A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auxerre vs. Novalja for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Auxerre or Novalja?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auxerre and Novalja can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Novalja

Novalja is a backpacker-filled, wild, and energetic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Auxerre and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Auxerre or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Novalja. Although Auxerre and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Novalja has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Novalja is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is known for its museums, food, and small town charm. Novalja is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. It is also home to Zrce Beach. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Auxerre different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Novalja and Auxerre. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auxerre or Novalja?

Auxerre
Novalja

Auxerre is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Auxerre offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Novalja. It's a beach and party destination, not somewhere you go for museums or historical sights.


Is the Food Better in Auxerre or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auxerre
Novalja

Auxerre is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Auxerre. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Novalja may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a lot of places to grab a quick bite to eat or a cheap meal around town. There are pizzerias, fast food, and some nicer bistros to choose from.

Is Auxerre or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Auxerre
Novalja

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Novalja has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is a party island, and you'll find most of the action around Zrce Beach, which is about a 20 minute drive from town. The party scene appeals to the young, backpacker crowd and there's live music, DJs, and parties that last well into the morning. Zrce Beach has a huge number of bars and clubs including three clubs that are listed on the Top 100 DJ's Magazine Best Clubs List.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Auxerre or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Auxerre
Novalja

Novalja is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Auxerre is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Novalja as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Most of the accommodation is in the form of apartments or hostels. There are also some hotels on the island, but because the number is limited they can be quite expensive.

Auxerre is not a resort destination.


Is Auxerre or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Auxerre
Novalja

Novalja is great for the beach. However, Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Novalja is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find a mix of beaches near town including hidden gems that feel remote and undiscovered as well as wild party beaches like the famed Zrce Beach. Many beaches are pebbly or have coarse sand with turquoise blue waters.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Novalja?

Auxerre
Novalja

Novalja is mediocre for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Novalja can be found for those interested. This isn't the place to go shopping for clothing or local items. You will find some beach and souvenir shops around town though.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Novalja Better for Families?

Auxerre
Novalja

Auxerre is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Auxerre. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

For families, Novalja is not always the best place to visit. While there are family-friendly places to visit like some beaches and waterparks, at its heart this is a party destination that is known for its wild parties and crazy crowds.


Is Auxerre or Novalja Better for Couples?

Auxerre
Novalja

Both Auxerre and Novalja are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Auxerre is a good town for couples to visit. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Novalja is a nice destination for couples. Stunning beaches, blue waters, and surreal landscapes make this a one-of-a-kind place to visit. But romance isn't on most people's minds, as this is first and foremost a party destination.

Is Auxerre or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auxerre
Novalja

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Novalja, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. Famous for its wild parties that attract backpackers and young travelers, this island destination has become a hotspot for backpackers and party-goers. There are hostels around town that offer a cheap place to crash.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Auxerre or Novalja Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Auxerre
Novalja

Auxerre and Novalja both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Auxerre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town.

Novalja has a few public transit options. There are local buses around the island or you can rent a personal vehicle like a motorbike or scooter.


Is Auxerre or Novalja a more walkable city?

Auxerre
Novalja

Auxerre and Novalja are good when it comes to walkability.

Auxerre is a somewhat walkable town. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

Novalja is somewhat walkable. In town, you can reach most places on foot, but if you want to explore further you'll need to find another way to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Auxerre Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Auxerre or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Novalja due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Auxerre, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

Families should spend more time in Auxerre than Novalja. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Auxerre, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Novalja than Auxerre. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Novalja that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Novalja than Auxerre if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Novalja.


  • How many days in Auxerre or Novalja? Ideal Length of Stay
    Auxerre 1-2 
    Novalja 2-4

One day in Auxerre or Novalja?

In Auxerre, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Novalja, you'll find nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Auxerre or Novalja?

In Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auxerre has to offer.

In Novalja, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Novalja has to offer.


Five days in Auxerre or Novalja?

Auxerre is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Novalja is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Auxerre or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Auxerre. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Novalja. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Novalja or Auxerre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Auxerre is €113, while the average daily cost in Novalja is €58. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Auxerre and Novalja in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auxerre 51
    Novalja 31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auxerre 102
    Novalja 62
Compare Hotels in Auxerre and Novalja

Looking for a hotel in Auxerre or Novalja? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Auxerre


Hotels in Novalja


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Auxerre Hotel Prices and Novalja Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auxerre 46
    Novalja 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Novalja

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novalja:

  • Zrce, Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer from Crikvenica to Rijeka Airport (RJK): $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Auxerre or Novalja?

Prices for flights to both Novalja and Auxerre change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Auxerre 34
    Novalja 20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auxerre 18
    Novalja 6.07

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Auxerre.

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112

Tours and Activities in Novalja

Here are a few actual costs in Novalja for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • From Metajna/Pag Bay Guided Sea Kayaking Tour: $49
  • From Kolan Bike Tour: $47
  • From Svetojanj Bike Tour: $47
  • Kayak and Via Ferrata Adventure: $71
  • Bungee Tower Ticket with Zrce Beach Panoramic Views: $32
  • Glowing Standup Paddleboard Guided Night Tour: $58
  • Pag Island Light-Up Kayak Night Tour: $62
  • Standup Paddleboard Guided Tour: $47
  • Zrce Beach Bungee Jumping Experience: $74
  • Zrce Booze Cruise - Novalja Boat Party: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auxerre 6.14
    Novalja 7.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:

  • From Dutch Barge Full-Day Cruise with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auxerre and Novalja, we can see that Auxerre is more expensive. And not only is Novalja much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Novalja would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Novalja and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Auxerre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auxerre than you might in Novalja.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auxerre Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Novalja?

Auxerre has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre and Novalja, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.