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

Should you visit Dresden or Novalja?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Novalja? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dresden

Dresden is a park-filled, friendly, and architectural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Dresden and Novalja: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Novalja?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden. Although Dresden and Novalja are both popular with visitors, Dresden has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dresden is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Novalja is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Dresden is popular for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). It is also home to Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Novalja is popular for its crazy beach parties and popularity with the young backpacker crowd.

How is Dresden different from Novalja?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Dresden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.

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 Dresden or Novalja? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dresden 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 Dresden. The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.

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 Dresden or Novalja Better for Nightlife?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife in Dresden has something for everybody. Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.

Is Dresden or Novalja Better for Resorts?

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

Dresden is not a resort destination.

Is Dresden or Novalja Better for Beaches?

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

Novalja is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Dresden or Novalja Better for its Old Town?

Dresden 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 Dresden. Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.

Novalja does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Novalja?

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

Dresden offers some nice shopping areas. Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.

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 Dresden or Novalja Better for Families?

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

Dresden doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. It doesn't have quite the abundance of activities for kids that you may find in other Germany cities, but that doesn't mean that kids will be bored. There's the Dresden Zoo, the Dresdner Parkeisenbahn (a small steam rail), and the Saxon Folk Art Museum. Families can also take a guided to of the Transparent Factory, which is owned by Volkswagon and provided information on the manufacturing of automobiles.

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 Dresden or Novalja Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dresden and Novalja make for a good place to visit.

Dresden is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can explore the old town or walk through one of the city's many parks. The city has many cultural activities. In the new town you'll find many great bars and fascinating restaurants.

Novalja is a nice destination for couples. 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 Dresden or Novalja Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Novalja is an amazing town to visit for backpackers. Also, Dresden 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.

Dresden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Is Dresden 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 Dresden and Novalja.

You'll find some public transit in Dresden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

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 Dresden or Novalja a more walkable city?

Dresden 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.

Dresden is a very walkable city. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.

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 Dresden Worth Visiting? and Is Novalja Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Novalja or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Novalja?

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

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

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

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

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

In Dresden, 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 Dresden 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 Dresden or Novalja?

Dresden 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 Dresden or Novalja?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dresden. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Dresden and Novalja, we can see that Dresden 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden 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 Dresden Expensive? and Is Novalja Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Novalja?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Novalja. When comparing the sizes of Dresden 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.