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

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Novalja?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Novalja, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a historic, relaxing, and nature-oriented spa town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Novalja

Novalja is a energetic, backpacker-filled, and wild town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Baden-Baden and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Baden-Baden than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Baden-Baden is better known for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping, while Novalja is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Novalja is more touristy than Baden-Baden and is known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Baden-Baden is well known for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. Also, Baden-Baden is famous for The Thermal Baths.

How is Baden-Baden different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baden-Baden or Novalja?

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

Baden-Baden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

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 Baden-Baden or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baden-Baden is very popular for its restaurant scene. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Baden-Baden is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

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 Baden-Baden or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Novalja just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Is Baden-Baden or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Baden-Baden is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Novalja offers a few options. 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.

Baden-Baden is not a resort destination.

Is Baden-Baden or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is a well-known place for the beache. However, Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Novalja. 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.

Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

Is Baden-Baden or Novalja Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden is a good destination for hiking. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Novalja?

Baden-Baden is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Baden-Baden offers some nice shopping areas. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

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.

Is Baden-Baden or Novalja Better for Families?

Baden-Baden is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Baden-Baden is a very kid-friendly spa town. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

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 Baden-Baden or Novalja Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Baden-Baden frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Novalja is a good spa town for couples to visit. 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 Baden-Baden or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Novalja. 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.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

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

Novalja is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Baden-Baden or Novalja a more walkable city?

Baden-Baden and Novalja both are notable when exploring on foot.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable spa town. 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 Baden-Baden Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Baden-Baden or Novalja. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Novalja due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Baden-Baden, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Novalja than Baden-Baden 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.

One day in Baden-Baden or Novalja?

In Baden-Baden, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This spa town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the backpacker-filled town of Novalja. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or Novalja?

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the energetic destination of Novalja. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Baden-Baden or Novalja?

Baden-Baden 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.

The wild town of Novalja offers nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Baden-Baden or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baden-Baden. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baden-Baden. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Novalja. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baden-Baden and Novalja, we can see that Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or Novalja?

Baden-Baden has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Baden-Baden 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.