Novara travel guide

Nestled in the heart of the Piedmont region, Novara boasts a rich history that dates back to pre-Roman times. The city was originally inhabited by a Celtic tribe known as the Ligurians. It later became a Roman municipium, flourishing through trade and agriculture. During the Middle Ages, Novara was a significant ecclesiastical center, marked by the construction of its iconic Basilica of San Gaudenzio.

In the 12th century, the city joined the Lombard League, playing a pivotal role in the battles against the Holy Roman Empire. The Renaissance era saw Novara under the control of the Visconti and Sforza families, which contributed to its architectural and cultural development. The 19th century was a period of turmoil and change for Novara, highlighted by the Battle of Novara in 1849, a key event in the Italian unification process.

Today, Novara blends its historical legacy with modernity, offering visitors a unique glimpse into its storied past. From the ancient remnants of its Roman origins to the stunning neoclassical buildings, Novara is a treasure trove of history waiting to be explored.

Novara, nestled in the Piedmont region of Italy, boasts a rich cultural heritage that reflects its historical and geographical influences. The locals, known as Novaresi, are proud of their traditions and are known for their warm hospitality. One of the most cherished customs is the evening passeggiata, a leisurely stroll through the streets, where families and friends gather to socialize and enjoy the ambience. Participating in this can be a delightful way for visitors to immerse themselves in local life.

Punctuality is highly valued in Novara, so it's best to be on time for appointments and social gatherings. When greeting, a friendly 'Ciao' or 'Buongiorno' is appreciated, often accompanied by a handshake or, among close acquaintances, cheek kisses. The local cuisine is a significant part of the culture, with specialties like Gorgonzola cheese and risotto being must-tries.

Respect for traditions is evident during local festivals such as the Festa di San Gaudenzio, celebrating the city’s patron saint with processions and events. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and behave respectfully, especially during services. Understanding these customs can enhance the experience of exploring the charming city of Novara.

The best time to explore Novara is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasantly mild, with temperatures averaging between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). During these seasons, you can enjoy the city's outdoor attractions, like the Broletto courtyard and the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, without dealing with the intense heat or cold.

Additionally, spring and early autumn are ideal for avoiding the large tourist crowds that flock to other Italian destinations during the peak summer months. This allows for a more relaxed and authentic experience of Novara's charm.

One special event that enhances the visit during these periods is the St. Gaudenzio Fair in January, celebrating the city's patron saint with vibrant markets, traditional foods, and lively parades. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, the shoulder seasons are perfect for exploring at your own pace.

Overall, the best time to explore Novara aligns with its moderate climate and unique cultural events, ensuring a memorable and comfortable trip.

For an authentic Novara experience that goes beyond the usual tourist attractions, make sure to visit the Saturday morning market at Piazza delle Erbe. This bustling market is a local favorite, offering a vibrant array of fresh produce, regional cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal goods. Arrive early to mingle with the locals as they go about their weekly shopping, and don't be shy about sampling the various delicacies. One insider tip: be sure to try the 'paniscia,' a traditional rice dish specific to Novara, which is often available from food vendors at the market. Engaging with the stall owners can provide a deeper understanding of the local culture and culinary traditions. This delightful market visit will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you a genuine slice of Novara life.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Novara, Italy. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Novara, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Italy. Check out the best things to do in Novara. Compare the rates and services of the 5 types of stays and car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Novara with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Novara from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Novara with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Novara travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Novara!

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In Novara alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Castello di Novara, Children's Park, and Basilica of San Gaudenzio. Thus, a trip to Italy becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Italy offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

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Expect an exhilarating journey through Novara, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Novara offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Novara travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the city so special.

Booking a vacation package to Novara means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accommodation, and a rental car to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Novara to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing everything you need to travel comfortably, travel packages to Novara also offer full customization. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

Continue to the next section of this complete Novara travel guide to explore further details about the vacation options available for your trip to the city.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Novara is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience. The best place to stay in Novara usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodations in central Novara offers a ton of benefits.

Staying in the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Novara and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Novara planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Novara, you'll find 5 different types of places to stay, catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Italy can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the luxury hotels in Novara. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Novara.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Novara in the following sections.

To navigate Novara effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Novara, Italy below.

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Novara offers a variety of transportation options for visitors to explore the city with ease. The city's public transit system, Azienda Trasporti Consorziali Novaresi (ATC), operates an extensive network of buses that connect key areas, making it convenient to navigate around town. For those preferring rail travel, Novara's central train station provides frequent regional and national services, linking the city to major destinations such as Milan and Turin.

Taxis are readily available and can be found at designated stands or hailed on the street, offering a comfortable and direct way to get around. Rental cars are also an option for travelers wishing to explore the surrounding Piedmont region at their own pace, with several rental agencies located in the city.

For a unique local experience, consider renting a bicycle to traverse Novara's charming streets and picturesque paths, especially in the historic center where traffic is limited. Whether utilizing public transit, taxis, rental cars, or bicycles, getting around Novara is straightforward and offers various options to suit different travel preferences.