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

Should you visit Bergamo or Novalja?

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

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

Bergamo

Bergamo is a fascinating, beautiful, and under-rated city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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.

Bergamo and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergamo or Novalja?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bergamo than Novalja, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bergamo is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Novalja is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Novalja is more touristy than Bergamo and is known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Bergamo is well known for its historical buildings and beautiful squares. Also, Bergamo is famous for Piazza Vecchia.

How is Bergamo different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Bergamo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

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 Bergamo or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bergamo is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Novalja is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bergamo. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

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 Bergamo or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Bergamo or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is not a resort destination.

Is Bergamo or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is notable for the beache. However, Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is Bergamo or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Bergamo is a popular place for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bergamo to see the old town. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergamo or Novalja?

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

Bergamo offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

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 Bergamo or Novalja Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Bergamo or Novalja as a family destination.

Bergamo is not the most family-friendly destination. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Novalja is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Bergamo or Novalja Better for Couples?

Bergamo and Novalja are both notable to visit as a couple.

Bergamo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

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

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for backpackers. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergamo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Bergamo or Novalja Better for Students?

Bergamo is a popular place for students. However, Novalja is not popular with students.

Bergamo is popular with students. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Novalja is not popular with students.

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

Both Bergamo and Novalja offer notable public transit options.

Bergamo has a few public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

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 Bergamo or Novalja a more walkable city?

Bergamo is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Novalja is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Bergamo is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

Novalja is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Bergamo Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Bergamo?

How long in Bergamo or Novalja?

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

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

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

One day in Bergamo or Novalja?

In Bergamo, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Bergamo or Novalja?

In Bergamo, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Bergamo 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 Bergamo or Novalja?

Bergamo 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 Bergamo or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergamo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergamo. 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 2-Week Tours from Rome, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, 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 Bergamo and Novalja, we can see that Bergamo 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 Bergamo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergamo 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 Bergamo Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bergamo or Novalja?

Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Bergamo 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.