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

Should you visit Bressanone or Novalja?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bressanone and Novalja can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a picturesque, idyllic, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. 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 backpacker-filled, wild, and energetic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Bressanone and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bressanone or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bressanone. Although Bressanone and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Bressanone has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bressanone is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Novalja is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Novalja is more touristy than Bressanone and is known for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd. Bressanone is popular for its charming old town and its idyllic setting. It is also home to The Bressanone/Brixen Cathedral.

How is Bressanone different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Bressanone offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.

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 Bressanone or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bressanone 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 Bressanone. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

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 Bressanone or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Bressanone or Novalja Better for Resorts?

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

Bressanone is not a resort destination.

Is Bressanone or Novalja Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Novalja attract visitors from all over. 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.

Bressanone is not a beach destination.

Is Bressanone or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Bressanone is a great destination for its old town. However, Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is Bressanone or Novalja Better for Hiking?

Bressanone is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Novalja is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bressanone. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Novalja is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bressanone or Novalja?

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

Bressanone offers some nice shopping areas. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

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 Bressanone or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Bressanone doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.

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 Bressanone or Novalja Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bressanone frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take 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 Bressanone or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Novalja is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

Is Bressanone 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 Bressanone and Novalja.

You'll find some public transit in Bressanone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

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 Bressanone or Novalja a more walkable city?

Bressanone 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.

Bressanone is a very walkable town. The town is compact and small enough to 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 Bressanone Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Bressanone?

How long in Bressanone or Novalja?

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

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

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

One day in Bressanone or Novalja?

Bressanone is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

With nightlife around the backpacker-filled town of Novalja, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bressanone or Novalja?

Bressanone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bressanone has to offer.

With nightlife around the destination of Novalja, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Bressanone or Novalja?

Bressanone 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, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bressanone or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bressanone. Since Bressanone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Novalja is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in 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 Bressanone and Novalja, we can see that Bressanone 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 Bressanone would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bressanone 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 Bressanone Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bressanone or Novalja?

Bressanone has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Bressanone 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.