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

Should you visit Bamberg or Novalja?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bamberg 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.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a scenic, storybook, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Novalja

Novalja is a wild, energetic, and backpacker-filled town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

Bamberg and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bamberg or Novalja?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bamberg. Although Bamberg and Novalja are popular destinations, Bamberg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bamberg is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Novalja attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Bamberg is famous for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings. It is also well known for the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). Novalja is famous for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Bamberg different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Bamberg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.

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 Bamberg or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bamberg 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 Bamberg. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

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 Bamberg or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for nightlife. However, Bamberg is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bamberg. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around town.

Is Bamberg or Novalja Better for Resorts?

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

Novalja has a few resort options worth checking out. 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.

Bamberg is not a resort destination.

Is Bamberg or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Bamberg 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.

Bamberg is not a beach destination.

Is Bamberg or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Bamberg is very popular for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Bamberg has a world-famous historical area. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bamberg or Novalja?

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

Bamberg offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.

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 Bamberg or Novalja Better for Families?

Bamberg 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 Bamberg. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

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 Bamberg or Novalja Better for Couples?

Bamberg is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Bamberg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

Novalja is a good 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 Bamberg or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for backpackers. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Novalja is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Bamberg is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

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

Both Bamberg and Novalja offer nice public transit options.

Bamberg has a few public transit options. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.

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

Is Bamberg or Novalja a more walkable city?

Bamberg is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Bamberg on foot is easy. The old town is compact enough to easily explore on foot.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable 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 Bamberg Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Bamberg?

How long in Bamberg or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Bamberg 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 Bamberg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Novalja.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Novalja than Bamberg 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 Bamberg or Novalja?

In Bamberg, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bamberg or Novalja?

In Bamberg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bamberg 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 Bamberg or Novalja?

Bamberg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bamberg or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bamberg. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Bamberg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural 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 Bamberg and Novalja, we can see that Bamberg 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 Bamberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bamberg 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 Bamberg Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bamberg or Novalja?

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