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

Should you visit Bregenz 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 Bregenz and Novalja can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a medieval, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Bregenz and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bregenz or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bregenz. Although Bregenz and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Bregenz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bregenz is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Novalja is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Novalja is more touristy than Bregenz and is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Bregenz is popular for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals. It is also home to The Lake Promenade.

How is Bregenz different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Bregenz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

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 Bregenz or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bregenz 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 Bregenz. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

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 Bregenz or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bregenz. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Bregenz or Novalja Better for Resorts?

Novalja is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Bregenz 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.

Bregenz is not a resort destination.

Is Bregenz or Novalja Better for Beaches?

Novalja is a great town for the beach. However, Bregenz 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.

Bregenz is not a beach destination.

Is Bregenz or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Bregenz to see the old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bregenz or Novalja?

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

Bregenz offers some nice shopping areas. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

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 Bregenz or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Bregenz is a very kid-friendly city. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

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 Bregenz or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bregenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

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 Bregenz or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

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

While Bregenz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are five bus lines that run 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 Bregenz or Novalja a more walkable city?

Bregenz and Novalja are good when it comes to walkability.

Bregenz is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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 Bregenz Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Bregenz?

How long in Bregenz or Novalja?

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

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

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

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

In Bregenz, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Bregenz or Novalja?

In Bregenz, 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 Bregenz 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 Bregenz or Novalja?

Bregenz 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 Bregenz or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bregenz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bregenz. 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 Music Tours in Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Austria, 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 Bregenz and Novalja, we can see that Bregenz 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 Bregenz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bregenz 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 Bregenz Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bregenz or Novalja?

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