Italy · 2026 itinerary
Novara 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Novara: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The historic central square with a daily food market under a covered loggia. Come for local cheese, bread, and cured meats at market prices.
🕐 Market open Monday to Saturday 7:00-13:00; square open all day
Free entry💡 Buy a paper cone of olives and a slice of focaccia from the stall near the fountain for under €3.
Hotels near Piazza delle Erbe →Central square with the neoclassical cathedral (free entry) and the Broletto palace complex. The square itself is a calm spot to sit.
🕐 Cathedral open daily 08:00–12:00 and 15:00–18:00
Free entry💡 Pop into the Broletto courtyard – it's usually quiet and has a lovely Romanesque cloister.
Hotels near Piazza Duomo and Novara Cathedral →Ristorante Novarello · ££
Bar Novarello · ££
Deeper Into Novara
A domed basilica with a striking 121-metre cupola designed by Alessandro Antonelli. Climb the dome for a small fee, but the interior is free.
🕐 Monday to Saturday 8:00-12:00 & 15:00-18:00, Sunday 9:00-12:00 & 15:00-18:00
💡 Skip the climb if queues are long; the view from Piazza della Repubblica is just as good.
Decent-sized park with a playground, benches, and shaded paths. Good for a picnic or a break from sightseeing.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Grab a panino from a local bakery and eat at the tables near the fountain. Quietest on weekday mornings.
A compact natural history museum with stuffed animals, minerals, and fossils. Free entry on certain days—check the monthly schedule.
🕐 Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-12:30 & 15:00-18:30; closed Monday
💡 Free admission is usually on the first Sunday of the month. Arrive early to avoid the school groups.
A large public park surrounding the medieval Sforza Castle. Lawns, shaded paths, and a moat with ducks. Free entry to the park; castle visit has a fee.
🕐 Open daily from 7:00 until dusk
💡 Go on a Sunday morning for a quieter walk and a picnic at the far end near the ramparts.
Tratotria Pizzeria Roma
Il giardino - Civico27 Novara
Final Favourites & Departure
The city's iconic 19th-century basilica with a towering 121-metre dome. Climb the dome for panoramic views; entry to the church is free.
💡 Climbing the dome costs a few euros and is worth it for the view. Go late afternoon for soft light.
Small natural history museum with local geology, fossils, and taxidermy. Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month; otherwise a low fee.
💡 Check their website for free-entry days. The fossil collection is better than expected for a provincial museum.
Circolo ARCI Giuseppe Garibaldi
Hotate
Getting Around Novara
Get off at the 'Cavour' stop; buy tickets at the station tabacchi. After 21:00, a taxi from the station costs about 8 euros.
Buy tickets at the tabaccaio inside the station. The bus stops right outside the hotel—look for the red sign.
Buy tickets at the airport kiosk or online to avoid queues; the bus stops 200m from La Sibilla on Corso Cavour.
Get off at Novara FS, then walk 10 mins north or take a 5-euro taxi to Hotel Cavour. Validate your ticket before boarding.
A heritage tram running on old tracks—great for photos but not a reliable everyday option. Check comune.novara.it for dates.
Book via the airport taxi stand or an app like FreeNow for a fixed rate. Avoid unlicensed drivers inside the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Novara?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Piazza delle Erbe and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Novara?
See our full best time to visit Novara guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include La Sibilla, Hotel Cavour, Hotel Novarello. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.