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

Should you visit Beaune or Novalja?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beaune and Novalja. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Beaune

Beaune is a quaint, vineyard-filled, and cultural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Beaune and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaune or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaune than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaune is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Novalja is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Beaune is well known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. Also, Beaune is famous for The Surrounding Vineyards. Novalja is well known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Beaune different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beaune is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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 Beaune or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

For foodies, Beaune is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Novalja is a must-see party destination. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Beaune or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Beaune 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.

Beaune is not a resort destination.

Is Beaune or Novalja Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Novalja for it's beautiful 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.

Beaune is not a beach destination.

Is Beaune or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

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

Beaune has a world-famous historical area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaune or Novalja?

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

Beaune offers some nice shopping areas. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

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 Beaune or Novalja Better for Families?

Beaune 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 Beaune. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

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 Beaune or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Beaune makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

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 Beaune or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is terrific for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options 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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beaune and Novalja.

You'll find some public transit in Beaune, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

While Novalja offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses around the island or you can rent a personal vehicle like a motorbike or scooter.

Is Beaune or Novalja a more walkable city?

Beaune 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 Beaune on foot is easy. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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 Beaune Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Novalja?

It's fun to spend time in either Beaune or Novalja. In our opinion, Beaune has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Beaune than Novalja. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

In Beaune, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Novalja. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Beaune or Novalja?

In Beaune, 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. 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 Beaune has to offer.

Novalja is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Beaune or Novalja?

Beaune 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Novalja. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Beaune or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaune. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Beaune. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the energetic destination of Novalja. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, 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 Beaune and Novalja, we can see that Beaune 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 Beaune would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaune 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 Beaune Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beaune or Novalja?

Beaune has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Beaune 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.