine tastings and seeing the rice fields in harvest mode.
Cool to cold with fog in the plains and occasional snow; quieter city center, good for museum visits and hearty Piedmontese cuisine.
Novara at Night
Hiking in Novara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A mountain between Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore offering varied trails, panoramic viewpoints and moderate hikes suitable for a half- or full-day trip.
A scenic and spiritually significant set of chapels and paths above Lake Orta with gentle climbs and spectacular views over the lake and islands.
Flat, easy routes through the rural landscapes around Novara, excellent for birdwatching, photography and gentle cycling.
Airports
How to reach Novara by plane.
Approximately 30–40 minutes by car or direct shuttle/train connections to Novara; Malpensa is the largest nearby international airport with numerous connections.
Closer to central Milan and useful for domestic or short-haul flights; reach Novara by regional train or car in about 1–1.5 hours depending on connections.
About 45–60 minutes by car or regional train—convenient alternative for access from the west and for exploring Piedmont.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to Milan and Turin for work, creating a sizable commuter population that influences daily rhythms.
A younger demographic attends local schools and nearby universities, which contributes to cafés, bars and cultural events.
The surrounding province includes farmers and seasonal workers involved in rice cultivation and local food production.
Long-time residents and older generations maintain traditions and contribute to the calm, community-oriented atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely followed and local teams draw community support; amateur leagues and youth clubs are active across the province.
Cycling is popular for both leisure and sport, with flat routes around the plains and hill climbs nearby for more challenging rides.
Nearby lakes support boating, kayaking and rowing activities during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Novara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy risotti, polenta, cheese plates, bruschette and many vegetable sides; always ask for broths free of meat and look for 'piatti vegetariani' on menus.
Vegan options are more limited but growing—look for vegetable risottos, salads, and markets for fresh produce; communicate needs clearly in Italian ('Sono vegano/a').
Many restaurants offer gluten-free pasta and bread on request; search for places with 'senza glutine' options and verify cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.