This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Novara is organised around a ring of tree-lined boulevards, the viali, that follow the line of the old city walls. Inside them is the compact historic centre; outside are residential districts that range from budget-friendly to green and suburban. Here is what each area offers and who it suits. For month-by-month temperatures and rainfall, see our Novara weather by month.
Novara Neighborhoods: Centro Storico
The historic centre, inside the viali ring, holds nearly everything a visitor wants: the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, the Duomo, the Broletto, and the shopping streets of Corso Italia and Corso Cavour. Hotels here cost the most, but you can reach every sight on foot. It suits first-time visitors and anyone staying one or two nights. Parking is restricted, so if you arrive by car, book a hotel with its own garage. Our best time to visit Novara covers the best months to visit in detail.
Novara Neighborhoods: Porta Mortara and the Station Area
West of the centre, around Corso Torino and Novara FS station, this is the practical, transit-friendly district. It is where you find the city’s budget hotels and where trains to Milan (about 40 minutes) and Turin depart. It is 10 to 15 minutes on foot to the Duomo. It suits rail travellers and those using Novara as a cheap base for Milan day trips. For the full list of sights and day trips, see our things to do in Novara.
Novara Neighborhoods: Sant’Agabio
Sant’Agabio, north of the centre towards the A4 Novara Ovest exit, is a working-class district with the lowest hotel and apartment prices in the city. It has basic services and frequent local buses into the centre, but little for tourists beyond a couple of budget options. It suits long-stay travellers and drivers who want cheap parking and motorway access. Our Novara events and festivals covers the annual calendar of festivals in detail.
Novara Neighborhoods: Bicocca
Bicocca, east of the centre, is a quiet residential area best known for the Stadio Silvio Piola, home of Novara FC. It is green, with parks and newer apartment blocks, and has a few mid-range B&Bs. It suits families and football fans in town for a match; the centre is a 15-minute bus ride or a 30-minute walk. For airport, transport and packing advice, see our Novara travel tips.
Novara Neighborhoods: Sacro Cuore and San Martino
Sacro Cuore and San Martino, south and southwest of the centre, are residential districts near the university campus and the Ospedale Maggiore. They have a mix of apartments and B&Bs at moderate prices and good bus links. They suit students, visiting academics and anyone who wants a quieter, more local base. For hotel picks by area, see our where to stay in Novara guide.
