Things To Do
in Novara
Novara is a charming city located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It is known for its beautiful historic architecture and lively city center. Novara has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore.
The city also offers delicious cuisine, with a focus on traditional Piedmontese dishes, making it a delightful destination for food lovers.
- "Ciao" - Hello
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Scusa" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Novara Cathedral, where you can admire its stunning architecture. Take a leisurely walk through the adjacent piazza and enjoy a cappuccino at a nearby cafe.
Head to the Castello Visconteo for a dose of history and beautiful views. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the charming surrounding park.
Dine at a local trattoria to experience traditional Piemontese cuisine. After dinner, stroll through the illuminated streets of Novara.
Begin your morning at the Basilica di San Gaudenzio, known for its impressive dome. Spend some time exploring the nearby artisan shops.
Visit the Museo di Storia Naturale to learn about the region's wildlife and geology. Grab lunch at a local pizzeria and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Join a guided night walking tour of Novara to uncover its hidden gems. Finish your evening at a local wine bar sampling regional wines.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and cultural heritage with historic sites and architecture.
- Central location in Northern Italy, making it a great base for exploring nearby cities like Milan and Lake Maggiore.
- Vibrant local markets and festivals that showcase regional food and traditions.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in Italy.
- Strong community feel with friendly locals and less tourist traffic.
- Limited job opportunities, especially in specialized fields.
- Public transportation may not be as developed as in larger cities, leading to reliance on personal vehicles.
- Fewer entertainment options and nightlife compared to metropolitan areas.
- Weather can vary significantly, with cold winters and hot summers that may not appeal to everyone.
- Tourism infrastructure may not be as robust, making it less accessible for international travelers.
Best Activities in Novara
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
An outdoor park with various activities for children and families, including playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.
Explore the beautiful natural reserves in Novara, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the scenic landscapes.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the picturesque Ticino River, taking in the charming countryside and tranquil surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Novara with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Novara
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic cathedral with a panoramic view of Novara from its dome
City hall square with picturesque views of the medieval Palazzo Broletto and surrounding area
A medieval castle offering scenic views of Novara and its surroundings
A lively square with charming architecture and views of the city
Food in Novara
Novara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy and flavorful risotto dish made with locally grown Carnaroli rice, saffron, and often topped with Ossolano cheese. A must-try dish that reflects the region's agricultural traditions.
Must-Try!
A hearty dish resembling a risotto, Paniscia Novarese is made with borlotti beans, lard, onion, and Vialone Nano rice. The result is a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a comforting meal.
A classic dessert originating from Novara, Torta Bertolina is a delicate almond and raspberry tart that showcases the region's love for simple yet exquisite pastries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Novara better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Mercato Coperto is a bustling indoor market where visitors can find a wide variety of local produce, cheeses, meats, and freshly baked bread. It's an excellent place to experience the vibrant local food scene and taste local street food delicacies like panzerotti (fried turnovers) and artisanal cheeses.
Piazza della Repubblica is a hotspot for street food enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of culinary delights. Visitors can indulge in regional specialties such as farinata, a savory chickpea pancake, and freshly fried zeppole, delightful Italian doughnuts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Novara, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, especially in formal settings. It is important to maintain eye contact and use formal titles when addressing someone for the first time.
When dining in Novara, it is polite to wait for the host to initiate the meal and to keep your hands visible on the table. Additionally, it is considered respectful to try a little bit of everything served.
Novara has a rich historical and cultural heritage, so it is important to show respect when visiting historical sites and to follow local traditions, such as participating in local festivals and events.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Novara with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Novara
Ensure a smooth experience
In Novara, Italy, tipping is not mandatory as a service charge is often included in the bill. However, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small amount of change as a token of appreciation for good service.
Payments in Novara, Italy are commonly made in cash, but credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, especially in larger establishments. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in more local or rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Novara.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Novara, Italy. Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and lively street festivals.
Warm and sunny weather, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the local cuisine.
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and the city's parks adorned with beautiful fall colors.
Cold temperatures, but the city comes alive with festive holiday markets and events.
Novara at Night
Hiking in Novara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Various trails are available for different skill levels.
Surrounded by picturesque villages, the trails around Lake Orta provide beautiful scenery and opportunities for hiking along the lake's shores and up into the hills.
One of Italy's largest wilderness areas, Val Grande offers challenging hikes through unspoiled nature, deep valleys, and rugged terrain.
This regional park features well-marked trails along the Ticino River, with opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the serene landscape.
Known for its limestone cliffs and diverse flora and fauna, Monte Fenera offers various hiking paths with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Novara through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Novara by plane.
Located approximately 45 km from Novara, this is the largest international airport serving Milan and the surrounding region.
Situated about 50 km from Novara, Linate is closer to the city center of Milan and serves primarily domestic and short-haul international flights.
Approximately 100 km from Novara, this airport serves the city of Turin and the Piedmont region with international and domestic flights.
Located around 85 km from Novara, this airport primarily serves low-cost carriers and is a hub for budget international travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of Novara's population, composed of citizens who identify as Italian and typically speak Italian as their first language.
Includes various groups of immigrants, notably from countries such as Romania, Morocco, and Sri Lanka, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the city.
A significant demographic group in Novara, reflecting the aging population trend common to many Italian cities.
Comprises a sizable portion of the population, particularly due to educational institutions present in Novara.
This group includes individuals up to 18 years of age, representing a vital part of the community's future.
The Soul of Novara
Discover the essence of Novara through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Novara, with a rich history and a dedicated fan base supporting local teams like Novara Calcio.
Basketball has a strong following in Novara, with local clubs actively participating in regional leagues.
Volleyball is widely played in Novara, with various clubs and youth programs fostering talent and competition.
Cycling is a popular activity for both leisure and competition in Novara, taking advantage of the scenic countryside.
Running is a common recreational sport in Novara, with many parks and trails that attract both casual joggers and serious runners.
Tennis enjoys a good following in Novara, with several clubs offering facilities and coaching for all age groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Novara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Novara, many restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce. It's common to find dishes like insalata di rinforzo (a cauliflower and pickled vegetable salad) and risotto with seasonal vegetables on menus.
Several eateries in Novara cater to gluten-free dietary needs, offering a variety of gluten-free pasta dishes and pizzas made with alternative flours. Additionally, many restaurants are knowledgeable about gluten intolerance and can accommodate specific requests.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Novara with these cultural adventures.
